Study Law in Russia 2024/2025
Study in Russia
What Is a Law Degree in Russia?
Russia has several law degrees, and training is based on the European undergraduate tradition. Some universities offer a Bachelor in Law as an entry-level law degree. The Specialist in Law is the most commonly awarded degree in Russian law.
Law Higher Education in Russia
Russia is a relatively new player in the international student marketplace, and one of the benefits of studying in Russia is the affordability. Fees vary based on the program but are quite reasonable compared to similar programs in other parts of Europe. The cultural heritage of the country is another benefit of studying in Russia. Students spend four or five years studying law in Russia, depending on whether they choose a Bachelor or Specialist program. Students who already hold an undergraduate degree in another field can add a law degree in just three years of study.
After receiving a Bachelor or Specialist Degree in Law, students may choose to pursue further education. A Master of Laws degree program adds an additional two years of full-time study. A "PhD in Law", which is a research degree, requires an additional three years of full-time study. Pursuing further training opens the door to greater employment options.
Russia's Ministry of Education lists around 350 accredited legal institutions in the country. Law schools in Russia are divided into four categories. The first are the law schools located in the old state universities. State law academies are freestanding schools that award only legal degrees. Specialized government research institutes may also offer legal education. Finally, students may choose to study Russian law at a private law school. Most international law students choose to pursue their training in one of Russia's major cities.
Anyone who has a Russian law degree can practice law in Russia, but only those who have demonstrated qualifications and are admitted as an advocate can appear in criminal cases. Because of the vast size of the country, the degree program opens many opportunities within Russia for those who study here. Because Russia's law degree program is still relatively new, opportunities to pursue legal training or legal careers in other countries are still unknown.
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Basic monthly living cost
Rent in a shared flat
198Share of utilities
28Internet subscription
6Local transportation
23
Sample lifestyle cost
Fast food combo
4Cinema ticket
4Pint of local beer
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About Russia
About Russia
The largest country in the world, Russia has been a formidable presence throughout modern history. Spanning both Asia and Europe, Russia brings a rich history and cultural heritage to those who choose to pursue their studies in this country. With extensive mineral and energy resources, Russia has some of the world's largest supplies of oil and natural gas in the world.
Russia is known for its many contributions to science, literature and music. Tchaikovsky, one of the world's most famous composers, was a Russian, as was the author Dostoevsky. Russia also took the first object and the first manned craft into space. It is through Russia's impact on culture and its contributions to science that the country has made its mark on the world.
What Is the Law System Like in Russia?
Russia has several courts in its legal system. These include the Constitutional Court, which is in charge of enforcing international law and the constitution. It also has the "Arbitrazh" courts, which settle property and commercial disputes, and the civil courts, which handle criminal cases and appealed cases that do not fall in the jurisdiction of other courts. Russia's legal system is unique in its structure, but it most closely resembles the civil law structure.
Visa Requirements
- Russian Student Visa - Valid for study in any Russian college or university or for any short-term courses.
- Russian Humanitarian Visa – For those travelling to Russia to engage in post-doctoral research or to attend academic seminars. Valid for up to a year for purposes including those related to science or culture. (PLEASE NOTE: All further information is on Russian student visa.)
What type of Visa do you need?
Visa name
Russian Student Visa; Russian Humanitarian Visa
Price and currency
The fees required for Russian student visa vary according to the country that issued the passport to the student, and whether you opt for standard or express service. As an example, Russian student visa costs for a UK citizen start at GBP 165. However, note that your application fee will not be refunded if your application for a student visa is refused or rejected for any reason.
Who can apply for the visa?
Citizens from most foreign countries will need a visa to study in Russia. Citizens from Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries do not need a visa: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan plus the autonomous regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. If you are a citizen of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan or Ukraine you don’t need a visa but you do need a valid passport. If you’re a citizen of Abkhazia, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Southern Ossetia, Tajikistan or Uzbekistan you can come to Russia to study without a passport or visa.
Where can you make the application?
Russian Embassy or consulate / authorized visa centers
For citizens of countries that need a visa to enter, a Russian student visa will need to be obtained before traveling to Russia. You must apply through the Russian Embassy or consulate in your home country. There are also authorized visa centers in some countries.
How to make the application?
Before applying, you need to be accepted onto a course at a university so you can get an official invitation to come to Russia to study. Once you have an invitation, it is valid for three months. Then, to apply for your Russian student visa, you need to visit the Russian embassy or consulate in your home country and submit all the necessary documentation. Please note: You must get your visa registered within seven days of your entry in Russia. In case of student visas, it is normally the inviting party (University or College or Language School or Institute) that arranges for the visa registration of the students. After your registration is done, you will be provided with a proof of your visa registration, which you must retain carefully till you exit the country.
In order to apply for a student visa to Russian, you must submit a completed visa application form, original national passport (and copy of the front page), one standard picture, Money Order, original letter of invitation from your Russian host organization, original negative HIV blood test (AIDS) certificate (not older than 3 months). The national passport has to be valid for not less than one and a half-year.
When should you apply?
You can start the visa application process 45 days prior to the planned date of arrival in Russia. The processing time can be lengthy, taking from two to five weeks. The student visa is initially issued for 90 days but can be extended to a year and then renewed after that for the duration of the study.
Processing time
5 Weeks
Work opportunities
If you have a Russian student visa, you will require a work permit from the Federal Migration Service (FMS) unless this work is undertaken during the holidays or at the institution or organization where you are studying. You will only be issued with a permit to work if you are a full-time student at a state-accredited university and at least 18 years old. The permit will only allow you to work in the field or profession set out in the permit and in the city or region of your university. The cost of a work permit for those on a Russian study visa is RUB 3,500 (USD 60). If you leave your university course, the work permit will be canceled and you will no longer be able to work in Russia.
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Why do you need this type of visa?
If you present false documents for your student visa or hide or misrepresent facts in your application. You may be denied entry into Russia on a student visa if you are HIV-positive.