Among all the countries that attract international students, Russia has always been at the forefront of this list. Given the favorable conditions offered by Russia, many students from around the world compete each year to gain admission to the universities of this country. As you know, these universities do not require a difficult entrance exam for admission, which makes studying in Russia attractive for many people. One of Russia’s prominent universities is Novosibirsk State University, located at the Siberian branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. In the following, we will cover the details of this university and its admission process.
History of Novosibirsk State University
Novosibirsk State University offers various courses in both Russian and English for international students. It was founded in 1958 in an area called Akademgorodok, located a few kilometers from the city of Novosibirsk. The idea of establishing this university arose in the 1950s due to the industrial nature of the city and the need for scientific training of personnel at that time. The urgent demand for scientific staff gave the university an opportunity to gain a prominent position. Within just 9 years, the number of graduates from Novosibirsk State University reached 1,966, and various buildings and faculties were quickly constructed and completed.
Currently, the university has 51,200 graduates, 2,500 professors, and 8,600 students. Almost every year, this university is considered among the world’s top universities. Its professors and faculty members include some of Russia’s most renowned scientists.
Novosibirsk State University is a public research university and one of the most prestigious in Russia. Novosibirsk itself is located in the southeast of the West Siberian Plain, serving as the capital of Novosibirsk Oblast, and it was the first city in Siberia to establish a metro system. Novosibirsk is also a major industrial hub, hosting 214 large and medium-sized industrial companies that produce more than two-thirds of all industrial products in the Novosibirsk region. Leading industries include aerospace, nuclear fuel, turbo and hydroelectric generators, textile machinery, agricultural machinery, electronic components, and metallurgy.
Although relatively young, Novosibirsk State University has rapidly become one of Russia’s top universities on the global stage.
global and national rankings for Novosibirsk State University (NSU)
In 2022–2023, Novosibirsk State University was ranked among the top 250 universities in the world. In the QS ranking for 2024–2025, it holds the 900th position, and in terms of ranking for medical fields, it is ranked 600th worldwide and 10th in Russia.
Tuition and study costs at Novosibirsk State University
| Program | Tuition fee |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 4500 $ |
| Master’s degree | 3600-6500 $ |
| Medical program | 6500 $ |
| PhD | 5500 $ |
| Professional doctorate | 12000 $ |
Study in the field of Medicine at Novosibirsk State University
The Medicine program at this university, due to its high teaching quality, is one of the most popular fields, with many applicants competing each year for admission. The medical program lasts 6 years, and afterwards, students also have the opportunity to pursue specialized courses. Note that this university offers only Medicine and does not provide Dentistry or Pharmacy programs.
Among the specialized fields offered at this university are Gynecological Surgery, Oncology, Neurology, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Urology, and Plastic Surgery. During the first three years, students mainly study basic sciences, after which they move into specialized areas. Practical training takes place in the medical center: in the mornings, students work in hospitals with patient examinations and practical tasks, while in the afternoons, they attend medical lectures and coursework.
preparatory course (Padfak) at Novosibirsk State University
The Preparatory Course (Padfak) at Novosibirsk State University is offered only as a 9-month program and is taught in both Russian and English. In both versions, subjects such as Russian language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics are taught, preparing students for entry into the main course. Admission to the Padfak program at Novosibirsk State University begins in June.
Tuition fees for the preparatory course (Padfak) at Novosibirsk State University
| Tuition fee | Duration | Program |
|---|---|---|
| 4500 $ | 9 months | Padfak in english language |
| 4500 $ | 9 months | Padfak in russian language |
faculties and institutes/departments of Novosibirsk State University
This university includes 9 faculties, and among the best fields of study offered are Medicine, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Geography.
The faculties of this university include:
- Mechanics and Mathematics
- Physics
- Natural Sciences
- Geology and Geophysics
- Economics
- Information Technology
- Medicine and Psychology
- Philosophy and Law
Application deadline for Novosibirsk State University in Russia
| — | TIME |
| Application admission | From June 19 to August 24 |
| Entrance exam | July 14 to August 24 |
| Admission announcement | August 25 |
Conditions for admission to Novosibirsk State University
According to the dates announced annually by Novosibirsk State University, the registration site opens and students can apply for the entrance exam to the main course in either English or Russian.
Required documents for registration:
- Passport
- High school diploma and transcript
- Translated passport
- Translated diploma and transcript
- Original pre-university certificate and transcript (if under the old system)
- Translated pre-university certificate and transcript
- Health certificate
Conditions for receiving a scholarship at Novosibirsk State University
The Russian government annually allocates a large number of scholarships to support the education of foreign students in the country. Obtaining these scholarships depends on your GPA and transcripts from previous levels, language proficiency scores, and a strong résumé. The extent of scholarship coverage for your tuition fees depends on the university and city you choose for your studies. These scholarships may fully cover your tuition as well as provide free healthcare and medical allowances. More than half of international students each year benefit from various Russian government scholarships to study at its universities. Therefore, you should not worry about your tuition fees and can start applying to study in Russia right now.
Facilities of Novosibirsk University
Novosibirsk State University is one of the best universities in Russia, providing many facilities to its students so they can complete their studies in the best possible way. Among the facilities offered by this university are:
- A library with the most up-to-date information in the world
- Dining hall and cafeteria
- Health center with services such as massage and physiotherapy
- Gym, swimming pool, and football field
- Free internet
Novosibirsk University Dormitory
The dormitories provided for international students at Novosibirsk State University are only a 3-minute walk from the university, giving you easy access to all campus facilities. The university has several dormitory buildings, and the rooms accommodate 2 to 3 people, with views overlooking the forest. In terms of security, the dormitories are equipped with guards, security systems, and surveillance cameras. They also feature kitchens, furnished rooms, laundry facilities, study halls, and a gym. The cost of dormitories at Novosibirsk State University is about 200 USD per year.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying at Novosibirsk University
The advantages of studying at this university include:
- The proximity of student housing to the administrative and academic sections of the university, which saves students a lot of time
- The university’s location in Akademgorodok, making access to all facilities easier
- The high academic and research ranking of Novosibirsk State University
- The high quality and affordability of student dormitories, which is an important point
- Low-cost education
The disadvantages of studying at this university include:
- The university being located outside the city, in a township near Novosibirsk
- The time difference between Novosibirsk and Tehran is about 3.5 hours
- A 4-hour flight distance from Moscow (the capital of Russia)
- The university’s strictness regarding students’ academic level
- The difference in climate compared to middle east during winter (temperatures can reach -35°C in winter)
FAQ
Do you need to complete the preparatory (Padfak) course to enroll in medicine at Novosibirsk State University?
If you wish to study in Russian at any university in Russia, you are required to complete and hold a Padfak certificate. However, if your course is in English, there is no need to complete or obtain a Padfak certificate.
Can students work while studying?
Yes, since 2023 all international students are allowed to work in the Russian Federation.
