English-Taught Programs and IELTS/TOEFL in Russia/CIS

English-medium options are growing

A number of universities in Russia and in key CIS countries — Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Armenia — offer programmes taught in English, alongside their Russian- or national-language programmes. These English-medium options are most common in selected bachelor's and master's programmes rather than across every department.

Because availability differs by university and by subject, the first step is to check, programme by programme, which courses are actually delivered in English on the official university website.

When IELTS or TOEFL is required

For an English-medium programme, universities typically ask international applicants to show English-language ability. IELTS and TOEFL are the most widely recognised tests for this, and many universities accept one or both.

Some universities also accept other evidence of English proficiency, or run their own English assessment, and applicants whose prior education was in English may sometimes be exempt. The accepted evidence is decided by each institution, so confirm it on the official admissions page.

• English-medium programme → English proficiency usually required
• IELTS and TOEFL are the most widely accepted tests
• Some universities accept other evidence or an internal test

Why minimum scores vary

There is no single English-score requirement across Russia and the CIS. Each university — and often each programme — sets its own minimum, and the figure can differ between a bachelor's and a master's programme.

For that reason we do not quote a number here. Look up the specific minimum on the official page of the programme you are applying to, and note the academic year it applies to, because requirements can change each cycle.

Choosing and applying

Once you have identified English-medium programmes that fit your goals, build your application around each one's stated requirements: the English test it accepts, the minimum it asks for, and the deadline. Where the same subject is offered both in English and in the local language, treat them as separate options with their own requirements.

Verify every detail — language of instruction, accepted tests, minimum scores and deadlines — on the official university source, since these are set per institution and change over time.

A note on verifying conditions

Application steps, test-centre availability and document requirements can vary, so confirm current conditions on official sources before you commit time or money. This is general information to orient your planning, not a substitute for the official admissions instructions.

No agent or provider can guarantee admission or a particular score — be wary of any such promise and rely on official information.