Study abroad semester in Russia

Welcome to Russia!

Russia is the world’s largest country, covering nearly twice the territory of Canada, the second largest. It spans over 11 time zones and encompass an enormous range of environments and landforms. Russia emerged as a standalone entity after the collapse of USSR. The country raised some of the most important minds and personalities of the human history.

Deep inside the country there are parts where climate is unbearable because of the deeply freezing temperatures. It is not a coincidence that the world’s lowest temperature outside the North and South poles was recorded in Russia. However, it is thanks to its rigid climate that foreigners have been discouraged from fully invading the country, thus keeping it safe and united.

As said, Russia is extremely vast. However, the cities available on wearefreemovers are all located in the western part of the nation. This is also due to its population distribution: the western part of the country has a way higher population density than the north, central or east one. Universities are serious and competent. Scientific knowledge is advanced in Russia, especially in strategic and technical fields.

What are the best universities in Russia for semester students?

Are you still undecided whether or not Russia might be an appealing destination for you? On wearefreemovers you can find a selection of 6 academic institutions offering you the possibility of spending a semester or a full academic year in Russia. Let’s check some statistics about them.

Here you can see the positions of the Russian institutions among the world’s best universities rankings.

NAMEQSTHEARWUCWURCWTSEduniversal palmesU.S. News & World Report's Best Global Universities RankingsWebometrics
HSE University298251–300801-90089410393547-
Lomonosov Moscow State University Business School74174931932505285161
St. Petersburg University225601–800301-4005404955587379
St. Petersburg University - Graduate School of Management225601–800301-4005404955587379
Moscow State Institute of International Relations348-------
Moscow State Institute of International Relations (Research only)348-------
Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University401301–350-919--447-
Saint Petersburg State University of Economics--------

Russian universities enjoy a favorable positioning, especially in the QS World University Rankings. Losomonov Moscow State University seems to be the most solid one, with awesome results throughout all the rankings in the table. Unfortunately, only its business school is available to free movers, which is, by the way, a 5 Eduniversal palmes one, the highest recognition possible for a business school. For business students I suggest also St. Petersburg University, that has the same level of international prestige.

Costs and fees

Russia is a standardly expensive country. Monthly costs of living for a single person are slightly above 650€. Keep in mind that, as a student, you could have access to various discounts which can include food, travel, and accommodation expenses.

When it comes to university’s fees, Russia is quite expensive, with a median 2700€/semester for free mover students.

Which Russian cities are available for free movers?

Currently there are some cities that accept free movers in Russia. Have you ever dreamt of studying in Moscow or any other city in Russia? Here you can find institutions divided by city: