From Cameroon to Russia

Getting your documents ready in Cameroon

Cameroon is not a party to the Apostille Convention, so an apostille is not enough for Russia. Your documents need consular legalisation. First have each document certified in Cameroon, with the last stamp from the Ministry of External Relations (the foreign ministry). Then take it to the Russian embassy in Yaoundé to be legalised.

After that, every document needs a Russian translation certified by a Russian notary. The translation must cover every stamp, including the legalisation. Ask your university whether it needs the translation when you apply or when you arrive.

In Russia, your foreign certificate usually has to be recognised before you enrol. Some universities do this themselves; for others it goes through Rosobrnadzor, the federal education authority. Your university will tell you which applies to you.

The scholarship and the visa from Cameroon

The Russian Government scholarship, often called the state quota, works the same way in every country. You apply online on education-in-russia.com and choose up to six universities. Applications usually open in mid-September and close in mid-January. The round for 2027/28 is open now. Check the deadline for Cameroon with the embassy, because local deadlines can differ.

In Cameroon, the Ministry of Higher Education announces the scholarship places and refers applicants to the Russian embassy in Yaoundé for the selection. Be ready for an interview or a test. After that, the Russian ministry places candidates in universities, and results usually come in April or May. You can follow your status on russia-edu.minobrnauki.gov.ru.

The scholarship usually covers tuition, the preparatory year if you need one, a monthly stipend and a dormitory place for a small fee. It does not cover flights, health insurance, living costs, or medical and visa fees.

For the visa, your university requests an invitation from the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs. Then you apply for a study visa at the embassy in Yaoundé, with an HIV-negative certificate and a passport valid for at least 18 months. The first visa is single entry for up to 90 days. After you arrive, your university has it extended for up to a year at a time. Cameroon cannot use the Russian e-visa, and the e-visa never covers study. Read more in our visas guide.

Getting to Russia and money

Look for a route through a hub with flights to Russia, such as Casablanca (Royal Air Maroc), Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines), Istanbul, Dubai, Doha or Cairo, and check which of them serve your city. European and US airlines do not fly to Russia, and a connection in Europe may need a transit visa.

Visa and Mastercard cards issued abroad do not work in Russia, in shops, online or at cash machines. Bring enough cash in US dollars or euros for your first weeks. After you arrive, you can open a Russian bank account and get a Mir card, often through your university’s partner bank. Banks ask for several documents, including a Russian phone number, so this can take a little time.

In your first month, the international office registers you within 7 working days if you live in the dormitory. Then do the medical examination and fingerprinting, both within 30 days of arrival.

Help in French and English

Cameroon has two official languages, and we answer in both, as well as in Russian. If something here does not match what the embassy or your university tells you, follow their instructions and let us know. For personal next steps, fill in the Start Your Journey form. If you plan to study in Russian, our Russian courses go from A0 to B1, the usual level for starting a bachelor’s degree.