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The questions are divided into these
6 sections. Please click on the desired sections to access the
frequently asked questions :
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The standard of higher education in Russia is considered to
be one of the most advanced and sophisticated in the world.
Russian degrees have received global recognition and have
topped World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
rankings.
Compared to Western countries, the cost of your higher education
in Russia is less than half. For Malaysian students, a Russian
university degree will cost around RM 250,000 to RM 300,000
for the whole course compared to between RM 500,000 and RM 1,000,000
in other countries.
Yes, all 4 Russian medical institutions we represent
are approved by the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) and Jabatan
Perkhidmatan Awam (JPA).
Kindly refer to the website: http://www.eghrmis.gov.my/
Russia offers many undergraduate and post-graduate courses
in a variety of fields including medicine, arts, music, architecture,
aerospace engineering and IT. Choose the one best suited to
your needs.
At Russian Resources Sdn Bhd, we have a comprehensive list
of Russian universities for you to refer to. There is a brief
list of Russian universities in our links section.
The requirements for entry into a Russian university vary
depending on the type of degree that you are applying.
You can apply through Russian Resources Sdn Bhd or our authorised
representatives nationwide.
This website has a general overview of the entry requirements
or you may contact us directly.
The completed forms are required by the Kementerian Pendidikan
Malaysia. The forms are provided free of charge, and can be
obtained from us. The following are brief descriptions of
the purpose of each form:
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Students are required to provide their personal details
– name, address, age, date of birth, results of medical
examination etc. |
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Students are to acknowledge that they will abide by
laws and regulation of host country, and to avoid activities
that will mar the name of Malaysia. |
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Students are required to provide details of their
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Before you leave for your studies in Russia, you may enrol
in a Russian Language class at our respective offices in Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Kuching.
If the medium of instruction for your intended course is Russian,
you will receive an academic year-long Preparatory course conducted
in Russian before you begin your actual university studies.
This course teaches you Russian in more detail and also covers
the prerequisite subjects that you need to know to begin your
university studies.
Students admitted into the English medium will undertake the
courses in English simultaneously with the systematic study
of the Russian language. It gives an opportunity for students
to overcome the language barrier at the beginning and to learn
Russian at a less intensive pace.
In some medical courses, the disciplines in the senior years
(4th – 6th year) including the clinical studies at local hospitals
and clinics will be conducted in Russian. Students are therefore
required to be proficient in the Russian language so that they
are able to gain the most out of their higher education in Russia.
In short, proficiency in Russian is a MUST if you choose
to enrol in Russian Higher Education.
In most Russian universities and institutes, there is generally
a teacher student ratio of 1:8 -10, which gives you a more attentive
and personal learning environment.
Presently, there are no scholarships or loans offered to Malaysian
students by Russian institutions of higher education.
There are two intakes. Local intake commences on January based on SPM forecast results.
Russian intake for both pre-medical and first year course commences on September/October.
Applications for admissions for entrance to the Preparatory
Course or the first Academic year of undergraduate degrees are
invited from January to June of each year.
Please contact us for further details on available courses and application deadlines.
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Yes, international students require a visa to enter Russia for
their education. The visa application must be submitted together
with your Application for Admission to Higher Education in Russia.
For new application, your passport must be valid for at least
18 months from your departure date.
Upon acceptance to the university or institution, the university
(your host) will issue you an official letter of invitation.
We will submit this letter together with your visa application
to the local Russian embassy or consulate for processing.
When will I receive my visa?
Visa approvals take approximately 8-10 weeks. Students are encouraged
to submit their applications and payments early to allow sufficient
time for approvals.
Visas are generally scheduled to arrive 1-2 weeks before departure
to Russia. However, late applicants may not receive their visas
in time. Urgent approvals for visas will incur additional cost.
As a student, you will enter Russia on a student visa that is
sponsored by the University or Institution that will be hosting
you. Student visas are valid for the duration of the course
that you are pursuing in Russia.
Students with student visas are NOT allowed to seek employment
in Russia.
When you know your travel dates out of the country, you MUST apply with the Russian
University for what is termed as an "Exit-Re-Entry" visa, which
allows you to leave and return again without giving up your
student visa. You will need to submit additional photos, and
to pay a fee. You should also apply for this at least 3 weeks
before your planned travel dates, and you will need to specify
the "travel window (exit and return dates)" during which this
"Exit-Re-Entry" visa should be valid.
Do not lose this "Exit-Re-Entry" visa, as entry to
Russia is not permitted without this document. Re-application
/ replacement can only be processed by the University concerned.
This may take between 4 to 6 weeks. All students are strongly
advised to staple this visa slip to their passport as this is
not done by the authorities.
The visa you receive initially is only your permission to enter
Russia. Once you arrive, you have 72 hours during which to register
the visa. In the case of a student visa, this registration process
is done by the university. They will register it for the period
for which you have enrolled in your course.
You must register your visa within 72 hours of your
arrival in Russia otherwise you will be liable to a hefty fine.
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First time students going to Russia are encouraged to travel
with us in a group with other students. Students will be accompanied
and met at the Airport and brought to the University to register
and to check-in to student housing.
A few weeks before departure, a briefing session will be conducted
to brief students and parents with regards to travel arrangements
and departure dates. Parents and students are strongly encouraged
to attend and to participate in the Q&A session following
the briefing. This is the best time to seek answers to questions
that you may have prior the students’ departure to Russia.
Students should have bags that can be securely fastened, locked
and labelled. International airlines allow passengers to check
two bags per person, with a MAXIMUM weight of 30 kilograms.
In addition, a small, less than 6 kg, carry-on bag is allowed,
including a laptop. Please note domestic Malaysian airlines impose lower baggage limitations.
Students are strongly encouraged to keep to the maximum weight
allowed to avoid check-in delays and additional costs of excess
baggage.
Often students who are staying for a year are not sure about
their return date. From experience, students are advised to
purchase a fixed ticket with a tentative return date.
If you need to change your return date, it is often changeable
for a small fee, but this should be confirmed with the ticketing
agent at the time of purchase.
Domestic flights in Russia are quite strict and permit only
a MAXIMUM of 20 kilograms per person in total for both their
carry-on and check-in baggage.
As for trains, there are typically four passengers per compartment,
and it is not necessary that passengers of the same sex share
the same compartment – so you should be prepared! There are
also sleeping cars with two passengers per compartment but the
cost is very much higher. Each passenger is limited to 35 kilograms
without extra payment. An overnight trip from Moscow to Nizhny
Novgorod takes about eight hours (450 miles)
Registration is a process that affects all travellers in Russia
including Russian citizens. Visitors to any city for more than
72 hours (count business days only) are technically required
to register. This function is performed by hotels at check-in;
in the case where a visitor is staying at a private residence,
the registration must be done by the visitor at the local police
station.
While this is not regularly enforced, it can come up during
your travel. If you take a weekend trip somewhere, this is generally
not a problem. But, you can be stopped at anytime by the local
police and asked to prove you that you are here less than 72
hours if you do not have local registration. Therefore to avoid
any issues with the police, you are strongly advised to abide
by this regulation.
Of course, they can! However, the Russian university or institute
you are currently studying at and the Russian government is
not responsible for the travel expenses or arranging accommodation
for your family.
Students must apply to the University for an Invitation letter
for your family. With this letter, your family then can apply
for a visa for entry into Russia at the local Russian Embassy
or Consulate. Please allow between 4-8 weeks for the visa application
process.
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Students are advised to bring about (new notes) when they leave
for Russia for the first time. This will be needed for initial
expenditures for clothes, medical insurance, and other items
that you may need to begin your stay in Russia.
Students who are enrolled for the preparatory course, pre-University
course, and the first academic year must pay their tuition fees
to us before leaving for the University in Russia.
For subsequent years, tuition fees must be paid prior to beginning
of the next academic year at the University or to RRSB. Students
may choose to pay, in cash, directly to the University in Russia.
But, to avoid carrying large sums of money to Russia, students
are advised to pay their fees through us (via bank-draft), and
we will then transmit the fees to the University.
Returning students are strongly advised to pay RRSB immediately
upon their return.
Tuition fees may be reviewed and increased from year to year.
But for students who are already enrolled, the increase in tuition
fees will not affect them.
The university or institution will stipulate the yearly tuition
fees at the time of the student’s enrolment. These fees are
then fixed for the duration of the whole course.
Hostel fees are subjected to increment as stipulated by the University.
Living in Russia is quite affordable although the cost of living
differ from city to city; the most expensive being in Moscow.
For living expenses, students are recommended to set aside about
US$ 200-300 per month for personal needs in Moscow. Other cities
may require less expenditure; for example in Volgograd and Nizhny
Novgorod US$ 200-250 will be sufficient.
As Russian institutions have a statutory obligation to provide
students with hostel rooms the accommodation costs are included
in the tuition fees. Rooms are shared with one or two other
students.
Any changes in terms of hostel improvements or transfer to bigger
rooms can sometimes be marginally imposed by the University
and students will need to comply accordingly.
Students can withdraw money through ATM machines in Russia if
they have a savings account in Malaysia which has a Global ATM
card that is on the CIRRUS, MAESTRO or PLUS network. Money deposited
in the saving account in Malaysia will be available for withdrawal
in Russia the next working day. Depending on the ATM machine,
US dollars or Russian roubles can be withdrawn.
There will be a transaction fee associated with each withdrawal;
you are advised to check this with your bank.
Although credit cards are readily accepted in Moscow, it is
best to limit their use. In the smaller cities, however, very
few businesses accept them. It is best to bring cash in denominations
of USD $20-50.
With frequent changes in exchange, it is
best not to cash more than your need. Also, please ensure that
you have clean, crisp dollar bills not older than 2002, because
each one is checked. Torn, disfigured or crumpled notes may
not be accepted for exchange in Russia.
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Moscow is a very big city, and thus carries with it some of
the dangers of similar large cities in the world. Most problems
arise as a result of alcohol, in or around places where there
is considerable drinking. This can easily and should be avoided.
Common sense is the best thing to carry with you. Do not travel
alone especially in the late evenings and night, and to avoid
quiet streets. Other cities are smaller, quieter and safer but
still, it is no substitute for plain common sense.
Students are also advised not to carry too much cash or valuables
with them.
These “skinheads” do exist, and they apparently have no other
purpose in their lives other than to target individuals that
they perceive as foreigners. Skinheads are not unique to Russia
as they are also found in other European cities. Although they
are a concern, especially in Moscow, incidents involving them
are rare.
Yes, medical insurance is required upon registration at the
University. It is not included in the tuition fees, but it is
provided at a nominal sum to be paid directly to your university.
Students sponsored by the Russian Government will be given medical
insurance in accordance with the law of the Russian Federation.
No, you do not need any vaccinations. But, students will have
to undergo a general medical examination and a standard blood
screen that includes a mandatory test for HIV in Malaysia as
part of the application requirement.
Additionally as of year 2005, all new and returning students
must undergo HIV test in Russia at a nominal fee. As long as
you return, you need to repeat this HIV test.
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The university you choose to go to will provide comfortable
basic student accommodation with common kitchen facilities.
The cost is included in the yearly tuition fee that is paid
to the University. Student housing will provide you an exciting
opportunity to learn more about Russian culture and students
cultures from other countries.
For those who prefer to live out of university, private apartments
are available, but students will have to rent them on their
own.
The applicable hostel fees will be refunded. However this refund is limited on a yearly basis
and no transfer will be made until expiry of the yearly contract.
Life in Russia is very different from home. Things that are
taken for granted as routine at home may be very time consuming
and frustrating in Russia. Also, life in student housing can
be very challenging. Besides taking care of yourself, you will
have to adapt and live with students from all over the world
whose cultures are very different from yours. It is very important
that you learn to adapt and handle each situation with maturity
and poise.
Students can dine at low-priced cafeterias which are located
in the University or institution. Alternatively, there are cafes,
restaurants and fast-foods chains (McDonalds, Pizza Hut etc)
in the cities where you can dine.
Student housing usually provides shared kitchen facilities for
those who prefer to cook their meals. There are many supermarkets
and stores where you can purchase your food if you choose to
cook. Shared cooking among the international students is also
a popular activity.
It is not all hard work when studying in Russia. Learning is
not just confined to the classroom. There is a wide range of
cultural activities to check out. Universities can arrange trips
which provide an insight into the culture, history and geography
of Russia. There are also museums and galleries to explore.
Students enjoy a wide selection of extracurricular activities
that may include drama productions, horse riding, pilot lessons
and sports. There are also concerts, parties, and camping trips
that are organised by the student unions.
With most universities located in communities, many social and
recreational activities and facilities are available to students;
these include opera houses, ballets, and plays.
There are also numerous yearly traditional and cultural events
to look forward to.
Winters are extremely cold and damp; temperatures can fall as
low as -30 deg C. Interiors are usually well heated, so it is
preferable to dress in layers. Winter clothing is cheaper and
is easily available in Russia, you should plan to buy most of
your winter clothes there.
Summers are warm and humid, and temperatures can rise to the
mid-30 deg C. So, pack some light clothing for warm weather
especially those that you can throw on a sweater over if the
weather gets colder.
You may be better off taking a few extra dollars with you as
you can buy practically every kind of food and toiletry in Russia.
It is recommended, however, that you bring something just for
the first few days.
In winter, from December to February, temperatures can be as
low as – 30° C. You should have “warm” clothes for this season.
Thousands of students from Africa and Asia are studying in Russia
and feel comfortable in winter. Be prepared that in summer it
can be rather hot – up to over 30° C in July!
For some institutions, the hostel is walking distance to the
campus, but for others, some travelling is required. The normal
mode of transportation for students is by bus and subway (underground
trains). Russia has an efficient and extensive public transportation
system. Buses and underground trains are reasonably priced and
easily accessible.
If you need to take a taxi, take only official cabs, as opposed
to a “private or gypsy taxi” with a self-employed driver. Negotiate
fare in advance as meters are rarely used. Never enter a taxi
with another person, who is not known to you, already in it.
Yes, you can. If you have a notebook or hand phone you can take
it with you. If not, you can buy them in Russia. Prices for
these products and many other items may be lower there than
in Malaysia.
There are also numerous cyber-cafés in the cities where you
can e-mail or chat online with your friends and family.
Yes, you can. Russia is home to over 100 nationalities and ethnic
groups, as well as different religions. The Russian Orthodox
Church is the largest religious group while Islam is the second
most practiced religion.
Russia operates on 220 volts 50hz. Videos operate on PAL-SECAM
system. It is NOT recommended that you bring appliances with
you. They can be purchased there later if you need them. Otherwise, DO bring along a universal adapter.
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