RUDN University [RUDN], Moscow Courses, Fees, Ranking, & Admission Criteria

RUDN University - [RUDN], Moscow, Moscow

Moscow, MoscowLocation
UniversitySchool type
Estd1960established year
38484enrollment
Public
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Study Abroad Team

Updated on - Jul 18, 2026

RUDN University, also known as the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, sits in southwest Moscow. Founded in 1960, it is ranked #359 in QS World University Rankings 2027 and hosts one of the largest international student communities in Russia.

The university runs seven faculties, ten institutes and 156 research labs. RUDN leads Russian institutions in English-taught master’s programs, with over 25 foreign-language tracks spanning petroleum engineering, computer science, international relations and modern languages. Indian applicants enter through direct portfolio admission with two intakes each year.

  • Global rank: #359 (QS World 2027), #801 (THE World 2026)
  • Acceptance rate: 60% (estimated)
  • Intakes: September main cycle, February limited PG cycle
  • Average annual PG tuition: USD 4,000 to 6,000 (₹3.4 to 5.1 lakh)
  • International students: Over 10,000 from 160 countries
  • MBBS annual fee band: USD 10,000 to 12,000 (₹8.5 to 10.2 lakh)

Russian federal law lets Indian PG applicants skip GRE and GMAT for most tracks. Portfolio scoring replaces standardized exams. On-campus dorm residents spend ₹27,000 to 42,000 monthly on living costs. Graduates may extend residency through employer sponsorship inside Russia. RUDN sits among the most affordable QS top-400 options for Indian students exploring study in Russia pathways.

Exchange rate used: 1 USD = ₹85 and 1 RUB = ₹1.24 as of July 2026

Admission Status: Closing Soon (September 2026 intake). Master’s applications for tuition-based admission close on 13 August 2026, with entrance evaluation running to 19 August 2026. Indian applicants targeting September 2027 entry should wait for the next cycle. That cycle is expected to open around 20 June 2027 on the RUDN portal, closing mid-August 2027 in line with the current pattern.


Popular Courses and Fees at RUDN University 2027

RUDN University fees for Indian students follow a flat annual structure per program level. Master’s tracks run for two years and Bachelor’s tracks for four to six years. Branch programs at partner institutes may vary. All figures below are session-derived bands pending final confirmation on the official fee schedule.

The top ten master’s tracks by Indian applicant demand appear first. All are annual fee ranges converted into two-year total investment. Language of instruction varies between English-only, Russian-only and bilingual formats.

ProgramLanguageTotal Fee (USD)Total Fee (INR lakh)Entry Requirement
MSc LinguisticsEnglish or RussianUSD 8,000 to 11,000 (estimated)₹6.8 to 9.35 lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended)
MA Modern LanguagesEnglish or RussianUSD 8,000 to 11,000 (estimated)₹6.8 to 9.35 lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended)
Master in Petroleum EngineeringEnglishUSD 11,000 to 13,000 (estimated)₹9.35 to 11.05 lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s in Engineering with 60% (recommended)
MBAEnglishUSD 11,000 to 13,000 (estimated)₹9.35 to 11.05 lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s with 55% plus one to two years of work experience (recommended)
MSc Computer ScienceEnglishUSD 9,000 to 12,000 (estimated)₹7.65 to 10.2 lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s in CS or IT with 55% (recommended)
MSc EconomicsEnglishUSD 8,000 to 11,000 (estimated)₹6.8 to 9.35 lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended)
MA International RelationsEnglish or RussianUSD 8,000 to 11,000 (estimated)₹6.8 to 9.35 lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended)
Master of Public HealthEnglishUSD 9,000 to 12,000 (estimated)₹7.65 to 10.2 lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s in health science with 55% (recommended)
MSc ChemistryEnglish or RussianUSD 8,000 to 11,000 (estimated)₹6.8 to 9.35 lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s in Chemistry with 55% (recommended)
LLM Master of LawsEnglish or RussianUSD 9,000 to 12,000 (estimated)₹7.65 to 10.2 lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s in Law with 55% (recommended)

Undergraduate tracks for Indian applicants concentrate on medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, engineering and economics. MBBS runs for six years including a preparatory year. Non-medical Bachelor’s programs run for four years.

ProgramLanguageTotal Fee (USD)Total Fee (INR lakh)Entry Requirement
MBBS (6 years)English and RussianUSD 60,000 to 72,000 (estimated)₹51 to 61.2 lakh (estimated)Class 12 with 50% in PCB plus NEET qualification (mandatory per NMC)
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (5 years)English and RussianUSD 40,000 to 55,000 (estimated)₹34 to 46.75 lakh (estimated)Class 12 with 50% in PCB (recommended)
Bachelor of Pharmacy (5 years)English and RussianUSD 20,000 to 25,000 (estimated)₹17 to 21.25 lakh (estimated)Class 12 with 55% in PCB (recommended)
BTech Engineering (4 years)English or RussianUSD 15,000 to 20,000 (estimated)₹12.75 to 17 lakh (estimated)Class 12 with 60% in PCM (recommended)
Bachelor of Economics (4 years)English or RussianUSD 14,000 to 18,000 (estimated)₹11.9 to 15.3 lakh (estimated)Class 12 with 60% (recommended)

Insider note: Indian applicants at RUDN concentrate in MBBS, petroleum engineering and MBA. MBBS carries NEET as a hard prerequisite for FMGE eligibility back home. Petroleum engineering pairs well with entry roles in Gulf oilfield services.

Read More: RUDN University Fees and Program Guide


RUDN University Admission 2027

RUDN University admission for Indian applicants operates through a portfolio-competition model. Two intakes run each year, with September serving as the primary entry point for degree seekers. The February cycle covers select master’s and PhD tracks.

MilestoneDateNotes for Indian Applicants
Master’s application window opensExpected 20 June 2027 (based on 2026 cycle)Portal opens at international.rudn.ru with fresh forms for Fall 2027 entry
Master’s application close (tuition-based)Expected 13 August 2027 (based on 2026 cycle)Portfolio, motivation letter and diploma copies must be uploaded by this date
Bachelor’s application close (tuition-based)Expected 10 August 2027 (based on 2026 cycle)Class 12 marksheet plus NEET score (for medical) required for Indian applicants
PhD application windowExpected 20 June to 11 September 2027 (based on 2026 cycle)Research proposal and supervisor consent letter needed by close date
Academic year start1 September 2027Migration registration must complete within seven days of Indian arrival

Planning note: Indian applicants should begin apostille and Russian translation of transcripts by April 2027. Consulate slots for education-visa interviews tighten in July and August. Start migration paperwork immediately after conditional offer.

Read More: RUDN University Admissions Guide for Indian Students


RUDN University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027

RUDN University admission requirements for Indian applicants combine academic thresholds, English or Russian proficiency and credential verification. The full checklist lives in the Admissions silo.

Postgraduate applicants:

  • Academic: Bachelor’s degree with 55% aggregate or CGPA 5.5 out of 10 (recommended). A diploma from a Top-500 university under QS, THE or ARWU adds portfolio scoring credit.
  • English proficiency: IELTS 5.5 to 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 60 to 70 for English-taught tracks (verify at international.rudn.ru). Indian medium-of-instruction letter often waives the test.
  • Credential verification: Russian Ministry of Education equivalence certificate. Turnaround is 45 to 60 days from submission.
  • Standout item: Portfolio scoring minimum of 30 points on a 100-scale rubric that credits publications, internships and prior olympiad wins.

Undergraduate applicants:

  • Academic: Class 12 with 50 to 60% depending on program (recommended). MBBS applicants must clear NEET as a mandatory NMC condition for foreign medical study.
  • Language: English medium of instruction confirmation from school for English-taught programs. Russian-taught programs need a one-year preparatory faculty pass at USD 4,300 to 4,900 (₹3.66 to 4.17 lakh).
  • Credential path: Apostilled Class 12 marksheet plus notarized Russian translation.

Key insight: RUDN treats a school letter certifying English medium as valid English proof for many Bachelor’s applicants. This waiver removes IELTS pressure for CBSE, ICSE and IB graduates but must be requested in writing during application.


RUDN University Acceptance Rate 2027

RUDN University acceptance rate sits at approximately 60% (estimated) based on third-party enrollment analyses. The rate is not officially disclosed by RUDN itself, so reliability is moderate. MBBS and petroleum engineering show tighter selection than humanities.

Portfolio scoring drives most admissions decisions. Indian applicants clearing NEET and holding 60% or above in Class 12 usually secure MBBS offers. Master’s admits with a Top-500 undergraduate diploma see the highest offer conversion.

Reality check: The overall rate hides sharp program-level variation. RUDN medical tracks reject roughly one in three qualified applicants due to seat caps. Non-medical Bachelor’s admits regularly cross 75% for applicants with completed portfolios.

Read More: MS Universities in Russia for Indian Students


RUDN University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027

Total annual outlay for Indian students at RUDN University runs USD 8,000 to 15,000 for tuition-plus-living (₹6.8 to 12.75 lakh). MBBS pushes annual outlay to USD 14,000 to 17,000 (₹11.9 to 14.45 lakh). Living costs move on Moscow inflation while tuition is dollar-pegged.

RUDN University Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027

RUDN publishes a single annual tuition figure per program. Additional charges cover hostel, medical insurance and migration registration. Comparable QS-ranked programs in the United Kingdom cost three to five times the RUDN rate.

Program LevelAnnual Tuition (USD)Annual Tuition (INR lakh)
Preparatory FacultyUSD 4,300 to 4,900₹3.66 to 4.17 lakh
Bachelor’s (non-medical)USD 3,600 to 5,000 (estimated)₹3.06 to 4.25 lakh (estimated)
MBBSUSD 10,000 to 12,000 (estimated)₹8.5 to 10.2 lakh (estimated)
Master’sUSD 4,000 to 6,500 (estimated)₹3.4 to 5.53 lakh (estimated)
PhDUSD 4,000 to 5,500 (estimated)₹3.4 to 4.68 lakh (estimated)

Monthly Cost of Living at RUDN University Moscow for Indian Students

RUDN operates dormitories on campus, keeping accommodation among the cheapest in any global top-400 city. Food costs drop further at the campus canteen. Students exploring MBA universities in Russia compare Moscow living costs closely with Saint Petersburg.

ExpenseMonthly Cost (RUB)Monthly Cost (INR)
Accommodation (dormitory)2,000 to 7,000₹2,480 to 8,680
Food15,000 to 20,000₹18,600 to 24,800
Transportation3,000 to 4,000₹3,720 to 4,960
Books and supplies1,500 to 2,500₹1,860 to 3,100
Personal expenses5,000 to 8,000₹6,200 to 9,920
Total (monthly)26,500 to 41,500₹32,860 to 51,460
Total (annual)318,000 to 498,000₹3.94 to 6.17 lakh

[Source: RUDN accommodation portal, session-derived Moscow estimates]

Insider note: Off-campus shared apartments near Yugo-Zapadnaya metro run RUB 25,000 to 40,000 monthly (₹31,000 to 49,600). Winter clothing adds a one-time ₹15,000 to 25,000 in the first October of study.

Read More: Cost of Living in Russia for Indian Students


RUDN University Campus, Facilities and Student Life

RUDN University campus spreads over 50 hectares in southwest Moscow. The site functions as a self-contained student city with academic buildings, hostels, sports arenas and clinics all inside a walkable perimeter.

  • Location: Yugo-Zapadnaya district, 25 minutes to Red Square via the Sokolnicheskaya metro line.
  • Housing: Nine dormitory blocks with roughly 8,000 beds, guaranteeing accommodation for first-year international students.
  • Facilities: A 156-lab research complex, an on-site medical clinic and a UI GreenMetric-topped campus environment among Russian universities.
  • Indian community: The Indian Association of Graduates has operated since December 2009, running cultural events and mentoring for new arrivals.

What Indian students say: Language exchange with roommates from Africa and Latin America builds Russian faster than classes. Winter clothing purchases in Moscow are cheaper than shipping from India. Metro access from the Yugo-Zapadnaya stop halves any commute across the city.


RUDN University Scholarships 2027

RUDN University scholarships for Indian students include competitive quota tracks and merit awards. Three flagship programs cover the strongest funding pathways for Indian applicants.

ScholarshipTypeAward ValueEligibilityDeadline
Russian Government Quota ScholarshipFully fundedFull tuition waiver plus RUB 2,500 to 6,500 monthly stipend (₹3,100 to 8,060)Indian applicants apply through Rossotrudnichestvo India officeVerify at official quota portal
Open Doors Russian Scholarship ProjectMeritFull tuition waiver plus RUB 25,000 stipend for Master’s winners (₹31,000)Olympiad winners entering Master’s or PhDExpected December 2026 to March 2027
RUDN Brilliant Students AwardMeritPartial tuition discount (verify at official page)High academic performers in ongoing programsRolling internal nomination

[Source: RUDN scholarship portal, Open Doors project official page]

Planning note: Russian Government Quota applications for Indian students open annually in December through the Rossotrudnichestvo Indian office. Roughly 100 seats route to India across all Russian universities. Prepare a strong statement of purpose focused on India-Russia collaboration themes.

Read More: Top Universities in Russia for Indian Students


RUDN University Rankings 2027

RUDN University’s strongest global position is on QS World, where it holds #359 in QS 2027. THE World Rankings placed it in the #801 band for 2026. ARWU and US News Best Global Universities do not currently list RUDN in their headline top-500 tables.

Ranking BodyLatest EditionPrevious EditionTwo Editions Back
QS World2027: #3592026: #3672025: #316
THE World2026: #8012025: #601 to #8002024: #601 to #800
US News Global2025-2026: Not ranked in top 500NANA
ARWU Shanghai2025: Not ranked in top 500NANA

[Source: QS, Times Higher Education]

QS 2024 by Subject placed RUDN Linguistics at #43, Modern Languages at #47 and Petroleum Engineering in the #51 to #100 band. The university also carries UI GreenMetric leadership as the greenest campus in Russia.

Key insight: For Indian applicants, a QS top-400 rank matters most for post-study visa eligibility in third countries. RUDN’s #359 keeps it inside the sub-400 band that many employer credential platforms treat as a preferred tier.

Read More: RUDN University Rankings Analysis


RUDN University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027

RUDN University placements route Indian graduates into three main streams. Medical graduates target FMGE clearance and NMC registration back in India. Petroleum engineering alumni move into Gulf oilfield services. MBA graduates land Russian and CIS regional roles.

  • Employment support: RUDN Department for Internships and Employment maintains recruiter partnerships across Russia and CIS.
  • Median MBBS entry salary in India: ₹6 to 10 lakh per year post-FMGE clearance (market median).
  • Median petroleum engineering entry salary: USD 25,000 to 40,000 in Gulf entry roles (₹21.25 to 34 lakh, market median).
  • Post-study route: Graduates may transition to a Russian work visa via employer sponsorship. No fixed post-study work permit period applies.
  • Notable Indian alumnus: Mohammad Sami, theoretical physicist and dark-energy researcher whose 2011 paper appeared in Nobel Committee documentation.

Insider note: Recruiting for Indian RUDN graduates concentrates in Delhi and Mumbai medical boards, ONGC-adjacent hiring for petroleum tracks and CIS-focused Indian consultancies. Career services help with LinkedIn optimization and India licensing prep for medicine.

RUDN University vs Peer Universities

Indian applicants weighing RUDN University often compare it with Sechenov University, Lomonosov Moscow State University and HSE University. The panel below covers QS rank, average PG tuition and the single strongest differentiator.

UniversityQS Rank 2027Avg Annual PG Fee (USD)Avg Annual PG Fee (INR lakh)Differentiator
RUDN University#359USD 4,500 to 6,000 (estimated)₹3.83 to 5.10 lakh (estimated)India-focused campus support with structured MBBS and English-taught PG
Lomonosov Moscow State UniversityNA (verify at QS)USD 5,500 to 8,000 (estimated)₹4.68 to 6.80 lakh (estimated)Strongest Russian research reputation, mostly Russian-taught tracks
Sechenov UniversityNA (verify at QS)USD 10,000 to 13,000 (estimated)₹8.5 to 11.05 lakh (estimated)Medical-only focus with longest NMC recognition track record
HSE UniversityNA (verify at QS)USD 6,500 to 9,500 (estimated)₹5.53 to 8.08 lakh (estimated)Strongest social sciences and economics research profile in Russia

RUDN stands out on affordability inside the QS top-400 combined with the biggest English-taught PG portfolio in Russia. The 156-lab research base and long Indian-alumni network sharpen the case for petroleum, medicine and international relations applicants.

RUDN University fits Indian applicants who want a QS-ranked degree at under ₹12 lakh total investment against a projected median entry salary of USD 25,000 to 40,000 in Gulf oilfield roles or petroleum consultancies. The Rossotrudnichestvo quota route can eliminate tuition entirely for high scorers, and NMC-aligned MBBS structure removes FMGE surprises for medical hopefuls exploring official admission intake channels.

Applicants targeting research-heavy PhDs in economics or hard sciences see a stronger fit at HSE or Lomonosov MSU where funded doctoral streams run deeper. Students needing a purely English on-campus MBA route with QS top-100 recognition should look at IE Business School Madrid instead.


RUDN University FAQs

Ques. Does RUDN accept Indian students without IELTS?

Ans. RUDN accepts Indian applicants without IELTS if Class 12 or Bachelor’s transcripts show English medium of instruction. A school-issued medium letter usually satisfies the waiver request. Borderline cases may see an internal English assessment run by the admissions office. Russian-taught programs bypass IELTS entirely but require a preparatory-year Russian language pass before enrollment.

Ques. What programs at RUDN University are taught in English?

Ans. RUDN University offers over 25 foreign-language programs, with most in English. Full English-taught Master’s tracks include Petroleum Engineering, Computer Science, International Relations, MBA, MSc Economics and MSc Chemistry. Master of Public Health and Modern Languages run bilingual formats. MBBS uses English medium for the first three years and Russian for clinical rotations from year four.

Ques. How much does RUDN MBBS cost for Indian students?

Ans. Total MBBS fees at RUDN University run USD 60,000 to 72,000 across six years (₹51 to 61.2 lakh estimated). Annual tuition sits at USD 10,000 to 12,000. Dormitory and food add ₹4 to 5 lakh yearly. NEET qualification is mandatory per NMC rules for Indian applicants pursuing MBBS abroad and returning to India.

Ques. Can Indian students work part-time at RUDN University?

Ans. Indian students at RUDN University may work part-time up to 20 hours per week during term. A permit from the Russian migration service is mandatory before starting. Common part-time roles include tutoring, freelance IT projects and Russian language assistance. Employers must issue a formal contract, and the job must be registered at the local migration office within seven days.

Ques. Is NEET required for RUDN medical admission?

Ans. Yes, NEET qualification is mandatory for Indian applicants pursuing MBBS at RUDN University. India’s National Medical Commission requires all Indian students planning MBBS abroad to clear NEET before enrollment. Without a valid NEET score, the FMGE licensing exam becomes ineligible after graduation. RUDN itself does not set a NEET cutoff but credits verified scorecards in portfolio review.

Ques. What documents does RUDN University require from Indian applicants?

Ans. Indian applicants at RUDN University must submit apostilled Class 12 or Bachelor’s transcripts, passport copy and birth certificate. Medical fitness certificate including HIV test and passport-sized photographs are also required. Master’s candidates add a motivation letter and CV. Documents need notarized Russian translation via the Russian consulate or Ministry of External Affairs India before submission.

Ques. Does RUDN University have a February intake?

Ans. RUDN University operates a limited February intake for select Master’s and PhD programs. Humanities, international relations and some economics tracks accept February entries. Main intake stays September, with applications due around 13 August. February intake candidates should apply by December of the preceding year. Confirm program eligibility at intstudent@rudn.ru before targeting a February start.

Ques. How safe is RUDN University Moscow for Indian students?

Ans. RUDN University’s 50-hectare campus in southwest Moscow runs 24-hour security with residence-based access control. The area holds a large Indian diaspora and Indian restaurants near the campus perimeter. The Indian Association of Graduates has coordinated peer support since 2009. Winter clothing and health insurance registration within the first week of arrival remain the two main practical steps.

RUDN University Program Fees & Deadlines

ProgramImportant DatesFees
MBBS
6 years
Document submission period for 2027 Intake (10th Aug 2026)
USD 9,072 /Yr
RUB 907,200 /Yr

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Important Alerts

EventsDates
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery [MBBS] Document submission period for 2027 Intake
Closing in 21 days

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6 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Important Date: 10 Aug, 2026
USD 9,072 /YrRUB 907,200 /Yr

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Attendance Cost

$9,072

attendance cost

The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees

Tuition fees
Undergraduate Programs
$9,072 / Year

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