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Russia in recent years has earned the spotlight for MBBS study aspirants from across the world for being affordable. But that's not it. Russian universities are also known for the best courses in Engineering, Aviation, Chemistry, and Astronomy.
However, the major reason to study in Russia for international students is its low cost of living. Cost of living in Russia for International students is way cheaper than many European countries. As the utilities, tuition fee, and living cost in Russia for international students is affordable and does not requires an international student to take loan for the same.
The average cost of living in Russia per month is anywhere between 30,000 Rubles to 40,000 Rubles. This data gives an approximate value of the cost of living in Russia as students and is subject to variated depending upon many individual factors.
According to popular statistics, the average cost of living in Russia for Indian students is 29% more expensive than in India. This article explores the cost of living in Russia for international students to provide useful information to study in Russia.
Cost of living is a very important consideration for studying abroad in any country. It is required at the time of student visa application. Applicants must demonstrate that they have the minimum financial support required to sustain themselves during their stay in the country.
The cost of living in Russia per month in rupees 2025 for a single student is approximately INR 23,636. Below is the breakdown of the cost of living in Russia 2025 for international students.
Cost of Living in Russia per Month (approx.)
Expense Item | Costs per Month (in RUB) |
Dormitory | 5,000 |
Food | 10,000 |
Transport | 405 |
Internet, Mobile Phone | 800 |
Culture, sport, entertainment | 4,000 |
Total | 20,205 |
The average cost of living in Russia for Indian students is USD 615 per month and it is USD 440 per month in India.
Overall cost of living in Russia is 29% more than in India.
Rental prices in Russia are 39.0% higher than in India.
Consumer Prices in Russia are 21.2% higher than in India (without rent).
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Study in Russia offers various residential facilities to international students. Many public universities provide on campus housing facilities, which are cheaper than off campus housing. That is why securing on campus housing is competitive in Russia.
University dormitories are the most common type of on campus housing and apartments are common in private rental facilities. Moscow and Petersburg are the costliest cities in Russia with high rental costs. Students applying to Russian universities are advised to apply as early as possible for on campus housing.
Accommodation cost for international students in Russia
Type of Accommodation | Cost per Month |
University Dormitories | RUB 500 – 5,000 |
Apartments | Up to RUB 35,000, depending on the city |
Next major expense is taking care of food. There are two options to take care of nourishment while studying in Russia. Cooking in dormitories or private apartments or taking mess subscriptions. Cooking their own meals is cheaper.
The cost of a meal and groceries varies widely from city to city in Russia. The average expenditure towards food and groceries varies between 8,000 RUB–20,000 RUB per month.
Transport becomes a major consideration for students living off campus as regular commuting is necessary. Students who live on campus may have less need for transportation unless they are going around a city or spending a week off. Russia has good public transportation systems: Buses and trains.
Here again, transportation costs tend to be higher in Moscow and St Petersburg compared to the rest of the country. Student concession passes are available.
Cost of Transportation in Russia
Mode of Transportation | Average Cost per Month (in RUB) |
Train (Monthly Pass) | 1970-2000 |
Train(Single Trip) | 57 |
Train Monthly Pass with Student Concession | 400-500 |
As per Russian Government rules, all international students must purchase health insurance within 15 days of arrival in the country. A medical insurance certificate serves as proof of a foreign citizen living in Russia. It is mandatory to avail of healthcare services from hospitals in Russia. The average cost of buying health insurance in Russia is 4,000 to 12,000 RUB per year.
While studying in Russia, students may have to use the internet, mobile phones, and buy study materials. The average costs of buying a SIM card come to around 300 – 500 RUB per month.
These costs involve expenditure required for socialising, cultural pursuits, clothing, and other personal expenses. These vary widely depending on the lifestyle choices of a student. On average, study in Russia suggests that these can be up to 4000 RUB per month.
The living cost in Russia for international students varies from city to city. Moscow and St Petersburg are the most expensive cities in Russia for students. They are the most beautiful, culturally rich cities as well. What city to choose in Russia is a decision to take based on affordability, requirements, lifestyle of individual students. The table below gives the approximate living expenses in Russia for international students in major cities.
Cost of Living in Russian Cities Overview
City in Russia | Living Costs per Month (in RUB) | Living Costs per Month (in INR) |
Moscow | 41,420 | 42,710 |
St Petersburg | 38,200 | 39,390 |
Nizhny Novgorod | 35,360 | 36,430 |
Samara | 34,250 | 35,315 |
Yekaterinburg | 33,380 | 34,420 |
The living cost in Moscow for students are mentioned below.
Particulars | Expense per Month (in RUB) |
Accommodation | 25,000-40,000 |
Food and Groceries | 15,000-20,000 |
Transportation | 2,730 |
Utilities | 7,997 |
Entertainment | 4,000-8,000 |
Particulars | Expense per Month (in RUB) |
Accommodation | 18,000-28,000 |
Food and Groceries | 12,000-16,000 |
Transportation | 2,500 |
Utilities | 6,785 |
Entertainment | 3,500-6,000 |
Particulars | Expense per Month (in RUB) |
Accommodation | 25,000-35,000 |
Food and Groceries | 13,000-18,000 |
Transportation | 3,600 |
Utilities | 7,245 |
Entertainment | 3,000-6,000 |
Particulars | Expense per Month (in RUB) |
Accommodation | 15,000-25,000 |
Food and Groceries | 10,000-15,000 |
Transportation | 2,500 |
Utilities | 5,761 |
Entertainment | 2,500-5,000 |
Particulars | Expense per Month (in RUB) |
Accommodation | 15,000-25,000 |
Food and Groceries | 10,000-15,000 |
Transportation | 2,500 |
Utilities | 5,761 |
Entertainment | 2,500-5,000 |
Tuition fees are not included in the cost of living. Tuition fees vary from university to university and are mentioned on the official websites of respective universities. Students must also take into consideration scholarships availability, student loans when calculating tuition fees.
Average Tuition Fees in Russia for International Students
Type of Degree | Cost per Year (in RUB) |
Bachelor’s Degree (4 Yr) | 2,40,000–8,80,000 |
Masters Degree (2 Yr) | 2,40,000–632,580 |
Medicine | 200,000-600,000 |
Engineering | 1,22,000–200,000+ |
Purchase large quantities from wholesale retailers or go grocery shopping at the neighbourhood outdoor markets.
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Living expenses in Russia for international students is 29% more expensive than that of India. However, Russia is very affordable compared to many other countries.
Rental costs in Russia vary from city to city and depending on the type of accommodation. University dormitories are the cheapest type of accommodation available to international students. Apartments are common private accommodation in Russia. On an average, rent ranges from 500-35,000 RUB per month.
An international student requires $300/month to live comfortably in Russia. This is around 24,890.75/month.
The average salary in Russia is approximately RUB 87, 950. This salary point is 19.3% higher than previous years.
It is not impossible to get a job in RUssia without peaking Russian. However it can be challenging but, it depends on your industry and job profile that you are applying for. It is highly recommended by experts that you learn basic Russian before planning to work or study in Russia. This helps you communicate and understand daily conversations.
Yes, it is possible to find MBBS programs in Russia within a budget of 15 lakhs INR. Affordable tuition fees and low living costs make Russia a popular destination for Indian students seeking medical education.
Affordable Tuition:
The annual tuition fees for MBBS programs in Russia typically range from INR 3 to 4.5 lakhs. Some universities may charge slightly higher, but the overall cost is significantly lower than private medical colleges in India.
Low Cost of Living:
Russia's living expenses are also lower than in India, which helps to keep the overall cost of studying MBBS affordable.
State-Funded Universities:
Many medical universities in Russia are state-funded, which helps to keep tuition fees low.
Universities Offering Affordable Programs:
Several Russian medical universities offer MBBS programs at competitive prices, including Volgograd State Medical University and Kabardino Balkarian State Medical University.
Factors to Consider:
University Choice:
The overall cost will vary depending on the specific university, so research and compare different options.
Living Expenses:
Factor in the cost of accommodation, food, transportation, and other daily expenses.
Hidden Costs:
Be aware of any additional costs, such as visa fees, health insurance, and potential expenses for language training.
In conclusion, while the exact cost can vary, it is definitely possible to find a suitable MBBS program in Russia within a 15 lakh INR budget, especially by focusing on universities with competitive fees and considering the lower cost of living in Russia compared to India.
Hello Rakshitha,
South Ural State Medical University in Russia offers a 6 year MBBS program, including a mandatory 1-year internship. the university is recognized by the World Health Organization(WHO) and the Medical Council of India (MCI), allowing graduates to practice medicine internationally. Admission requires a minimum of 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in Class 12, along with NEET qualification.
Hello Rakesh,
Here’s a list of top medical colleges for pursuing an MD after completing a Pharm D (7 years course + 1-year internship) from Russia or the Middle East:
Russia:
Middle East:
These universities are renowned for their medical programs and offer opportunities for further specialization after a Pharm D.
To know more about medical colleges in Russia, visit : https://studyabroad.careers360.com/articles/top-medical-universities-in-russia
Hope it helps !
Hi,
Yes, there are colleges in Russia that offer direct admission to students for MBBS programs. Many Russian universities do not require students to clear entrance exams like NEET for admission, especially for international students. However, if you plan to practice in India after completing your MBBS, you would still need to clear the NEET exam.
Eligibility : Typically, students need to have completed their 12th grade with Biology, Physics, and Chemistry as core subjects and a minimum percentage requirement (usually around 50-60%).
No Entrance Exam : Most Russian medical universities offer admission based on 12th-grade marks, without the need for entrance exams.
Language : Some universities offer courses in English, but many also have courses in Russian. Learning basic Russian is often recommended for better interaction with patients during clinical practice.
Recognition : Ensure that the university is recognized by bodies such as the Medical Council of India (MCI) or the National Medical Commission (NMC) if you plan to practice in India.
Popular Universities :
https://medicine.careers360.com/neet-college-predictor?utm_source=qna&utm_medium=neet_cp
Hope you find this useful!
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