Studying in Russia
Russia, with its low tuition and cost of living, is one of the most affordable study destinations for Iranians. The possibility of admission without age restrictions and taking a Russian language course instead of presenting a language certificate makes it easier to enter a university. For these reasons, medical and dental fields in this country are in the highest demand among Iranian students.
Growth in international student enrollment
- Russian universities are expanding international cooperation:
- University attendance at global education fairs has almost doubled : from 19 events in 14 countries to 33 events in 25 countries.
- In 2025, more than 78,000 applications were received from foreign applicants for state scholarships to study in Russia (compared to 47,700 in 2022).
Increasing demand for technical and IT disciplines
- Admissions statistics show that interest in technical and information technology fields has increased sharply.
- The number of students from Central Asian countries (Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan) has also increased, along with an increase in African students (Angola, Nigeria, Cameroon) .
Exit from the Bologna system
Russia will completely withdraw from the Bologna Process on September 1, 2026.
In 2025, planning and preparatory measures for the implementation of a new national education system are underway.
Why Russia? Advantages and Challenges
Studying in Russia is attractive with benefits such as low tuition fees, prestigious universities and a rich cultural experience, but along with these benefits, there are challenges such as language barriers, cold weather and problems with the validity of degrees that require careful consideration and planning. The advantages and disadvantages of studying in Russia include:
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Cost of studying in Russia
One of the most important things to consider when going to Russia to study is the cost of studying in Russia . Fortunately, the cost of studying in Russia is cheaper than in European countries, Canada or the United States, which has made it popular among Iranian and international students. In the table below, you can find useful information about the cost of studying in Russia.
Estimated monthly expenses for a single person, excluding rent, are $1,031.8 (€700). The cost of living in Italy is on average 158.6% higher than in Iran.
Cost of studying in Russia
Scholarships in Russia
Despite the fact that Russia has low tuition fees compared to other countries, it also provides applicants with the opportunity to receive scholarships . Russian scholarships are offered by organizations, governments, and universities. With a suitable resume or a suitable academic process, it is possible for individuals to receive scholarships.
Scholarships offered in Russia can cover all or part of a person’s education costs.
One of the most important scholarships in Italy is the DSU scholarship and the Milan Provincial Scholarship, and many students immigrate to Italy every year to receive these scholarships.
Italian universities have a good academic reputation worldwide, and hence studying at these universities helps in finding a suitable job in many countries of the world. There are a total of 30 universities in Italy. Out of the total 30 universities in Italy, 14 universities are in the list of the top 500 universities in the world .
The reputation of Italian universities is not limited to just a few fields. In the country’s universities, a variety of fields are offered with appropriate quality and up-to-date international standards. It should be noted that many of these fields are taught in English at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels.
The following are the names of the top universities in Italy, along with their academic rankings in 2024, according to the prestigious QS ranking :
Steps for studying in Italy
Requirements and documents required to study in Italy
The requirements for admission to Italian universities depend on the university you choose in the country. Students from other countries who want to study in Italy must provide documents and transcripts of their previous studies (diploma and above) and take entrance exams to Italian universities . It is usually easier to get admission to private universities than to public universities, but be sure to check that the university you choose is approved by the Ministry of Science in Italy.
Students may need to provide the following documents as part of their Italy student visa application:
Please note that students are sometimes required to attend an interview (in person or via Skype) conducted by the university in order to gain admission to some Italian universities.
Cities suitable for studying in Italy
Several cities are recognized as top study destinations in Italy, attractive in terms of educational quality, job opportunities, cost of living, and student atmosphere. Below, we introduce some of these cities:
- Bologna is considered one of the best student cities in Italy. It has a university with a long history and is known for its high quality of life and excellent public services. Its international and cultural atmosphere also attracts students.
- As the economic and cultural center of Italy, Milan offers many career opportunities for graduates. With its prestigious universities and modern atmosphere, the city is a popular destination for international students.
- Turin is a great choice for students, with its prestigious universities and relatively low cost of living. With its rich history and cultural atmosphere, the city provides a conducive environment for studying.
- With a rich artistic and cultural history, Florence is an ideal destination for art and history enthusiasts. Its prestigious universities and beautiful atmosphere make it an attractive study destination
- Rome , the capital of Italy, offers a great environment for studying, with prestigious universities and a rich history. Combining culture, history, and education, Rome is a popular destination for international students.
Student dormitories and residences in Italy
In Italy, students have a variety of accommodation options, including university dormitories, shared apartments and private apartments. University dormitories, run by universities themselves or regional institutions such as ESU, offer facilities such as single or double rooms, internet and amenities, and typically cost between €250 and €450 per month. However, these dormitories are limited in capacity and in high demand.
Another option is to rent a room in a shared apartment, which is suitable for students who want to keep their costs down. The cost of renting a room in large cities such as Rome and Milan usually ranges from 400 to 800 euros per month, and in smaller cities it is lower. Alternatively, students who prefer a more private space can rent studio or one-bedroom apartments, which cost between 700 and 1200 euros per month in large cities.
To find accommodation, websites such as Idealista, Immobiliare, HousingAnywhere and Uniplaces are good resources, as well as Facebook groups for international students in various cities in Italy.
Student work in Italy
Students often work in Italy to support their living expenses and gain work experience. Being fluent in Italian and having a practical skill will go a long way in helping you find a suitable student job. If your skills are relevant to your field of study, you will be in a better position.
Teaching English, caring for the elderly and children, interpreting, and working in some hotels are among the job opportunities in Italy for students. Also, during the summer season, many restaurants and cafes in Italian cities , especially in the cities of Rome and Milan, are looking for non-Italian employees.
If you are interested in taking on a student job to cover living expenses and gain experience and are looking for a job that is relevant to your field of study, it is best to consult with your university.
Many research institutions in Italy assign some tasks and tasks to students and ask universities to introduce them to applicants with the necessary qualifications.
Conditions for residence in Italy through study
To study in Italy as a foreign student, you must first obtain a study visa and, upon arrival, renew your student residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) in a timely manner.
To work in Italy, you need to find a suitable job position during your studies and work in it or work as an intern. After graduation, you need to receive a job offer from an employer and start working. In this case, you can convert your study stay into a work stay and take advantage of this opportunity. But you should remember that you have a limited time to achieve this goal.
By having at least five years of legal and continuous residence (a combination of study and work residence), proof of sufficient income, relative proficiency in the Italian language (level B1) and no criminal record, you will be able to apply for permanent residence in Italy.
After completing your study stay in Spain and within 12 months, you are not allowed to work, and you can only apply for a Spanish work visa if you find a job offer from a Spanish employer .
