Top 10 Universities in Russia

If you want a degree from a world-class European university, think of Russia. There is a diverse range of opportunities for international students, and graduating from any of the highly-ranked institutions in the country comes with attractive post-study opportunities that can give career-driven individuals the push they need in life.

To help you choose the university to apply to for studies in Russia, Booklab24 will highlight the ten best institutions that offer undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, as collated from multiple sources. However, now (2024/2025) might not be the best time to apply for a course at a Russian university, given its long-running crisis with Ukraine.

1. Lomonosov Moscow State

Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU) is the first in Russia’s list of top-ranked universities. It has consistently maintained its position in the global top 150 QS World University Rankings.

MSU is considered one of Russia’s most prestigious universities, and it houses the tallest educational building in the world. It is home to more than 47,000 students and welcomes about 4,000 international students every year.

Global Ranking of Lomonosov Moscow State University

• QS – 87
• THE – 95
• ARWU – 101

2. St Petersburg University (SPbU)

Established in 1724, St Petersburg University is the first higher institution in Russia and one of the leading international centers of education, science, and culture. One feature that makes St Petersburg University stand out is its multidisciplinary educational programs, which combine theoretical problems with real-world, practical applications.

Global Ranking of St Petersburg University

• QS – 315
• ARWU – 401

3. Bauman Moscow State Technical University

This esteemed university has existed for more than 185 years, during which time it has produced outstanding scientists and researchers who were pioneers across various technical industries.

Bauman Moscow State Technical University (BMSTU) houses 19 departments that offer full-time undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctorate programs. The institution boasts an enrolment of 19,000 students across various fields of science and engineering.

Global Ranking of Bauman Moscow State Technical University

• QS – 319
• THE – 401

4. RUDN University, Russia

Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, also known as RUDN University, is a leading, multidisciplinary state university founded in 1960. The public research facility in Moscow is renowned for being friendly to international students. A resolution from the Central Committee of the CPSU and the Council of Ministers of the USSR established it.

Global Ranking of RUDN University, Russia

• QS – 342
• THE – 601

5. Kazan Federal University

Kazan Federal University is the second oldest university in Russia. This center of academic excellence offers several undergraduate and postgraduate programs taught in English.

Over 10,500 foreign students from 101 countries are enrolled in different programs at this federal university. KFU is renowned for its international outlook and provides research and exchange opportunities. KFU students and faculty members participate in bilateral research and exchange programs with over 370 partners in 70 countries.

Global Ranking of Kazan Federal University

• QS – 396
• THE – 801

6. HSE University (Higher School of Economics)

Higher School of Economics, popularly called HSE University, is a public research institute located in Moscow. Founded in 1992, it was the first higher educational institution in Russia to introduce Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees successfully. In 2009, it officially acquired the status of “National Research University.”

Global Ranking of HSE University

• QS – 399
• THE – 401
• ARWU – 701

7. Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT)

The Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT) is a leading STEM education and research institution. It is the next best university in our ranking of institutions in Russia. Its alumni community is strong and spread across the globe. Graduates from this university include scientists, businessmen, politicians, astronauts, and Nobel laureates.

MIPT’s strategy involves conducting and developing high-quality, cutting-edge research in quantum and electronic technologies, nanophotonics and plasmonics, biotechnology, applied mathematics, space research, and anti-aging science.

Global Ranking of Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology

• QS – 415
• THE – 201
• ARWU – 501

8. Tomsk State University

Next in this ranking is Tomsk State University (TSU), the largest higher classical institution in the Asian part of Russia. Described as the center of science, education, and innovation, the university was founded on May 28, 1878, by the decree of Emperor Alexander II as Imperial Tomsk University.

Tomsk State University has 20 faculties and institutes, 20 dissertation councils, and 33 leading scientific schools. It is home to over 3,000 international students from 70 countries, and the number is continually increasing.

Affiliates of TSU include 31 members of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, and the Academy of Sciences of the CIS, over 50 State Prize winners, and 2 Nobel Prize winners.

Global Ranking of Tomsk State University

• QS – 418
• THE – 501

9. Novosibirsk State University

Established in 1958, Novosibirsk State University is located in Novosibirsk, Russia. The higher institute of learning was founded on the principles of integrating education and science, early student involvement in research activities, and the engagement of leading scientists in its teaching programs.

Global Ranking of Novosibirsk State University

• QS – 421
• THE – 601
• ARWU – 701

10. National Research Nuclear University

MEPhI (Moscow Engineering Physics Institute)

The National Research Nuclear University MEPhI (Moscow Engineering Physics Institute) ‘s roots can be traced to the establishment of the Moscow Mechanical Institute of Ammunition in 1942.

MEPhI was later established as a Russian nuclear university, and top Soviet scientists, including Igor Kurchatov, the head of the Soviet atomic project, played a part in its formation.

Six Nobel Prize winners affiliated with MEPhI are Nikolay Semenov, Igor Tamm, Nikolay Basov, Andrei Sakharov, Pavel Cherenkov, and Ilya Frank. Over the years, MEPhI has trained engineers and scientists in more than 200 fields.

Global Ranking of National Research Nuclear University

• QS – 461
• THE – 401
• ARWU – 901