Scholarships and funding for studies in Russia
Studying in Russia can be funded in several ways, and they differ in both selectivity and timeline. This page compares the existing routes and states precisely what each one covers, so you know which to aim for before assembling your file.
Funding routes compared
The state quota is the most advantageous but the most selective. Direct enrolment remains the majority route, and it stays affordable: tuition at our partner universities starts at €2,200 a year.
| Route | Awarded by | Tuition | Housing | Allowance | Selection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Russian state quota | Russian government | Covered | University housing at student rates | Modest monthly allowance | Application + interview, limited places |
| Merit reduction | The university itself | Partial reduction based on results | Usual student rates | None | Varies from one university to another |
| Direct enrolment | No financial selection | From €2,200 a year | From €30 a month in regional cities | None | Admission on academic record |
What the state quota covers
- ✓ Tuition for the whole programme, including the preparatory year
- ✓ A place in university housing at student rates
- ✓ A monthly allowance paid by the university
What you pay for in every case
- • Flights and trips home to Tunisia
- • Mandatory medical insurance, renewed every year
- • Visa fees, sworn translations and legalisations
- • Food, local transport and daily living
What really counts in the selection
- Consistency between your Baccalaureate results and the programme requested
- How early you apply: files submitted as the window opens come before last-week ones
- Realistic choices: including regional universities clearly improves the odds
- A complete file: a single missing document is enough to set an application aside
The application method, step by step
Our detailed article covers the full procedure: assembling the file, submitting on the official portal, the selection interview, then moving on to the invitation letter and visa.
Read the application guide →Frequently asked questions
Is studying in Russia free for Tunisian students?
It is for state quota holders, whose tuition is covered. Outside the quota, tuition is payable but affordable: from €2,200 a year at our partner universities.
Can I apply for the quota and enrol in parallel?
Yes, and it is the prudent approach. Quota places are limited, so preparing a direct enrolment file in parallel avoids losing a year if the scholarship is not granted.
Is the monthly allowance enough to live on?
No. It is deliberately modest and does not replace a living budget. Plan for family support or savings for food, transport and daily expenses.
Do I need to speak Russian to get a scholarship?
No. The preparatory year of Russian is part of the programme and of the funding: you learn the language on site, before entering your specialty.