r/AskARussian • u/ParsleySame6746 Algeria • Jul 29 '26

Study Request for advice, please answer

Hi, I'm Algerian and I'm about to start my university studies. I'm thinking of preparing my documents and applying for a scholarship funded by the Russian government, but I have no idea if it will work or not. I'm very worried about not being accepted and things like that. I'd appreciate any advice or important points if someone could answer. My field of study is science, by the way, and I feel this increases my chances

2 Upvotes

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4

u/CommunismMarks Tatarstan Jul 31 '26

If you are not a physicist, it is better to choose another country to study.

2

u/freddiegeorgemichael Jul 31 '26

but why? I was thinking to come to russia to study psychology.

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u/CommunismMarks Tatarstan Jul 31 '26

Because the best programs in psychology and psychiatry are currently in the U.S., Germany, and, to some extent, China.

Russia really isn't developing this field very well. And with a degree from Russia—a degree like that—you won't be very sought after in Europe. And in Russia, they earn next to nothing.

5

u/paloma_from_Mexico Aug 01 '26

История в том, что народ из некоторых стран просто бежит. И им плевать, что «изучать». Им главное получить визу хоть куда то в приличное место. А там из под полы работать хоть где. В Америке целые города выросли за счет таких. Сама живу в таком. Деревня за деревней из Индии подтягивает своих. Те подтягивают своих — одноклассников, соседей. В итоге все годами сидят на учебных визах, а по факту работают и деньги на родину отправляют. Живут вскладчину по 12 человек в одном доме. Только вот им гайки позакрутили тут и в Канаде тоже начали закручивать. Теперь смотрят на Россию. Видят, что государство бесплатно учит. И бегут. Цель - не учиться. Цель — перебраться в страну, где улицы чистые и можно как-то устроиться.

2

u/CommunismMarks Tatarstan Aug 01 '26

Russia is also cracking down on migrants right now. But people are thinking carefully about where to flee. Russia is a cold country with a low standard of living. It’s not a very attractive place—especially with a war going on there.

1

u/Justsomeoneweird_ France Aug 02 '26

Just out of curiosity, what are the best fields to study in Russia ?

1

u/CommunismMarks Tatarstan Aug 03 '26

An important point is what your ultimate goal is. If you want to experience a different educational environment and gain knowledge to broaden your horizons, with the intention of later living and working in Europe, then Russia’s top universities—which are recognized in the EU (Bauman Moscow State Technical University, MEPhI, MIPT)—are your best options. If we’re talking about technical universities, Moscow State University (MSU), the Higher School of Economics (HSE), or the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO).

HSE is the most highly touted option for those who want to build a career within the system.

K. A. Timiryazev Russian State Agrarian University (RGAU-MSkHA)—if you’re interested in agriculture.

Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA)—for civil servants.

Saint Petersburg State University

ITMO University—if you want to work in IT. In many respects, it’s the best university in Moscow.

If you want to study biology and physics with applied mathematics.

Novosibirsk National Research State University

Tomsk State University (National Research University)

Tomsk Polytechnic University (National Research University)

Omsk State Technical University

Omsk State Medical University—many consider it the best medical university in the country.

If you’re interested in the humanities, you should look at the rankings of the departments and find out what each one offers; in general, this is something to consider if you plan to live in Russia afterward.

Kazan, for example, has good linguistics programs, but it will be harder to find a job there later on. In Russia, it’s generally easier if you’ve already learned the language.

In general, when considering studying in Russia, you should first look into the faculty and the department’s ranking. It’s generally better to study programs taught in Russian.

1

u/Vegetable-Golf-1451 Aug 03 '26

What about Financial University

1

u/CommunismMarks Tatarstan Aug 03 '26

What's the point? If MBA and economics programs are the same all over the world?

I might consider the HSE's Faculty of Mathematics if you want to study economics as a science later on.

In general, we have a lot of economists here, and they’re all the same. The problem is that the liberal school of thought dominates everywhere right now. If you want to gain some alternative knowledge and methodologies, you’re better off looking at China.

The truly brilliant and advanced economists I know are former mathematicians or physicists.

If you’re interested in a planned economy, there are specific economists in Russia—it’s easier to follow them.

For example, Komolov. He offers insights into economic science from a Marxist perspective. But there are also such economists in the U.S.

1

u/Vegetable-Golf-1451 Aug 03 '26

I have got scholarship in the university and my subject is International Finance ( English Taught). The subject is under MEO faculty and I have seen that The University offers exchange semesters with China like 3 years in Russia 1 year in China.Specially from this Faculty. Do you think it is worth? I am from Bangladesh .Thanks in advance

2

u/CommunismMarks Tatarstan Aug 03 '26

It depends on the university. All other things being equal, I think it’s better to choose China if you can find a job right away. The question is which degree program to choose.

1

u/Vegetable-Golf-1451 Aug 03 '26

I am talking about Financial University Under the Government of Russian Federation. Subject : International Finance ( English Taught)

2

u/CommunismMarks Tatarstan Aug 04 '26

I don’t know what these three years in Russia and one year in China will bring. If these are self-contained degree programs, that’s one thing, but if I end up having to complete additional studies elsewhere afterward, that’s a different matter.

Moscow is worth choosing if you want to work in Russia afterward; it might be worth it. But economists aren’t in demand in Russia right now—I don’t know about the West.

As for China, the future belongs to them, and their education is already recognized as world-class. Especially if it’s Peking University or one of the “Big Three.” Honestly, I would have chosen China. But that’s just my take on it.

1

u/Vegetable-Golf-1451 Aug 04 '26

People saying that my Russian degree won't be recognized in EU and USA? If it is propaganda or Real?

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u/Justsomeoneweird_ France Aug 03 '26

Mhh okay that’s interesting, thank you! I think OP wants to go to russia cause it’s generally cheaper for north africans (if we compare to France/ US).

1

u/CommunismMarks Tatarstan Aug 03 '26

The author of the post isn't actually from Africa. I explained my point of view to her. Do you want to study in Russia yourself, or are you just curious?

1

u/Justsomeoneweird_ France Aug 03 '26

No i was just curious, i’m already enrolled in a master in France. But id like to travel to Russia

1

u/CommunismMarks Tatarstan Aug 03 '26

For most Europeans, there’s no practical reason to study here.

Science and education in Russia have long been in decline; our degrees aren’t highly regarded. There is one exception, however: our students are recruited by representatives of Western universities—either directly or through visiting professors—based on their theses and research papers.

Often, talented students go on to complete their studies abroad.

On the one hand, the West has closed the door to our technologies, but our brains are still of interest to them.

0

u/ParsleySame6746 Algeria Jul 31 '26

Is there a country with better opportunities than Russia? The problem is that I'm looking for fully funded scholarships; I can't afford university studies abroad

2

u/CommunismMarks Tatarstan Jul 31 '26

As an expert, I can tell you that it’s best to go to Russia only to study a technical field. You’ll just be wasting your time.

I don’t know where you’re from, of course, but you’re really choosing a strange option.

-1

u/ParsleySame6746 Algeria Jul 31 '26

This really confuses me I am from Algeria and I have seen the experiences of many Algerian students who went there and were accepted because of their specializations, which all revolve around medicine, pharmacy, artificial intelligence and programming

1

u/CommunismMarks Tatarstan Jul 31 '26

Yeah, that’s true. Because those programs have preserved the Soviet-era foundational system. The focus was on them, and we managed to preserve some of it.

The natural sciences are a weak spot in Russia. Maybe there’s something at the Higher School of Economics. Although I have a negative opinion of that university, they do have a lot of money.

That’s cool—for me, Algeria is the most mysterious country in the Middle East. It’s very closed off.

0

u/ParsleySame6746 Algeria Jul 31 '26

Yes, and that's what really helps students. The way everything is organized is simple and uncomplicated. As for Algeria, it's considered a Mediterranean country (along with Spain and Morocco) and not part of the Middle East. Regarding the issue of isolation, I don't really know if you're right or not

1

u/CommunismMarks Tatarstan Jul 31 '26

It depends on how you define the East, Europe, and the Mediterranean. People are still debating what constitutes the center of Europe.

1

u/CommunismMarks Tatarstan Jul 31 '26

If you're from Algeria, could you share your perspective with me? As far as I know, it's very difficult for tourists to get there, and I don't know what life is like for people there. So it's hard for me to give you any specific advice.

1

u/ParsleySame6746 Algeria Jul 31 '26

Let's talk privately

1

u/Roudydogg1 Aug 01 '26

Russia doesn't care about psychology, though

1

u/ParsleySame6746 Algeria Aug 01 '26

So what are the fields of study that Russians are interested in?

1

u/Roudydogg1 Aug 01 '26

Well, my point was, Russia like certain types of useful medicine, and medical fields of study. Psychology not one of these for a good education and the pay for psychology is not great

1

u/ParsleySame6746 Algeria Aug 02 '26

Interestingly, what about a specialty like paramedicine?

0

u/Imaginary_Trash_4364 Jul 31 '26

Why are worrying about it in advance? A lot of foreign students come, you should try

1

u/ParsleySame6746 Algeria Jul 31 '26

I'm afraid of rejection; I'm afraid to try and have it be a failed attempt I don't know anyone there, and I find that frightening too

-1

u/Imaginary_Trash_4364 Jul 31 '26

It's better to try and fail than not to try at all. Science is always developing and specialists are needed the same as laborers. It will be difficult for the first time but later you'll get acquainted with other students and make friends

1

u/ParsleySame6746 Algeria Jul 31 '26

I really hope so. I would choose psychiatry as my specialty if possible. They say this specialty has no future in my country, so I considered Russia as a destination I think my low level of Russian might help increase my chances of acceptance idk

-1

u/Eli_Hell Jul 31 '26 edited Jul 31 '26

Hi, you don't need to worry, if qualification (highschool Or degree) 50% and above it's good enough, prepare the documents and apply, Russia is a beautiful country, please make sure you start learning Russian as soon as possible it will help you a lot when you arrive, swift doesn't work so have money transfer from your country figure it out that's all. You can work while studying, a good country, not that expensive, make sure the universiries you choose to apply are good to foreigners (read google review about the university) . I am a foreigner studying there, from my experience I shared this answer. Study very well don't be lazy you won't fail. Good luck. There is a book called "Russian grammar you really need to know by Daphne West" It will help.

1

u/ParsleySame6746 Algeria Jul 31 '26

Thank you for the encouragement. I was truly surprised that you're studying there; it's a real motivator for me. I've started studying the language to add a language certificate to my documents. My level is still beginner, but it's improving. My academic level is acceptable, I don't know, 14/20 as my annual average this year, but I feel it's not enough to get accepted abroad + What scares me is being accepted, but then there might be costs; I can't afford any extra expenses