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

RUDN University - [RUDN], Moscow, Moscow

Moscow, MoscowLocation
UniversitySchool type
Estd1960established year
38484enrollment
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Updated on - Sep 7, 2026

RUDN University, officially the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, is a public research university in southwest Moscow ranked #359 in QS World University Rankings 2027. Founded in 1960, RUDN enrols over 28,000 students including more than 10,000 international students from 160 countries.

RUDN offers 180 academic programmes across engineering, medicine, economics, humanities and philology. Seven full English-medium tracks and many bilingual options are available for international applicants. The university is popular with Indian students for its MBBS programme, agriculture research, and affordable tuition backed by dormitory housing from RUB 1,100 per month. Most PG and UG entries use a portfolio and interview route without GRE or GMAT. Peer benchmarking is easier by comparing top universities in Russia.

  • QS World Ranking 2027: #359
  • Acceptance rate: 40 to 50% (estimated)
  • Intakes: September (primary); February for select programmes
  • PG tuition: $4,000 to $6,500 per year (₹3.79 to 6.15 lakh)
  • MBBS tuition: $10,000 to $12,000 per year (₹9.47 to 11.36 lakh)
  • Languages of instruction: Russian, English, Chinese, French and Spanish

Also Check: MS in Russia Guide for Indian Students

RUDN fees rank among the lowest for a globally ranked research university. Indian applicants can additionally compete for the Russian Government Quota that covers 100% tuition plus a monthly stipend. Rolling admissions until early October each cycle give flexibility for late applications after Class 12 board results.


Exchange rate used: 1 USD = ₹94.66 as of September 2026

Admission Status: Closing Soon (September 2026 intake). The extended admission round for the September 2026 intake closes on 02 October 2026 for both Bachelor’s and Master’s contract-based programmes. Indian applicants targeting the next cycle should plan for the September 2027 intake, which is expected to open on 20 June 2027 based on the prior cycle and typically closes early August 2027 with an October extension round.

Popular Courses and Fees at RUDN University 2027

RUDN University runs 180 academic programmes across seven faculties, with fees fixed on an annual basis and published each admission cycle. Bachelor’s programmes for international students start at $3,600 per year and Master’s tuition begins at $4,000 per year. The MBBS programme, taught in English medium for Indian students, sits in a higher band tied to clinical training costs.

RUDN University Master’s Programmes and Fees 2027

The following ten postgraduate programmes are among the most subscribed by international applicants. Every Master’s programme runs for two years, so total tuition equals annual fee multiplied by two.

ProgrammeLanguage of InstructionTotal Fee (USD)Total Fee (₹ INR lakh)Entry Requirement
MSc Petroleum EngineeringEnglish$13,000₹12.31 lakhBachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended)
MSc Computer ScienceEnglish, Russian$9,000₹8.52 lakhBachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended)
MA International RelationsEnglish$10,000₹9.47 lakhBachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended)
MA EconomicsEnglish, Russian$9,000₹8.52 lakhBachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended)
MSc Applied MathematicsRussian$8,000₹7.57 lakhBachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6/10 (recommended)
MSc ChemistryRussian$8,000₹7.57 lakhBachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended)
MSc Environmental ScienceEnglish, Russian$9,000₹8.52 lakhBachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended)
MSc AgricultureRussian$8,000₹7.57 lakhBachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended)
MA International LawEnglish$10,000₹9.47 lakhBachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6/10 (recommended)
MA Linguistics and Modern LanguagesRussian$8,000₹7.57 lakhBachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended)

Insider note: Indian students most often pick MBBS, Petroleum Engineering, Computer Science and Agriculture at RUDN because these programmes offer either English-medium instruction or clear career pathways in India.

RUDN University Bachelor’s Programmes and Fees 2027

Bachelor’s programmes run for four years except MBBS, which is a six-year specialist programme. Total tuition below reflects the full duration for each course.

ProgrammeLanguage of InstructionTotal Fee (USD)Total Fee (₹ INR lakh)Entry Requirement
MBBS (General Medicine)English, Russian$60,000 to $72,000₹56.80 to 68.16 lakhClass 12 with 50% in Physics, Chemistry, Biology; valid NEET score
BEng Petroleum EngineeringEnglish, Russian$16,000 to $20,000₹15.15 to 18.93 lakhClass 12 with 65% to 80% (recommended)
BSc Computer ScienceEnglish, Russian$14,400 to $18,000₹13.63 to 17.04 lakhClass 12 with 65% to 80% (recommended)
BA International RelationsEnglish, Russian$14,400 to $18,000₹13.63 to 17.04 lakhClass 12 with 65% to 80% (recommended)
BBA EconomicsEnglish, Russian$14,400 to $18,000₹13.63 to 17.04 lakhClass 12 with 65% to 80% (recommended)

Read More: RUDN University Fees and Programs Guide


RUDN University Admission 2027

RUDN University admits international students to Bachelor’s, Specialist, Master’s and PhD programmes through a portfolio and interview process. The primary intake for Indian applicants is September, and applications for the next cycle open in June 2027.

MilestoneDateNotes for Indian Applicants
September 2026 intake extended round closes02 October 2026Final window for Bachelor’s and Master’s contract-based programmes
PhD applications close (September 2026 intake)11 September 2026Applies to postgraduate research programmes only
September 2027 primary window opensExpected 20 June 2027 (based on prior cycle)Rolling admissions until early August 2027
September 2027 primary window closesExpected 10 August 2027 (based on prior cycle)Additional round expected to run until early October 2027
Programme start (September 2027 intake)01 September 2027Orientation and Russian language onboarding for new students

Planning note: Indian applicants routing through the Russian Government Quota must start the Rossotrudnichestvo process by January or February of the intake year, since embassy interviews and document review add three months to the timeline.

Read More: RUDN University Admissions Guide for Indian Students


RUDN University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027

RUDN admission for Indian students is portfolio-based with a language competency check as the key gate. Test scores like IELTS and TOEFL are not mandatory when the applicant demonstrates B1 proficiency through university interview.

RUDN University Postgraduate Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 55% aggregate or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) in a relevant discipline
  • Language proficiency at B1 level minimum in the language of instruction (English or Russian); IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL iBT 65 (0 to 120 legacy scale) accepted where available
  • Portfolio including academic transcripts, research or work samples, and letters of recommendation
  • Passport and legalisation of educational documents through apostille or Russian consulate attestation

RUDN University Undergraduate Requirements

  • Class 12 marksheet with 65% to 80% (recommended); MBBS applicants need 50% in Physics, Chemistry and Biology plus a valid NEET score
  • Language proficiency at B1 level; applicants below this level enrol in the one-year Preparatory Faculty before starting the degree

Key insight: RUDN does not require GRE or GMAT for most PG programmes. Indian applicants without English test scores can clear the interview in Russian or through the university’s own language assessment.


RUDN University Acceptance Rate 2027

RUDN University does not officially publish an acceptance rate. Based on published international applicant volumes and quota allocations, the international acceptance rate sits at 40 to 50% (estimated) for portfolio-based admissions. The rate is higher for tuition-paying applicants and stricter for Russian Government Quota candidates.

Portfolio evaluation weighs previous GPA, subject alignment, olympiad participation and interview performance. Programmes like MBBS and Petroleum Engineering see the highest applicant volumes from Indian students.

Reality check: A well-prepared Indian applicant with 65% in Class 12 and clear programme rationale usually receives an offer. Quota-based admission is far more competitive because places are capped nationally at around 15,000 across all Russian universities.

Read More: RUDN University Acceptance Rate


RUDN University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027

Total annual cost for an Indian student at RUDN University typically ranges from $8,000 to $17,500 per year (₹7.57 to 16.57 lakh). Tuition drives most of the variance; living expenses in Moscow remain moderate compared with Western Europe.

RUDN University Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027

Fees are set per programme and published annually in the admission-year contract. The table below shows typical bands for international applicants at RUDN University.

Programme LevelAnnual Fee (USD)Annual Fee (₹ INR lakh)
Bachelor’s (non-medical)$3,600 to $5,000₹3.41 to 4.73 lakh
Bachelor’s MBBS (six-year)$10,000 to $12,000₹9.47 to 11.36 lakh
Master’s (all disciplines)$4,000 to $6,500₹3.79 to 6.15 lakh
PhD (three-year)$3,800 to $5,500₹3.60 to 5.21 lakh

[Source: RUDN University official tuition schedule and Collegedunia]

Monthly Cost of Living in Moscow for Indian Students

Living expenses depend heavily on housing choice. RUDN dormitory rooms start from RUB 1,100 per month, well below private rentals in central Moscow.

Expense CategoryMonthly Cost (USD)Monthly Cost (₹ INR)
Accommodation (RUDN dormitory)$15 to $180₹1,420 to 17,039
Accommodation (shared private flat)$250 to $400₹23,665 to 37,864
Food and groceries$150 to $200₹14,199 to 18,932
Transportation (student metro pass)$15 to $25₹1,420 to 2,367
Books and study materials$20 to $40₹1,893 to 3,786
Personal and utilities$50 to $100₹4,733 to 9,466
Total monthly (dormitory pathway)$250 to $500₹23,665 to 47,330
Total annual (dormitory pathway)$3,000 to $6,000₹2.84 to 5.68 lakh

[Source: RUDN University accommodation page and Collegedunia city cost estimates]

Insider note: The RUDN dormitory route keeps annual living cost under ₹3 lakh, which is why Indian MBBS students often complete a six-year degree here for less than half the private-medical fees in India.

Read More: Study in Russia Guide for Indian Students


RUDN University Campus, Facilities and Student Life

The main RUDN campus spans a compact 60 hectares in southwest Moscow, roughly 15 minutes by metro from the city centre via the Yugo-Zapadnaya station (Moscow Metro southern line). A second smaller campus operates in Sochi for tourism and hospitality programmes.

  • Location and transport: Southwest Moscow near Yugo-Zapadnaya metro; direct metro links to central Moscow in 15 to 20 minutes
  • Housing: On-campus dormitories accommodate over 8,000 international students, with rooms from RUB 1,100 to 13,400 per month; guaranteed for first-year international entrants
  • Facilities: Sports complex with 40 sections, medical simulation labs, and one of the largest botanical gardens on any Russian university campus
  • Indian community: RUDN is one of the top three Russian universities by Indian student enrolment, with an active Indian Students Association and Diwali and Holi cultural events

What Indian students say: Winter clothing is essential from October, and campus meal plans are cheaper than eating in Moscow city cafes. Metro travel with a student pass is the most reliable way to reach clinical rotation sites and internships.


RUDN University Scholarships 2027

RUDN University offers a mix of government-funded quota places and university-administered scholarships. Indian applicants can access both routes, and quota winners study fully funded including a monthly stipend.

ScholarshipTypeAward ValueEligibilityDeadline
Russian Government Quota (Rossotrudnichestvo)Government, fully funded100% tuition plus monthly stipendIndian citizens applying through Education in Russia portalTypically closes February each year
RUDN Open Olympiad for Foreign CitizensMerit competitionFull quota place for winners; tuition discount for prize-winnersProspective Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD applicantsTwo rounds; annual final in April
Open Doors Russian Scholarship ProjectNational meritFull tuition waiver at RUDN for winnersMaster’s and PhD candidates from any countryRegistration typically closes December
RUDN Brilliant StudentsAcademic excellenceTuition discount up to 100%Enrolled international students with high GPAReviewed annually per academic year
RUDN Academic Excellence GrantMonthly stipendRUB 25,000 per monthOlympiad winners and Open Doors participants admitted to RUDNApplies from enrolment year onwards

[Source: RUDN University international office and Rossotrudnichestvo]

Planning note: Indian applicants who miss the Rossotrudnichestvo February window can still target the RUDN Open Olympiad, which admits winners directly to a state-funded seat. Registration for the Olympiad opens around September for the following intake year.

Read More: RUDN University Scholarships Guide


RUDN University Rankings 2027

RUDN University sits at #359 in QS World University Rankings 2027, its strongest global position in five years. The university has held a Top 400 QS position consistently since 2020 and remains among the top four Russian universities in the QS ranking.

Ranking BodyLatest EditionPrevious EditionTwo Editions Back
QS World University Rankings2027: #3592024: #3162023: #295
THE World University Rankings2026: #801 and above bandVerify latest at Times Higher EducationVerify latest at Times Higher Education
US News Best Global UniversitiesNot ranked in 2025-2026 edition; verify at US NewsNANA
ARWU (Shanghai Ranking)Subject-level: Agriculture 201-300Subject-level: Mathematics 201-300Verify latest at ShanghaiRanking

[Source: QS, Times Higher Education, US News, ShanghaiRanking]

RUDN also holds a QS 5 Stars rating in five categories including Teaching, Employability and Internationalisation, the first Russian university to reach that mark. In UI GreenMetric, RUDN is the greenest university in Russia.

Key insight: QS #359 places RUDN inside the Top 400 threshold that many Indian public-sector employers and PSU recruiters recognise for foreign-degree equivalency. This is a practical benefit for Indian graduates returning home.

Read More: RUDN University Rankings Analysis


RUDN University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027

RUDN University supports graduate employment through its Career Centre, industry partnerships with Russian and multinational firms, and a global alumni network across 160 countries. Formal placement percentages are not disclosed publicly.

  • Employment rate: Not disclosed by the university
  • Median starting salary (Russia-based roles): RUB 80,000 to 130,000 per month (₹84,000 to 1.37 lakh); market median for graduates in Moscow, not a university-verified figure
  • Top recruiting sectors: Oil and gas (Rosneft, Gazprom ecosystem), healthcare, IT services, and international relations (embassies, UN system)
  • Indian alumni pathways: Most Indian MBBS graduates return to India and clear FMGE or NExT; engineering and IT graduates typically move to Gulf, Europe or India-based multinationals
  • Careers support: Career Centre runs annual job fair, CV reviews, and hosts recruiter events; no formal post-study work visa in Russia, but graduates can convert to a work permit on securing an offer

Insider note: Indian MBBS graduates should factor in the FMGE or NExT clearance route before planning practice in India. RUDN degrees are on the National Medical Commission list of recognised foreign qualifications, which simplifies the licensing pathway.

RUDN University vs Peer Universities

The peer set below compares RUDN University with two other Moscow-based universities Indian students commonly shortlist alongside it. QS ranks are for the 2027 edition; fees are annual Master’s tuition for international students.

UniversityQS Rank 2027Avg Annual PG Fee (USD)Avg Annual PG Fee (₹ INR lakh)Differentiator
RUDN University#359$4,000 to $6,500₹3.79 to 6.15 lakhPortfolio-based admission, largest international community in Russia
Lomonosov Moscow State University#94$5,500 to $9,000₹5.21 to 8.52 lakhHighest-ranked Russian university, research-heavy across all faculties
Sechenov University#301 to 350 band$8,000 to $12,000₹7.57 to 11.36 lakhTop medical university in Russia; strongest MBBS clinical exposure

RUDN wins on affordability and international-community depth. Indian applicants pick Lomonosov for higher global ranking and Sechenov for a purer clinical-medicine focus.

RUDN University fits the Indian student who wants a globally ranked degree at a fraction of Western tuition, especially in MBBS, engineering, agriculture and international relations. A six-year MBBS totals under ₹90 lakh including living costs, versus a median starting salary of ₹15 lakh per year for FMGE-cleared doctors in India, giving a workable ROI window. The Russian Government Quota further sharpens the case by removing tuition entirely for qualifying candidates on a Russia study route.

RUDN is not the fit for a student targeting a Western post-study work visa or an immediate global corporate ladder. The pull factor is affordability plus recognised medicine, not Silicon-Valley-style placements. A realistic alternative for that profile is Lomonosov Moscow State University.


RUDN University FAQs

Ques. Does RUDN University require IELTS scores from Indian applicants?

Ans. RUDN University does not treat IELTS as mandatory. Applicants must show B1 proficiency in the language of instruction, and the university runs its own language assessment during the interview stage. Indian applicants with IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL iBT 65 (0 to 120 legacy scale) are exempted from that assessment. Candidates below B1 can enrol in the one-year Preparatory Faculty before starting the degree.

Ques. How can Indian students apply for MBBS at RUDN University?

Ans. Indian MBBS applicants need a valid NEET score and Class 12 with at least 50% in Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Applications go through the RUDN international admissions portal or via authorised Indian representatives. Submission windows for the September 2027 intake open around 20 June 2027. Selected students join the English-medium six-year General Medicine programme with clinical rotations at Moscow teaching hospitals.

Ques. What is the application fee at RUDN University for Indian applicants?

Ans. RUDN University does not charge a separate application fee for international applicants who apply directly to the international office. Applicants routing through Rossotrudnichestvo for the Russian Government Quota also pay no application fee at the university stage. Document legalisation, apostille processing and courier costs in India typically add ₹8,000 to ₹15,000 depending on state of issuance and service provider.

Ques. Can RUDN University students work part-time while studying in Moscow?

Ans. International students on a Russian study visa can work part-time up to 20 hours per week during term with a work permit issued through the university. RUDN assists enrolled students with the permit application. Indian students commonly work as language tutors, IT freelancers or in on-campus roles. Full-time work is allowed during scheduled academic breaks without an additional permit.

Ques. Which Indian banks offer education loans for RUDN University programmes?

Ans. State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, HDFC Credila and Avanse Financial Services offer education loans for RUDN University programmes. MBBS loans up to ₹75 lakh are typically approved with parental collateral, while non-medical UG and PG loans up to ₹40 lakh are commonly cleared. Public-sector banks charge lower interest rates. Private lenders process applications faster and often need lighter documentation.

Ques. What credential verification does RUDN University require from Indian students?

Ans. Indian applicants must legalise their Class 12 marksheet and Bachelor’s degree either through apostille from the Ministry of External Affairs or through Russian consulate attestation in India. WES evaluation is not required. Original transcripts must be accompanied by notarised Russian or English translations. The full legalisation process typically takes four to six weeks and should start as early as possible in the application cycle.

Ques. Does RUDN University offer joint or dual degree programmes with Indian institutions?

Ans. RUDN University runs over 100 joint degree programmes with international partners, including select Indian universities in engineering and languages. Programmes are typically at Master’s level and include one semester or one year of study in India. Interested applicants should confirm the current active list with the RUDN international office because participating Indian partners change each admission cycle based on active memorandum of understanding.

Ques. What documents do Indian applicants need for the RUDN University student visa?

Ans. Indian students need a Russian embassy invitation letter issued by RUDN, valid passport with six months validity beyond intended stay, HIV test certificate issued within the last three months, and proof of tuition payment for the first year. Additional documents include Class 12 or Bachelor’s marksheet, medical fitness certificate, and four passport-size photographs. Visa processing at the Russian embassy in Delhi typically takes 20 working days.

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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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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