The number of Indian students in Russia has increased by 34% in 2024 as compared to 2023. Currently, over 30,000 Indian students are pursuing studies in Russia.
The number is expected to increase following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to India. Putin was in India from 4 to 5 December 2025 for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.
The President’s visit has deepened ties between the two countries, which could translate into a growing number of Indian students opting for Russia. Here’s why Russia is becoming a popular destination for Indian students.
Read: Indian Students Studying Abroad – The Latest Statistics
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Indian Students in Russia – Interesting Stats
Russia is emerging as a top destination for Indians. While most Indian students go to Russia for medical studies, now Indians are also showing interest in engineering, namely aeronautical, aviation, and nuclear engineering.
The table below shows the increase in student enrolments over the past three years:
| Year | Number of Indian Students in Russia |
|---|---|
| 2020 | ~15,000 |
| 2021 | 15,814 |
| 2022 | 19,784 |
| 2023 | 23,503 |
| 2024 | 31,444 |
Source: livemint.com
Apart from Russia, countries such as France, Germany, and New Zealand have also witnessed an increase in Indian students.
What Makes Russia a Top Choice for Indians?
Some of the key reasons why Indians are choosing Russia are:
- Compared to private medical and engineering colleges in India, the tuition fees of Russian universities are significantly cheaper.
- The demand for medical studies is more than the number of medical colleges in India. Hence, many move to countries like Russia.
- Some Russian universities are renowned globally for STEM and research.
- Easier visa processing
- Affordable living costs
- The government offers more job opportunities by extending student visas by six months for searching jobs.
Launch of the Russian Education Agency
The Russian Education Agency, launched in New Delhi during Russian President Putin’s visit to India, aims to provide a `one-stop solution’ for Indian students seeking higher education in Russia.
The agency will function as a comprehensive support centre for students. Specialists will help select a study program and university, complete admission processes, obtain visas, help with counselling, and all other necessary paperwork.
By 2026, the agency aims to facilitate the enrolment of more than 10,000 Indian students into universities across Russia.
Job Opportunities in Russia
Russia is struggling with a severe labour shortage. According to estimates reported in Russian media, the country needs to fill 3.1 million positions by 2030.
India has one of the world’s largest young workforces, with 11 -12 million people entering the labour market every year. By 2030, 68.9 percent of its population will be of working age
The labour mobility pact, signed between India and Russia during Putin’s India visit, is expected to provide employment opportunities to Indians, across both skilled and semi-skilled sectors such as construction, manufacturing, electronics, textiles, and engineering.
As per estimates, around 70,000 Indian workers could be employed in Russia under the new pact.
Currently, around 100,000 Indian workers are employed in Russia, and in the last quarter of 2024 alone, about 9,400 job seekers from India arrived in Russia. This is 2.5 times more than the previous year.
Conclusion
The number of Indian students heading to Russia for medical and engineering has increased over the past three years. Lower tuition fees, better career opportunities, affordable living costs, and easier visa processing are some of the reasons why Russia has emerged as an attractive destination for Indians.
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