November in Russia traditionally becomes one of the busiest months of the season for international students. During these weeks, Russian state universities welcome young people from Africa, Asia, the countries of the Near and Middle East, Latin America, and Europe.
Behind each such arrival is more than a change of country and environment. It is the beginning of a new life stage in which a quality higher education becomes at once a profession, an experience of independence, and an introduction to one of the world’s largest educational and cultural systems. The first days are especially important. The airport. A new city. The university. The hostel. Documents. The first decisions that only yesterday seemed complicated and distant. This is precisely where the part of RACUS GROUP’s work begins that rarely makes it into official photographs, but which in many ways determines what a student’s first experience in Russia will be like.
RACUS GROUP staff organize transfers from the airport to the city of study, accompany students during dormitory check-in, help prepare the full set of documents to begin the studies and undergo the mandatory medical examination and fingerprint registration. In the first days after arrival, students are also assisted with opening bank accounts and obtaining bank cards, purchasing Russian SIM cards, translating documents into Russian, and resolving organizational and everyday matters, such as buying groceries, dishes, and warm clothing in stores. This is one of the most important tasks for international students arriving in Russia for the first time to study. RACUS GROUP provides hope and support for students and peace of mind for parents. There is no need to worry about the language of communication: our staff are fluent in English and French. This significantly eases adaptation for the students. But it is not the main thing: RACUS GROUP remains by the student’s side throughout the entire period of study until the diploma receipt. This support is provided to all students free of charge.
Gradually, the unfamiliar country takes on familiar outlines. A new route from the hostel to the university appears, favorite places in the city, the first friends, the first practical training, university traditions, and one’s own rhythm of life. In this sense, Russia gives an international student far more than an academic program. It is the opportunity to obtain a higher education in more than 1,200 programs in Medicine, Engineering, Economics and Humanities, to master a new language, to become acquainted with a scientific school, technologies, and professional environment, and to become part of an international community where dozens of cultures and nationalities meet.
2026 promises to be a landmark year for Russian international education. Russia expects a record influx of international students, including a particularly noticeable increase in the number of young people from African countries. The Russia–Africa Summit held in Moscow at the end of October, as well as the International Youth Festival in Yekaterinburg, gave new impetus to interest in Russia as an educational, scientific, and cultural center. These events allowed millions of young people to see modern Russia, its universities, scientific schools, and opportunities for a professional future in a new light.
It is expected that in 2026 the number of international students receiving higher education at Russian universities will reach 430,000 people. This figure testifies to the strengthening of Russia’s role on the global education map, the expansion of its academic presence, and the growing trust of international families in Russian higher education.
Russia is consistently strengthening its positions, being among the top five world leaders in the export of higher education, confirming its status as one of the most significant and attractive education powers.
