Russia’s education system is based on the Bologna principles, and you can expect to get an internationally-recognized bachelor's or master’s degree, postgraduate certificate, or equivalent. Russia’s status in the international education community has been cemented through partnerships and shared programs with the world’s leading schools. Accreditation and teaching standards meet international requirements, with 95 Russian universities featuring in the QS EECA University Rankings 2018 and 24 in the QS World University Rankings. One of the top schools, HSE University, has more than 20 double-degree programs with foreign universities, making for an excellent opportunity to receive a European degree at Russian prices. The European Diploma Supplement is given to all the HSE graduates in addition to the degree certificate.

You know more Russian than you think! Okay, you might not be ready to have a conversation when you step off the plane, but you’ll recognize plenty of words borrowed from English and French or familiar through other Slavic languages. The Russian language has always been one of the most widely spoken languages, not only in Russia but in the whole world. According to recent research, more than 500 million people speak Russian, making it the world's third most commonly spoken language after Chinese (more than 1 billion speakers) and English (750 million). It is one of the official or working languages in many international organizations (e.g. UNO, UNESCO, IAEA, WHO, etc). More and more students learn Russian as a second foreign language. A lot of economists, managers, lawyers, artists, and those who take part in different international projects and have international contacts are interested in the Russian language, Russian culture, and Russia itself. Although the number of specialized Russian language courses and Russian language schools is constantly increasing all over the world, it is most popular to study Russian in Russia. It is widely accepted that the best way to master the language is to visit the country where it is spoken as the first language. Thus learning the Russian language in Russia is without a doubt the best decision. With ceaseless communication with Russian native speakers on a wide range of topics, you'll learn Russian in Russia in an easy and natural way. However, it is only by taking Russian language courses in Russia that you can learn the real language through full immersion. So Russian in Russia is the best choice! Some universities offer a wide range of Russian language courses for international students. For instance, HSE University provides Russian as a Foreign Language and Preparatory Year programs. There is also a wide range of HSE master’s programs taught entirely in English, offering the option to study in a familiar language while you develop your Russian skills outside of class.

Studying in Russia might actually work out to be cheaper than in your home country. Tuition fees are very reasonable. Even a prestigious school like HSE University costs as little as $3200 to $7800 per year, with full-tuition or part-tuition scholarships available for international students. And living expenses are phenomenally low. A university dormitory room can usually be secured for a small, symbolic fee, while a room in a Moscow apartment will be around €175/month. A one-bedroom place to yourself should cost no more than $300-450. With cheap student transport passes available, it is not unusual for total living expenses to come to much less than $500 per month.

Russia has very modern and fast-growing urban areas alongside its two celebrated, beautiful megacities. Moscow (population 17 million) and Saint Petersburg (5.3 million) provide you with a decent quality of life and affordable prices at the same time. Urban life is very safe and comfortable with all the services you would expect from prominent European cities. Both cities are noted for their choice of traditional and cutting-edge entertainment, blusterous nightlife, and international cuisine. Student discounts for theaters and exhibitions, open lectures and conferences make it all possible on your budget. You can experience historical destinations, big city life, and Russian culture at the same time as completing your education in an up-and-coming land of opportunity.