Live in Russia

Yes, in most cases. Full-time students in state-accredited programs can work in their free time without a work permit, and any student can work during the holidays or at their own university. Preparatory-year students are limited to holiday work and jobs at their university. Your employer must notify the migration authorities, and these rules are due to change in 2027, so check the current rules before you sign a contract.

Many international students live in a university dormitory, and state quota students usually get a dormitory place for a small monthly fee. Others rent a private flat or room. Wherever you live, you must be registered within 7 working days of arrival: the university's international office does it for dormitory residents, and the landlord does it for a private flat.

If you study at a state university or research institute, your spouse, your children under 18 and adult children who depend on you can get a study visa valid as long as yours. Since 1 April 2025, foreign children must pass a Russian-language test and show proof of legal stay before they can enter a Russian school. Before you travel, ask your university what housing is possible for a family.

As a student you can stay for up to 30 days after you graduate, or up to 180 days if you hold a temporary residence permit for education. To keep working in Russia you need a work permit or highly qualified specialist status. The law also opens a path to permanent residence for some graduates, for example those with an honours diploma, but some of these rules change in 2027, so ask the migration authorities how they apply to you.

Get registered within 7 working days, then take the compulsory medical examination within 30 days of entry, which since 1 September 2026 applies to everyone staying more than 90 days. Have your fingerprints and photo taken within the same 30 days, as universities advise. You also need health insurance for your whole stay, which universities usually require.