Russia to weigh political ties when selecting foreign students for state-funded places

From 2027, Rossotrudnichestvo will consider Russia's relations with an applicant's home country and that country's need for specialists when allocating government-quota places to foreign students.

Starting in 2027, Rossotrudnichestvo will change how it selects foreign students admitted to Russian universities for free under the government quota, the agency's press service told the Russian newspaper Vedomosti.

When places are allocated, the agency will take into account the nature of Russia's political and partnership relations with the applicant's home country, as well as the specialists that country's economy lacks. Rossotrudnichestvo plans to strengthen targeted admissions and allocate places according to the actual requests of individual states.

Nearly four applications for every place

The Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN) in Moscow

The annual quota for foreign applicants currently stands at 30,000 places. Foreigners submitted more than 80,000 applications to study in Russia under the quota in 2025, and around 110,000 in 2026, an increase of roughly 37%. The agency expects demand to keep growing.

The strongest interest comes from Commonwealth of Independent States countries, as well as from Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.

More guidance for applicants

Applicants are also promised more support beyond paperwork, including preparatory programs, career guidance, advice on choosing a field of study and a university, and assistance at every stage of admission.

According to experts interviewed by Vedomosti, medicine, information technology, artificial intelligence, data analysis, and engineering and natural sciences will remain the most sought-after fields among foreign students.

Analysts name the language barrier, complex visa and bureaucratic procedures, and a shortage of programs geared to the international labor market as the main obstacles. Because paperwork takes so long, an applicant may receive an offer from a university in another country before obtaining a Russian visa, they said.

Have a story, event or announcement of your own?Send us your news on WhatsApp

Spotted an error in this story?Report it on WhatsApp

Share on all social platforms