Studying and Living Cost in Russia for International Students

Cost of Studying in Russia for Indian Students

Compared to some other European countries, Russia is not very expensive.Study MBBS Cost in Russia Higher education for foreign students in Russia is subsidized by the government. Adding another pillar of support for a foreign student, the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia allocates Public Scholarships to Ministries of foreign countries and to Russian students studying abroad.

With 650 state universities wherein around 1, 65, 000 students come from 200 different countries, Russia has made its way among the top choices for students as an education destination. Each year number of students ponders over various education destinations to pursue their higher studies.

Russia with various courses to choose from stands among the top choices for education. A student can choose from a variety of courses like General Medicine MBBS, Sports Medicine, Paediatrics, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Clinical Psychology, Economy, Business Informatics, Accounting, Banking Management, Civil Engineering, Electronics Engineering, and many more. The different degree programs typically cost around ₹250,000 to ₹650,000 ($3000 to $8000) in tuition fees per year which may include expenses like hostel accommodation, study materials, etc. The exact cost varies depending on the major taken as well as the institution granting the degree.

Tuition Fee in Russia

The cost of studying for an MBBS degree in a medical university in Russia is on average $4000 to $ 5000 per year. Here you can check the MBBS fees of top Russian Medical universities.

Name of University Tuition Fee per year Tuition Fee in Rupees (INR)
Crimea State Medical University Ruble 3,00,000 Rs. 3,30,000
Kazan Federal University Ruble 4,50,000 Rs. 4,80,000
Bashkir State Medical University Ruble 2,94,000 Rs. 3,20,000
Orel State Medical University Ruble 2,20,000 Rs. 2,50,000
Volgograd State Medical University Ruble 4,50,000 Rs. 4,80,000
Belgorod State Medical University Ruble 3,50,000 Rs. 3,80,000
Altai State Medical University Ruble 3,20,000 Rs. 3,50,000
Kazan State Medical University Ruble 4,16,000 Rs. 4,56,000
Moscow State Medical University Ruble 7,50,000 Rs. 8,25,000

Currently, 1 Ruble = 1.10 INR

Accommodation Costs (University Hostel and Apartment)

There are usually two types of accommodation- hostel and off-campus. The cost of hostel accommodation ranges from $30-$100 per month. These dormitories are the most affordable option to spend your student life in Russia. Off-campus accommodation is usually on the high side and is between $150-$400 monthly depending on the region, type, and location of the lodging (dormitory, rented room, or apartment).

University Hostels/Dormitory

This is the most affordable option. International and out-of-town students are provided with dormitory places. Normally they are located on the campus or not far from the university. In most cases from 2 to 4 students share a room. In a typical dormitory room, you will find writing desks, chairs, closets, bookshelves, beds, and nightstands. University dormitories are normally equipped with shared kitchens, gyms, recreation rooms, canteens, and laundromats. There are also locker rooms and bicycle sheds available. A security service operates on the premises.

The accommodation fee is set by the university. It may vary from 500 to 5,000 rouble per month (USD 8-80), depending on the university and the city, and makes it a much cheaper option compared to a rental apartment. Payments can be done on a monthly basis or per term. Sometimes you can even pay in advance for the whole academic year. In this case, some universities may offer you a discount. Dormitories offer payable or free Internet access. When you rent an apartment, you are usually asked to pay for Internet separately, about 300 to 500 roubles (USD 5-8) per month, depending on the region, provider, and rate.

Rental Apartments

If your university does not have a dormitory or for some reason you don’t consider it as an option, then it is advisable to look for a rental apartment or room. Naturally, it will be more expensive, but you will be able to find a location and level of comfort that suits you. If you plan to rent an apartment with your fellow students or stay with a host family, you will be able to choose your neighbors.

Medical Insurance

According to the Russian law effective since 2016, foreigners have been required to take out health insurance immediately upon arrival in Russia. You need a health insurance policy in order to be treated at state hospitals and health centers, including student clinics. To receive these services, international students must obtain insurance covering routine treatment including check-ups, tests, prescriptions, and specialist consultations. A medical insurance policy for students costs from Ruble 5000 to 7000 per year.

Food Cost

Food: If you are staying in a hostel the food charges are not included in your hostel fee in that case you need to spend on food in the range between Ruble. 8000 to 10,000 per month. But in major cities like Moscow, St Petersburg, Kazan, Vladivostok, and Yekaterinburg, etc, it might be somewhere between Ruble 15,000 to 20,000 per month.

Grocery price in Russia

Grocery price in Russia
Grocery price in Russia

According to official information, the minimum shopping basket (including bread, pasta, meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, milk, and sugar) in Russia costs from 3,500 to 5,000 roubles (USD 58-83) a month depending on the region. Russians estimate their monthly meal expenses to fall between 8,000 and 20,000 roubles (USD 130 to 330). Much depends on the region where people live and what and where they buy (corner shop, supermarket, market) .

Traveling Cost

A single journey on the Moscow subway costs 55 roubles (about USD 1), while a 20-journey travel card costs 720 roubles (USD 12). Using a student discount one can get a monthly Moscow underground card for 380 roubles (USD 6), the cost is even lower in other cities.

Cultural Pursuits

Moscow theatre tickets cost from 500 to 2,500 roubles (USD 8-41) and cinema tickets, 150 to 500 roubles (USD 2,5-8). A museum costs 100 to 1,000 roubles (USD 1,5-16).Many cultural centers offer discounts for students, and some museums can be visited free with a valid student card.

Sport

The average cost of a monthly pass to fitness centers varies from 1,700 to 4,500 roubles (USD 26-75) in Moscow and from 1,500 to 3,400 roubles (USD 13-56) in other regions. When you buy an annual pass, the average monthly cost will be lower. A monthly swimming pool pass costs 300 to 500 roubles (USD 5-8) in Moscow and less elsewhere. Many universities have their own gyms, swimming pools, and sports centers where services are cheaper than in the city or even free for university students.

Miscellaneous expenses

Miscellaneous expenses: This is something really necessary for those students who are living alone. You should keep a safe budget of ₹10,000 to ₹20,000 in your account as an emergency fund, which you can use in medical emergencies and other unavoidable urgent reasons.

Personal Expenses

This is something which totally depends upon your lifestyle. This is kind of your monthly spending budget on your entertainment and other personal needs. Therefore, this cost may vary person-to-person.

Average monthly expenses in Russia for students

  1. Dormitory 3,000 rubles (USD 30)
  2. Food 8,000 rubles (USD 100)
  3. Transport 500 rubles (USD 7)
  4. Internet, Mobile 800 rubles (USD 11)
  5. Sports and Entertainment 3,000 rubles (USD 40)

Total: 15,000 rubles (USD 200)

Source: https://studyinrussia.ru/en/life-in-russia/life-conditions/living-costs/