Germany has long been on the list of countries where one can receive higher education in Europe without tuition fees — provided certain conditions are met. State universities offering free education are open to applicants from Russia, provided they have a sufficient command of German or English and are willing to complete the Studienkolleg preparatory course.

For 2025 entry, applicants will need proof of language proficiency (e.g., B2 via Goethe-Institut or IELTS), an academic certificate, and a personal statement. Monthly living expenses — including housing, food, and insurance — amount to around €800–€1100, and students are sometimes offered a campus job or grant.

Applications should be submitted in advance (preferably between March and July), along with ECTS-translated documents. Germany’s strong economy offers graduates a stable job market, and post-study visas allow students to remain in the country.

If you’re seeking a place to apply without being fully proficient in English — consider the Czech Republic. Thanks to its Slavic roots, Czech is easier to learn than German or French, particularly after completing Russian secondary school.

State-funded courses in Czech universities are available tuition-free when taught in the Czech language, and preparatory courses cost between €2000 and €4000 per year. Some universities offer dormitories at around €120/month.

Applicants will need academic documents translated and apostilled, as well as financial proof. Most programmes include a 3-year bachelor’s and a 2-year master’s degree. The Czech Republic is considered one of the best countries for studying abroad in terms of value for money.

Norway offers tuition-free education for Russians — though living costs are high. University education in Norway is globally respected and ranked highly in the QS system, with institutions like Oslo and Bergen leading the way.

Despite the climate, Norway is one of the most accessible destinations for those with a B2 level of English. Applications are due by 15 December and require online registration on university platforms, submission fees (around NOK 900–1200), and proof of IELTS/TOEFL.

When choosing a country, assess how prepared you are to study in a foreign language. IELTS, B2, TOEFL, and other standardised tests are often required. In countries like France or Germany, preparatory language courses (3–12 months) are popular.

Courses cost €3000–€7000 and provide not only language skills but subject-specific training. These programmes are available in Canada, the Czech Republic, Poland, France, and other European nations.

Language proficiency = the key to both entry and integration.

Budget-friendly options for Russians are possible with grants, scholarships, or part-time job opportunities. For example, in Germany and Canada, students can work 20 hours a week to cover rent and food expenses.

Some organisations (e.g., DAAD, Erasmus+) provide financial support. By applying early, you can significantly cut costs. Be mindful of exchange rates — EUR, CAD, USD, AUD — and plan your monthly, annual, and full-programme budget.

Bonus: in some European universities, scholarships also cover accommodation and insurance.

Choose a country based on how in-demand your chosen profession is. Fields like IT, medicine, and engineering are often supported at the state level in Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands. After graduation, students can obtain residence or work visas.

In-demand fields for 2025: IT, green energy, healthcare, education, engineering.

If you want to stay and work in the country, choose universities that cooperate with employers and offer internships.

For many Russian students, free education abroad seems like an unattainable dream. But in 2025, higher education in Europe is increasingly accessible thanks to public universities, scholarships, and prep courses.

Important: “free” doesn’t mean zero cost — you must still cover accommodation, insurance, and food. But tuition may be waived, especially if you meet language requirements and submit your documents properly.

Germany has long offered free university education to foreign students, including Russians. Public programmes don’t charge tuition — only a semester fee (Semesterbeitrag), which ranges from €150 to €400.

Institutions like Freie Universität Berlin and LMU Munich rank highly in QS and ARWU and are accessible not just to EU residents. Key requirements include German proficiency (TestDaF, DSH) or English proficiency (IELTS 6.5+), and a recognised school certificate.

Students may study free of charge, especially after completing Studienkolleg. Universities benefit from international students — this is encouraged at the state level.

The Czech Republic offers low-cost education and free programmes in the national language. If you’re willing to study Czech up to B2 level, you can apply to public universities tuition-free.

Czech language courses at universities cost €2000–€4000 for 9–12 months, including accommodation and visa support.

Options are available for Russian students after grade 11 — prep courses lead to bachelor’s programmes. Courses include subject training and language practice. Be sure to select your university and programme early, as you’ll need to specify this in your application.

Looking for easier scholarship access? Consider Finland, Germany, France, Poland, and Austria. Students from CIS countries can apply to national and international programmes:

■ DAAD (Germany): covers tuition, accommodation, and insurance
■ Erasmus+: allows study in several EU countries
■ Visegrad Fund: supports students in Czechia, Poland, and Slovakia

Applications typically require a personal statement, academic documents, a language certificate (IELTS, TOEFL), and income verification. Some grants offer monthly stipends from €300 to €1000, plus housing coverage.

Applying to international universities isn’t fast, but with proper preparation it becomes clear and manageable. The challenge lies not in the paperwork, but in deadlines and requirements — start at least 9–12 months ahead.

The first step is preparing a document package: secondary school certificate or diploma, transcript of hours and subjects, passport copy, translations, and apostille. Some countries also require a medical certificate, photos, and a police clearance.

Note: Germany and Czech Republic require nostrification — state recognition of your educational documents.

Apply directly to universities or via centralised platforms (e.g., inuniver, uni-assist, study.cz). Watch application deadlines: some countries require March submissions, others July.

Most foreign universities require language certification. English: IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge. German: TestDaF, DSH. Czech: ECL or internal university assessments.

Typical minimum requirements:

■ IELTS: 6.0–6.5
■ TOEFL: 80–90
■ B2 (CEFR)

Exam fees: €120–€250. Always check which certificates your chosen university accepts — details are listed on official websites.

Once your documents and language results are ready, submit your application via:

■ University-specific online portals
■ Centralised systems (e.g., inuniver, wucheba)
■ Education agencies or representatives

Most platforms allow you to upload documents and track your status in a personal account.

Review time ranges from 2 weeks to 2 months. Once accepted, you can begin visa processing and relocation prep.

One of the key factors in adapting well is knowing what your destination expects. Every country and university has its own rules — from documentation deadlines to behaviour on campus. Don’t delay preparation — know what to do 6, 3, and 1 month before departure.

Create a preparation timeline — from visa processing to housing.

By June, select your country, university, and programme so that in July–August you can begin paperwork. Don’t forget medical insurance, certificate translations, language test registration, and opening a bank account — all of this impacts your visa approval timeline.

Don’t isolate yourself — participating in student clubs, forums, and projects helps you adapt faster. Be active: attend meetups, join student councils, and contribute ideas. This builds communication skills and language fluency.

Check the “Student Life” section on university websites — you’ll find clubs and events that interest you.

University life is more than just lectures — it’s friends, ideas, insight, and career prospects. Some universities even assign a local “mentor” to each international student.

Relocating abroad is stressful — especially for recent school leavers. Support in your native language is crucial during the first few months.

Find Russian-speaking student communities — they exist in nearly every European city.

These can be Telegram chats, social media groups, or even formal alumni clubs. They offer advice, housing help, document support, job guidance, and — most importantly — a sense of belonging.

If you’re pursuing a specific goal — like PhD study or working abroad — surround yourself with people who’ve walked the same path. This speeds up adaptation and reduces mistakes.

The earlier you start preparing and networking, the smoother your transition abroad will be.