Russia offers higher education programs across a wide range of disciplines. International applicants can explore Russian universities and compare tuition and other study costs, which vary by institution and program, when looking for relatively lower-cost options.
The official Study in Russia portal currently reports 749 universities and 56 areas of training in the country. Applicants should verify current program availability, tuition, and admission requirements directly with each university.
In this article, we discuss several subjects that international students may consider studying in Russia and examples of universities with related programs.
Top Courses to Study in Russia
1. Engineering
- Examples of Schools to Research: Moscow State University, Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Tomsk Polytechnic University, and Ural Federal University
Engineering is one subject international applicants may consider studying in Russia. The available specializations differ by institution. For example, Tomsk Polytechnic University offers engineering-focused study options, while Ural Federal University lists programs such as Mechanical Engineering.
Engineering education in Russia should be compared program by program. Practical training is not identical across universities. For example, Moscow Aviation Institute’s aircraft manufacturing program includes practical classes and production placements at aviation-industry enterprises.
When comparing engineering programs, consider the specialization, language of instruction, curriculum, practical training opportunities, tuition, and current admission rules. Universities to research include Moscow State University, Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Tomsk Polytechnic University, and Ural Federal University.
2. Medicine
- Examples of Schools to Research: Kazan Federal University, Smolensk State Medical University, Sechenov University, and Saratov State Medical University. Related option to research separately: Saratov State University
Russia offers medical programs at a range of universities. Costs, languages of instruction, clinical training arrangements, and admission requirements vary by institution. For example, Kazan Federal University lists an English-taught General Medicine program.
Before enrolling in a medical degree in Russia, international students should check the licensing and recognition rules in the country where they intend to practice. A medical degree does not automatically authorize a graduate to practice medicine in every jurisdiction.
Program structures also differ. Saratov State Medical University states that its international students complete clinical practice in city hospitals. Students comparing institutions should distinguish Saratov State Medical University from Saratov State University, because they are separate universities.
3. Chemistry
- Examples of Schools to Research: Ural Federal University, Moscow State University, St. Petersburg State University, and Novosibirsk State University
Chemistry is another subject international applicants may consider studying in Russia. Programs vary by level, curriculum, and language of instruction. For example, St. Petersburg State University lists a bachelor’s program in Chemistry taught in English and Russian.
Chemistry programs can prepare students for work or further study in areas such as production, research, and teaching. Applicants should compare laboratory access, research opportunities, internships, and admission requirements at each university.
Universities to research for chemistry-related study include Ural Federal University, Moscow State University, St. Petersburg State University, and Novosibirsk State University.
4. Astronomy
- Examples of Schools to Research: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, and Kazan Federal University
Russia has a notable history in space science. On October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, the first artificial Earth satellite.
Astronomy-related study options should be checked program by program. Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University lists degree options in the Physics and Astronomy area, while Kazan Federal University has a Department of Astronomy and Space Geodesy that trains specialists in astronomy and cosmic geodesy.
Examples of institutions to research for astronomy-related study include Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, and Kazan Federal University. The 2026 QS Physics & Astronomy subject ranking also lists Moscow State University and the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology among Russian institutions.
5. Aviation
- Examples of Schools to Research: Moscow Aviation Institute, Kazan National Research Technical University, and Ufa University of Science and Technology
Aviation is another subject international applicants may consider studying in Russia. Available programs vary by institution and may focus on areas such as aircraft design, manufacturing, engines, maintenance, or technical operation.
For example, Moscow Aviation Institute lists programs in aircraft and helicopter engineering and aircraft manufacturing. Kazan National Research Technical University has an Institute for Aviation, Land Transportation and Power Engineering. Ufa University of Science and Technology lists an English-taught program in Technical Operation of Aircraft and Engines.
When comparing aviation programs, review the curriculum, language of instruction, practical training opportunities, tuition, and current admission requirements. Ufa State Aviation Technical University should no longer be listed as a separate current institution because it merged into Ufa University of Science and Technology in 2022.
FAQs: Studying in Russia
Which Language is Required to Study in Russia?
Most educational programs in Russia are taught in Russian, although some universities offer programs in English and French. St. Petersburg University’s Language Testing Centre states that a B1 TORFL certificate is required for undergraduate admission at Russian universities. However, requirements can be stricter or include university-specific entrance exams. For example, Novosibirsk State University states that applicants to its Russian-taught bachelor’s programs should have at least B2 Russian proficiency to pass its entrance exams. Check the specific university and program requirements before applying.
Before studying abroad, research the institution, program structure, language of instruction, tuition, admission requirements, and any professional licensing rules that may apply after graduation.
We hope you found this article on the best subjects to study in Russia informative and helpful. Check out the Study in Russia guide and Programs in Europe for International Students page to find more information about studying abroad!
