So you are planning to study in Russia? That is great! This country is known for their education system, especially in medicine. This is one of the many reasons why Indian students opt for MBBS in Russia.
Most international applicants wanting to study in Russia require a passport and a visa. This is applicable to Indian students as well. International applicants belonging to these countries do not need a visa.
Abkhazia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Southern Ossetia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
Although Russia has visa-free with several countries, the stay limit is limited to 3-months. Such visas are ideal for tourists. But for educational purposes a Russian study visa from India is compulsory. The student visa is issued to Indian students. The entry can be either single-entry or double-entry.
The students are given multiple-entry visa which is valid for the entire duration of the study. This is according to the educational legislation of the Russian Federation. An invitation letter to visit Russia is an essential requirement for students, PhD candidates etc.
Where to apply for a student visa?
The student visa for Russia can be applied for from the Russian Embassy or Russian Consulate located in your country. You can apply for the visa yourself or seek help from an education consultancy such as Nix Study Abroad. For in-depth information, you can call us and visit our website. You can also refer to the Consular Division of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website for further details.
Student visa duration in Russia
For the start, the study visa for Russia is issued for three months. Further, the visa is extended by the university. Or you can apply at the local division of the General Administration for Migration Issues of the Interior Ministry of Russia.
Documents required for a student visa for Russia
- Passport (original) and a copy of the front page
- The original official invitation for entry to Russia
- Completely filled out an application form
- Passport size photograph 3.5 x 4.5 cm (1.18 x1.57 inches)
- HIV-negative and Covid-negative status certificate
- For students under 18 years, parental consent is needed
Photo specifications for visa application
To get your application accepted, you must meet the following specifications. You need to provide one recent colour photograph. It should not be more than 6 months old. The photographs should include –
- The photo size must be 3,5 x 4,5 cm
- It has to be taken against a light background (white or off-white)
- The picture must be clear with the face in focus
- It must be printed on normal photographic paper
- You must not be smiling, with glasses, hat/cap (unless related to religious belief)
- The photograph must be pasted on the Visa Application Form
Processing time of visa application
The processing time of the Russian visa application may take up to 10 days. It depends on the decision of the Embassy or Consulate General of the Russian Federation in India. In cases of emergency visa application requests. The processing time can be shortened to 3 working days. In certain cases, it can be shorter than 3 days as well.
Certain applicants’ processing can take up to 30 days as well if found necessary by the Embassy of the Russian Federation in India.
