Do You Need Russian to Study in Russia?

The short answer: it depends on the programme

There is no single yes-or-no answer — it depends on the language your chosen programme is taught in. Russia has programmes taught in Russian and a growing number taught in English, and the language requirement follows the programme.

If you study in Russian, you will generally need Russian-language proficiency. If you study in English, you generally will not need Russian for admission, though some everyday Russian helps with daily life.

Studying in English

Several universities offer English-medium programmes, particularly in selected bachelor's and master's courses. For these, universities usually ask for an English qualification such as IELTS or TOEFL rather than Russian, with minimum scores that differ by institution.

Availability varies by university and subject, so check which specific programmes are taught in English on the official university website before assuming an English route is open for your field.

• English-medium programmes exist in selected subjects
• Typically require IELTS / TOEFL (minimums vary)
• Russian not required for admission to these programmes

Studying in Russian — and the preparatory year

For Russian-medium programmes, universities expect Russian at a defined level, usually evidenced through the TORFL (Test of Russian as a Foreign Language) or an accepted equivalent. If you do not yet have that level, many universities offer a preparatory faculty — a foundation year of intensive Russian (often with subject basics) to prepare you for the degree.

The required level, accepted certificates, and the structure and length of the preparatory year are set by each university and can change, so confirm them on the official source.

Everyday life vs admission

Even on an English-medium programme, some basic Russian can make daily life — shopping, transport, paperwork and settling in — smoother, since Russian is the main language of daily life in much of the country. This is a practical convenience, not an admission requirement.

Keep the two separate when you plan: your admission language requirement comes from the programme, while everyday-life language is a personal choice you can build over time.

How to decide for your case

Shortlist the programmes you want, then read each one's language of instruction and language requirement directly from the official university page. That tells you precisely whether you need Russian, English, or a preparatory year for your specific choice.

Language requirements and preparatory arrangements are set per university and change between intakes, so always verify the current details on the official source before applying.