A student visa is required to study in Russia.

• Visa application documents will be issued by the university once a student has been accepted, and the application handled by the university’s foreign department.

• This can be a lengthy process and should be begun three months ahead of the start of the course.

• The initial visa is for three months only, must be registered within 72 hours of arrival, and is renewable after arrival.

• A certificate showing a negative HIV test may be required.

• At the moment, there are no national entrance exams (such as the SATs in the US) needed to study in Russia, but different universities may have individual admissions policies.

• Students without the Russian language have to complete a pre-academic year and pass the entrance exam.

• There is an upper age limit of 28 (35 for doctoral studies).