The number of students from African countries enrolled in universities in Russia has increased by 10 percent over the past year. More than 34,000 international students from the continent are studying in the European nation.
Usually, these African students are interested in acquiring knowledge in areas that are important for Africa’s advancement and development, hence why most pursue engineering degrees and academic programs in the technical field at Russian universities.
It is considered a high privilege to have an opportunity to study in Russia, as the country is an expert in a variety of fields that underdeveloped and developing African countries need, such as law, economics, physical sciences and mathematics, humanities and social sciences, engineering, medicine, agriculture, and ecology.
Participating African Countries
Much of the increased number of African students seen in Russia can be attributed to bilateral relations and cooperation between Russia and African countries to develop key aspects of societal development such as education and skill training. African countries like South Africa, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Mauritius, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Mozambique, Namibia, Angola, and Eritrea have cooperated with the Russian government to achieve this objective.
So far, African students from 52 countries have been admitted to undertake various undergraduate and graduate programs at 787 Russian higher education institutions, which accounts for almost three-quarters of the total number of Russian universities—1,115.
On the global ranking of countries that attract international students, Russia comes 7th – as it hosts 5 percent of the total population of international students worldwide.
According to a study published in the Russian journal Higher Education, between 2022 and 2023, the number of international students in Russia was about 325,000. Fifty-five percent of that figure were enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program, 28.5 percent in a specialist degree, 13 percent in a master’s degree, and 3.2 percent in doctorate programs or the equivalent.
Why Do African Students Love Russia
African students see Russia as a top choice destination to further their studies due to a plethora of beneficial reasons, including the affordable cost of living, good quality education, job opportunities, transportation, access to free education, and good health services.
Students of African origin who typically arrive in Russia annually are between the ages of 18 and 22, and 73.8 percent of that demographic already have an undergraduate degree, indicating a disparity in age groups with previous schooling.
3 Popular Universities in Russia For African Students
Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia
Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, also known as RUDN University, is named after Congolese political leader Patrice Lumumba. This university has about 3,000 students from 54 African countries.
In the 2023/2024 admission cycle, the majority of applications were received from prospective students from Egypt, Nigeria, Zambia, Chad, Algeria, and Morocco. The higher institution reported that about 400 applicants have already been enrolled.
Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University
Two hundred seventy-six students from 36 African countries are undertaking a range of undergraduate and graduate courses at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. It reports that in the most recent admission cycle, 59 students out of those who applied from Africa have already been admitted to SPbPU.
St. Petersburg State Electrotechnical University
African students who want to get an engineering degree often choose St. Petersburg State Electrotechnical University, “LETI.” This university has no less than 120 students from 23 African countries. In the 2023/2024 admission cycle, more than 130 people applied to LETI, out of which 28 have already been enrolled.
