With a literacy rate of 99.7 percent, we’d definitely say that that Russia is a great place to head to for higher studies. Here’s why Russia is amongst our top European destinations for pursuing postgraduation
Being one of the largest countries in the world, Russia boasts of a total of 3000 universities, and considers education as one of its main priorities. It is said to have spent almost $20 billion on education, according to a survey done in 2011, which amounts to 3.6% of its GDP. Rated as the third best in the world, Russia offers some great courses in medicine, engineering, aeronautics and history. Places like Moscow and Ukraine are not only known for their scenic beauty and excellent infrastructure, but also for the great universities that are situated in these places.
Moscow State University
The largest of all Russian universities, Lomonosov Moscow State University has a current student enrolment of over 40,000 students, with around 4,000 international students admitted each year. Ranked 4th in this year’s BRICS ranking and 114th in the latest QS World University Rankings®, it is located 5km from the Moscow.
In the 2015 edition of the QS World University Rankings by Subject, Lomonosov Moscow State University is featured among the world’s top universities in 20 subjects including Mathematics, Linguistics, Modern Languages, Physics, Astronomy and Computer Science.
Saint-Petersburg University
Also among the oldest and largest universities in Russia, Saint-Petersburg State University is this year ranked 15th within the BRICS countries and 233rd in the overall world rankings. Established in 1724 as the Saint Petersburg Academy of Sciences, it became known as a university in 1819. Today it enrolls over 32,000 students across 22 faculties and 13 research institutes. Saint-Petersburg State University’s two main campuses are based in Vasilievsky Island and Peterhof, both offering impressive cultural and sports facilities, in addition to close proximity to Russia’s second largest city, Saint Petersburg.
As well as being ranked among the top 100 universities worldwide for linguistics, Saint-Petersburg State University is among the world’s leaders in a further 6 subjects, including a place within the global top 200 for History & Archaeology, Mathematics, Modern Languages and Physics & Astronomy.
Novosibirsk State University
Novosibirsk State University was founded in 1959 as part of a Soviet plan to establish a Siberian division of the USSR Academy of Sciences. Currently ranked 19th in the BRICS ranking and 328th in the world rankings, Novosibirsk State University is located approximately 20 kilometers outside of Novosibirsk, the third most-populous city in Russia and the cultural and industrial centre of Siberia. Novosibirsk State University has a relatively small student body, with around 5,000 students.
Of the six subjects Novosibirsk State University is internationally ranked for, it places in the world’s top 150 for Mathematics, Physics and Astronomy.
VISA
The Russian visa is usually granted on the basis of an invitation issued by the Federal Migration Service of the Russian Federation or a visa directive sent by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. A foreign citizen is issued a multiple-entry visa valid for the period specified in the study contract entered into in accordance with educational legislation of the Russian Federation, but not more than for one year for every subsequent visa.
GENERAL EXPENSES
With an admission fee of $300 for undergraduates per year, Russia is relatively cheaper as compared to other superpowers. The public transportation is quite affordable. Bus, tram and trolley ride prices in Russia range between 4 and 14 RUR within city limits. While many students opt for living with a host family to save on their expenses, there are students who stay at dormitories too.
LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION
Russians usually communicate with each other in Russian, English, French, German, Polish and Hungarian. “It is essential to learn the local language for a foreigner to survive without problems,” says Sagar Bhansali, a postgraduate student in Russia. Exams like TOEFL or IELTS are not essential in this country, which makes it an easier place to apply to. Most of the colleges offer a choice at the beginning of the course, whether the student wants to learn in English or Russian.
Volume 6 Issue 1
