Free Higher Education for Foreign Students in Russia for the 2025–2026 Academic Year

Russian education is known for its centuries-old history, classical traditions, strong scientific foundation, and high level of professional training. Many years of experience are closely linked with modern technologies, comfortable campuses, and innovative laboratories. Today, it is easier than ever for international applicants to obtain higher education in a Russian university — both on a commercial basis and through a state scholarship. Programs of state support and adaptation for international applicants are constantly evolving. Scholarships are awarded annually, and new forms of funding appear, including international grants and new scholarships.

How to start the path to free higher  education?

• The first step is the Russian House in Ashgabat. Documents are received there and consultations are provided on all admission-related questions.

Admission process

1. Choose a program and up to 6 universities
2. Fill out an online application and attach a set of documents
3. Go through the competitive selection process in your country
4. Receive an invitation to study and a student visa

You can submit your university application through your personal account on the website. Before filling it out, you must clearly determine the level of education, form of study, type of funding, and it is also recommended to make a list of universities where you are ready to study.

The application must include:
• A scanned copy of your passport (with a certified translation into Russian)
• A transcript for the 11th grade in Russian for 2 quarters
• or a School Diploma
• A student reference letter in Russian
• A completed application form
• A 3×4 photo
• A link to download your application form. After downloading, you must print and sign it, then scan all pages into PDF format and upload them to your personal account.

In the application, you must list at least 6 universities where you are willing to study, in order of priority. You may choose no more than two universities in Moscow, no more than two in St. Petersburg, and no more than three universities in one federal district. It is important that all documents are translated into Russian and certified by a notary or consul. After receiving information about admission to a specific university, check the list of required documents, as additional ones may be needed.

For applicants applying for government-funded places within the framework of the state quota, at the first stage of selection, depending on the country, it may be necessary to undergo an interview with representatives of Rossotrudnichestvo or a consular institution of the Russian Federation, as well as to take entrance exams.

The procedure is as follows:

1. Receive information about interviews and entrance exams in your personal account.
2. Register for the interview or entrance exam (if registration is required).
3. On the date specified in the registration, you must participate in the interview or exam in the format provided.
4. Based on the results of the testing and selection process, you will receive scores that determine your ranking among candidates in your country and allow you to assess your chances of advancing to the second stage.
5. Receive information in your personal account about advancing to the second stage of selection or rejection of admission to study in Russia.

Second stage:
At the second stage, applications of candidates applying for government-funded studies, as well as applications of those applying on other funding bases, are reviewed by the universities.

Before arriving in Russia, the applicant must have all the necessary documents ready. You will submit these documents to the admissions office upon arrival at the educational institution. Here is the list:

1. Application form for admission to study;
2. Identity document and proof of citizenship + notarized translation;
3. Educational document indicating the qualification (degree) obtained, the subjects studied, and grades received + notarized translation;
4. Medical certificate confirming absence of HIV infection and contraindications for studying in the country, in Russian or with a notarized translation;
5. 3×4 photo.

Note: Legalization of documents (in Turkmenistan) is a stamp placed in the Consulate of the Russian Federation confirming the authenticity of the document.

Online Registration: https://auth.education-in-russia.com/user/self/register?lang=ru

More details: https://education-in-russia.com/