1. M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU)

🎯 Overview & Prestige

• Rank & Relevance: MSU is Russia’s undisputed #1, with global recognition in physical sciences, humanities, engineering, biology, law, and social sciences.
• Visiting Scholar Track: It’s decentralized—each faculty or department runs its own process for hosting international scholars, often tied to research projects, seminars, or grants.

👩‍🎓 Who Can Apply & Eligibility

• Primarily: Postdoctoral researchers, faculty, and advanced PhD students with active, major research themes.
• Secondary: For short-term research (e.g. Master’s students with strong proposals), though rare and dependent on faculty discretion.
• Language:
  • English widely accepted in humanities, social sciences, IT, and life sciences.
  • For formal coursework, Russian proficiency (TORFL B2/C1) might be required.
  • Informal usage and presentation: English is fine in many programs.

🗓 Duration & Timeline

• Range: Extremely flexible—anywhere from a few weeks, up to an academic semester (4–6 months), or a full academic year (9–12 months).
• Timing: No rigid February or September intake; scholars may begin mid-semester with host approval, though most align with official academic terms.
• Deadlines: Depends on host faculty or program; some operate on rolling bases, others tied to grant cycles (e.g., March–April for Opendoors, RFBR).

💡 Funding & Fees

• Tuition: None for visiting scholars—MSU classifies them as non-degree researchers.
• Self-funded Costs:
  • Living: Moscow is expensive (approx. €800–1,200/month including dorms, food, transport).
  • Visa & Insurance: Required visitor insurance (€150–300/year) and processing fees.
  • Admin fees: Minimal—some faculties charge ~€50–€100 for the invitation letter.
• Possible Stipends:
  • Opendoors: A scholarship program that funds 6-week summer research stays (covers living expenses, nominal stipend) .
  • RFBR Mega-grants: Provide 1–3 year funding for working on big research projects. If you join a funded team, you may get a monthly stipend (50,000–200,000 RUB) .

🏢 Facilities & Academic Support

• Invitation Letter: Issued by MSU International Office after your host department approves—essential for Russian visa.
• Office Space: Provided within your department; access to labs if needed (life sciences, physics, etc.).
• Library Access: You get full research-library privileges, including digital archives, theses, periodicals, and museum collections.
• Academic Integration:
  • Attend faculty seminars, guest-lecture series.
  • Work with local research groups—common in chemistry, physics, social sciences.
  • Opportunities to publish in MSU-affiliated journals and present in departmental workshops.

📋 Application Process

1. Identify a Host: Via your research network or by contacting MSU faculty whose work aligns with yours.
2. Draft Proposal: 2–4 page project overview, methodology, expected outputs.
3. Submit to Faculty: CV, research statement, English/Russian references, host letter of support.
4. Host Sends Invitation: Faculty submits request to International Office; they issue official visa invitation.
5. Visa Application: Requires invitation letter, passport, medical insurance, proof of funds. Usually processed in 2–4 weeks.
6. Arrival & Registration: On arrival, register within 7 days with your host faculty and local authorities (handled by MSU’s internat office).
7. During Stay:
   • Participate in seminars, maintain contact with host.
   • You can request to publish in MSU journals or contribute to workshops.
   • If in a grant team, you may receive regular stipend and progress reporting responsibilities.
8. Exit: Provide final report if stipend-funded; visa extension possible if invited to continue up to 3 years max.

✅ Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

• Stellar reputation and academic resources—MSU has unmatched research infrastructure in Russia.
• Wide range of departments and degree of flexibility.
• Strong chances of network building and publication.

👎 Cons

• Red tape galore—invitation letters, registration, and bureaucracy can slow things down.
• Moscow’s cost of living is steep unless you secure stipend support.
• Potential language barrier outside English-friendly faculties.

2.  Petersburg State University (SPbU)

📌 Program Details
SPbU invites international scholars as “Visiting Professors” or researchers via annual calls english.spbu.ruresearch.binus.ac.id+1iims.hse.ru+1journ.msu.ru+15english.spbu.ru+15english.spbu.ru+15. These are formalized and structured.

🎓 Eligibility & Duration
Postdocs, faculty, and PhD-level researchers. Duration: one semester to one academic year; shorter modules also possible eusp.org+15english.spbu.ru+15kpfu.ru+15.

💰 Fees & Funding

• No tuition.
• Maybe minor admin fees.
• Funding available via Fulbright, Erasmus+, or project grants wellcome.org+1biochem.bio.msu.ru+1.

🏛 Facilities & Support

• Office space, library access, seminar invitations.
• Host faculty introduces scholar to departmental life.
• Full visa/passport support through International Cooperation division hist.msu.ru+1english.spbu.ru+1en.wikipedia.org+2english.spbu.ru+2english.spbu.ru+2.

📝 Requirements & Application

• Submit CV, research plan, host endorsement.
• Apply annually via online form or International Office.
• Host department and intl office finalize invitation.

✅ Pros & Cons

• Historic institution, English-track programs, collaborative environment.
  – Limited funding slots, administrative delays.

3. Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT / PhysTech)

Overview:
MIPT is elite for physics, applied math, computer science, and engineering. Its alumni include Nobel laureates. Located in Dolgoprudny (a Moscow suburb), MIPT hosts visiting scholars primarily via departmental or laboratory invitations—very research-driven, not much on formal programs.

Eligibility:

• Postdocs, faculty, and exceptional PhD candidates in physics, math, IT, bioengineering, etc.
• Research proposal and strong academic background required; connections help a lot.
• English works in top labs but basic Russian will make life easier.

Duration:

• Usually 1 month up to 1 academic year.
• Short research visits or participation in workshops/conferences are possible.

Fees & Funding:

• No tuition for visiting researchers.
• Self-funded for most; some grants for joint research (RFBR, mega-grants, or via home university).
• Dormitory space available (~$80–$150/month); private housing $350–$500/month.
• Visa and basic insurance: ~$200–$400.

Support & Resources:

• Visa support, access to world-class research labs, supercomputing clusters.
• Seminar and conference participation encouraged.
• Office space on request; library and e-resource access.

Application Process:

1. Contact potential host faculty/lab with research statement and CV.
2. Get endorsement, submit documents to International Office.
3. Receive official invitation for visa.
4. Register with the university and local authorities on arrival.

Pros:

• Phenomenal research ecosystem, potential for high-impact publications.
• Close to Moscow, loads of academic events.

Cons:

• Highly competitive, often “who you know” matters.
• Very STEM focused; not for humanities/social science.

4. Higher School of Economics (HSE) – Moscow (ICSID)

📌 Specific Program
ICSID hosts an active Visiting Researchers Program, accepting scholars 4–6 weeks, though flexible to longer stays blogs.helsinki.fiicsid.worldbank.org+4iims.hse.ru+4iims.hse.ru+4.

🎓 Eligibility & Duration
Open to PhD candidates and early-career researchers. Duration: 1–2 months (scholarship track) or longer if self-funded.

💰 Fees & Funding

• Scholarship track includes accommodation support and potentially stipend.
• Self-funded visitors cover travel, daily living.
• No tuition.

🏛 Facilities & Support

• Office space within ICSID, access to HSE digital libraries, printing facilities iims.hse.ru.
• Participation in ICSID seminars, networking, publishing opportunities (working papers) iims.hse.ru.

📝 Application Process

• Submit CV, research proposal, references.
• Review in ~2–3 weeks.
• Invitation and visa letter issued upon acceptance.

✅ Pros & Cons

• English-first environment, strong academic community, compact research timeline.
  – Field-specific (institutional economics), short durations, limited to ICSID research areas.

5. Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPbPU / Polytech)

Overview:
SPbPU is a STEM powerhouse—engineering, IT, applied physics, energy. It has a formal International Academic Mobility Office and actively welcomes visiting researchers for short or long-term stays.

Eligibility:

• Faculty, postdocs, and senior PhDs.
• Projects in engineering, IT, materials science, energy, or economics.
• English OK for research, Russian needed for teaching.

Duration:

• 1–12 months, typically semester-based.
• Also participates in short exchange programs (Erasmus+, DAAD).

Fees & Funding:

• No tuition; some departments have small admin fees.
• Self-funded; select grants available for joint projects.
• Dorms: ~$120/month, private housing $300–$600/month.
• Visa, health insurance: $100–$300.

Support & Resources:

• Visa/invitation support, migration help, full access to research infrastructure.
• Labs, workshops, co-working zones.
• Office/desk space and IT access as needed.

Application Process:

1. Find a department/project with interest overlap.
2. Submit research proposal, CV, academic references.
3. After acceptance, International Office issues the official invitation.
4. Register on arrival; get your work rolling.

Pros:

• Excellent STEM infrastructure and industry links.
• Student city, plenty of international events.

Cons:

• Bureaucracy and some departments’ preference for Russian speakers.

6. Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University)

Overview:
RUDN is known for its international diversity—over 150 nationalities on campus—and a strong focus on law, medicine, agriculture, environmental science, and social studies. The International Academic Mobility program hosts dozens of visiting scholars each year.

Eligibility:

• Postdocs, faculty, senior PhDs, especially those with international profiles or collaborative proposals.
• All disciplines, but especially global/region studies, public health, environment.

Duration:

• Flexible: from 2 weeks (guest lectures, short research) up to 1 year.
• Exchange programs usually 1 semester.

Fees & Funding:

• No tuition for visiting scholars.
• Living is affordable by Moscow standards: dorms $150–$250/month, private housing $400–$600.
• Visa support/insurance: $100–$200.

Support & Resources:

• Full visa and migration help, library/lab access, international mentoring.
• English is widely used, especially in international programs.
• Opportunities for cultural events, language exchange.

Application Process:

1. Contact department or international mobility office with CV and research plan.
2. Arrange collaboration/teaching/research activities.
3. Submit for official invitation; process visa.

Pros:

• Super multicultural, great networking, lots of international seminars.
• Supportive international office.

Cons:

• Not as STEM-research heavy as MIPT, Polytech, or NSU.
• Moscow living costs; some bureaucracy.

7. Bauman Moscow State Technical University (BMSTU)

Overview:
BMSTU is legendary in Russia for engineering, robotics, aviation, and applied physics. International research stays are arranged via department heads and research labs.

Eligibility:

• Faculty, postdocs, advanced PhDs in technical/scientific fields.
• Need strong technical/research background.
• English accepted in most labs; Russian is a plus.

Duration:

• From 1 month (short-term projects) up to 1 year.
• Semester and year-long collaboration common.

Fees & Funding:

• No tuition for official visitors.
• Most are self-funded; some joint projects or government grants may cover costs.
• Dorms $100–$180/month, apartments $400–$700/month.
• Visa and insurance: $120–$300.

Support & Resources:

• Access to state-of-the-art engineering labs, workshops, prototyping centers.
• Full visa/invitation support.
• Office/lab space and library access.

Application Process:

1. Find a BMSTU researcher/department to host you.
2. Agree on project; submit CV and proposal.
3. Get official invitation, apply for visa.
4. Register on arrival, begin research/teaching.

Pros:

• Premier engineering and robotics research.
• Good city location for travel/events.

Cons:

• Tough competition, need connections.
• Heavy tech/engineering focus—little for humanities.

8. Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO)

Overview:
MGIMO is Russia’s top international relations and diplomacy school, with a global rep. Visiting scholars (IR, law, economics, area studies) are welcomed—especially if they can contribute to seminars, teach, or collaborate.

Eligibility:

• Faculty, postdocs, and senior researchers in IR, law, political science, economics, languages.
• Track record of publications and international collaboration helps.
• English accepted (many classes bilingual); Russian very helpful.

Duration:

• Flexible: 2 weeks–1 year.
• Many stays tied to conferences, seminars, or guest teaching.

Fees & Funding:

• No tuition for visitors.
• Self-funded or sponsored by home institution/consortium.
• Housing: dorms $200–$350/month, apartments $500–$800.
• Visa/insurance: $150–$300.

Support & Resources:

• Library, archives, language lab access.
• Invitations to international forums, high-level events, and policy roundtables.
• Visa/invitation support.

Application Process:

1. Contact faculty or international office with research/teaching plan and CV.
2. Arrange activities; submit for invitation.
3. Apply for visa; arrive and register.

Pros:

• Great for networking in IR, policy, or diplomacy.
• Lots of English-language activities and a global crowd.

Cons:

• Hard to get funding; need a niche or reputation.
• Moscow costs and MGIMO’s exclusivity.
•  

9. Moscow State University of Civil Engineering (MGSU / NIU MGSU)

Overview:
MGSU is a top choice for civil engineering, architecture, construction technology, and urban studies. Internationalization is a recent push—most visiting roles come via collaborative projects.

Eligibility:

• Faculty, postdocs, and senior PhDs in relevant technical disciplines.
• Need research proposal and department connection.
• English is OK for research; Russian better for teaching.

Duration:

• 1 month to 1 year; semester-based or project-driven.

Fees & Funding:

• No tuition; rare small admin fee.
• Self-funded, but joint research grants possible.
• Housing: dorms $120/month; private $300–$500.
• Visa/insurance: ~$100–$250.

Support & Resources:

• Full visa/migration help, lab and library access.
• Access to design studios and urban modeling labs.
• Office space as needed.

Application Process:

1. Find faculty host; agree on research scope.
2. Submit CV, plan, and references.
3. Process invitation and visa.
4. On arrival: registration and campus orientation.

Pros:

• Access to leading engineering and urban research, good facilities.
• Moscow location.

Cons:

• More traditional, less international than HSE or SPbU.
• Funding rarely available unless grant-connected.

10. National Research University of Electronic Technology (MIET)

Overview:
MIET is a leader in microelectronics, IT, nanotech, and applied physics. Their visiting scholar pathway is project-based—join a research group or lab.

Eligibility:

• Faculty, postdocs, senior PhDs in tech/engineering.
• Project proposal, good research fit, some references.
• English OK in labs; Russian needed for teaching/admin.

Duration:

• 1 month–1 year, project-based.

Fees & Funding:

• No tuition; project grants may cover living costs.
• Dorms $100/month; apartments $250–$400.
• Visa/insurance: $100–$200.

Support & Resources:

• Visa/migration, full access to labs, research equipment, e-resources.
• Integration into lab teams; possible guest lectures.

Application Process:

1. Find research group; secure invitation.
2. Submit documents to international office.
3. Get invitation, apply for visa, arrive and register.

Pros:

• Great for applied research in electronics and IT.
• Close-knit campus, new facilities.

Cons:

• Small campus, less city life (Zelenograd suburb).
• Funding tied to research projects.

11. Saint Petersburg State University of Information Technologies, Mechanics and Optics (ITMO University)

Overview:
ITMO is world-class in computer science, optics, robotics, and cyber-physical systems. They run formal and informal visiting researcher programs.

Eligibility:

• Faculty, postdocs, advanced PhDs in STEM.
• Clear research plan or collaboration required.
• English widely accepted in STEM fields.

Duration:

• Short (1–2 months) or long (up to 1 year).

Fees & Funding:

• No tuition; stipends possible if joining funded projects.
• Dorms $100–$150/month, apartments $300–$500.
• Visa/insurance: $100–$200.

Support & Resources:

• Visa/invitation, lab, and coworking access.
• Participation in ITMO’s many hackathons and academic events.
• Integration programs for foreigners.

Application Process:

1. Contact lab/faculty with proposal and CV.
2. Secure collaboration/invitation.
3. Apply for visa and arrange arrival.

Pros:

• High innovation, international vibe, very English-friendly in tech.
• Lots of startup and hackathon energy.

Cons:

• Funding not universal—must fit a grant/project.
• Housing is competitive in St. Petersburg.

12. Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA)

Overview:
RANEPA is the go-to for public policy, management, economics, and law. Their visiting programs are tied to research seminars, guest lectures, and collaborative projects.

Eligibility:

• Faculty, postdocs, and advanced PhDs in relevant social sciences, policy, or law.
• Project proposal, academic CV, references.
• English OK for many seminars; Russian better for wider campus life.

Duration:

• 2 weeks–1 year, highly customizable.

Fees & Funding:

• No tuition; self-funded unless via home-institution support.
• Dorms $150–$250/month, apartments $350–$600.
• Visa/insurance: $120–$200.

Support & Resources:

• Visa/invitation help, library and database access.
• Participation in high-level policy events and seminars.

Application Process:

1. Connect with a department or seminar series.
2. Submit proposal and CV for review.
3. Receive invitation, get visa, arrive and register.

Pros:

• Premier for public policy and management.
• Access to Russian government and industry leaders.

Cons:

• Funding is rare for visitors.
• Moscow living costs.

13. Southern Federal University (SFedU)

Overview:
SFedU is a large regional university in Rostov-on-Don, strong in IT, life sciences, engineering, linguistics, and education. Welcomes visiting scholars through faculty contacts and international partnerships.

Eligibility:

• Postdocs, faculty, and advanced PhDs in relevant disciplines.
• Project plan and host department connection.
• English is accepted in sciences; Russian in humanities.

Duration:

• 1–12 months, semester or project-based.

Fees & Funding:

• No tuition; most visitors are self-funded.
• Dorms: $80–$120/month; apartments $200–$400/month.
• Visa/insurance: $100–$200.

Support & Resources:

• Visa/invitation, lab and library access, mentorship.
• Some integration programs for international staff.

Application Process:

1. Identify faculty host, agree on research/collab plan.
2. Submit documents to International Office.
3. Secure invitation and process visa.

Pros:

• Affordable living, supportive community, regional research focus.
• Easier access compared to Moscow/Petersburg.

Cons:

• Lower global visibility, less funding for visitors.
• English less common outside STEM.

14. Siberian Federal University (SibFU)

Overview:
SibFU in Krasnoyarsk is a top regional powerhouse for environmental science, forestry, metallurgy, IT, space, and energy research. They’re open to international scholars, especially those interested in Siberian environment, Arctic studies, and sustainable resource use. The university is super proactive about internationalization, but logistics can be a little rough if you’re new to Russia.

Eligibility:

• Open to faculty, postdocs, and senior PhD students.
• Fields: environmental science, physics, forestry, chemistry, IT, Arctic studies, and engineering.
• English is often sufficient in STEM and environmental research; for humanities/social sciences, Russian is preferred.

Duration:

• Short-term research visits (2 weeks–3 months) and long-term stays (up to 1 year), either by individual application or via institutional exchange.
• Many visits are tied to specific grants, collaborative projects, or research labs.

Fees & Funding:

• No tuition for visiting scholars.
• Most visits are self-funded; research groups may cover your costs if you fit into a grant or joint project (check the Arctic and Sustainable Development programs).
• Dorms: $70–$120/month; private accommodation $200–$400/month.
• Visa support and insurance: $80–$200.

Support & Resources:

• Visa invitation and registration help from the International Office.
• Access to Siberian labs, field sites (like the Yenisei River and Taiga forests), libraries, and Arctic study centers.
• Option to join environmental expeditions, research cruises, and conferences.
• Office/lab space, sometimes a student “buddy” for integration.

Application Process:

1. Identify a department/lab or research center (check the English website).
2. Pitch your research project and send CV, proposal, and references.
3. Host department approves, International Office issues visa invitation.
4. You arrive, register with university and migration office.

Pros:

• Epic for Arctic/Siberian fieldwork, hands-on research, and new collaborations.
• Cheap living, authentic Russian experience, and international student community.

Cons:

• Siberian winters are brutal and isolation is real.
• Bureaucracy can be slow, and English less common outside main labs.

15. Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University “LETI”

Overview:
LETI is a historic technical university focused on electrical engineering, robotics, optics, IT, and radio engineering. It’s internationally active, with lots of Erasmus+ and industrial partnerships, and hosts visiting researchers regularly—especially those with tech, electronics, and automation projects.

Eligibility:

• Faculty, postdocs, and advanced PhDs in engineering, IT, physics, or mathematics.
• English sufficient for research roles; Russian required for some teaching or student supervision.

Duration:

• Stays from 2 weeks up to 1 year; semester-based exchange for students, project-driven for researchers.
• Many visits are linked to joint research labs or EU grant projects.

Fees & Funding:

• No tuition; admin fee may apply for visa paperwork.
• Funding rare unless you are on a funded project (e.g., Erasmus+, Horizon2020).
• Dorms: $100–$150/month; city apartments $300–$500.
• Visa/insurance: $80–$200.

Support & Resources:

• Visa support, migration office help.
• Access to high-tech labs, electronics workshops, e-library, and conference participation.
• Integration activities, language courses, and student buddy programs.

Application Process:

1. Contact relevant department or research group (best via email).
2. Submit CV, research plan, and references.
3. Department approves and notifies International Office.
4. Receive invitation, get your visa, and arrange accommodation.

Pros:

• Great tech/engineering research, modern labs, and many partnerships.
• Location in St. Petersburg = cool city, good travel.

Cons:

• Limited English outside top research groups.
• Most funding requires being part of an EU or industrial grant.

16. National University of Science and Technology MISIS (NUST MISIS)

Overview:
MISIS is Russia’s leading materials science, metallurgy, nanotechnology, and mining university, located in Moscow. Visiting scholar roles are typically lab-based and driven by research projects in new materials, green tech, and applied physics.

Eligibility:

• Faculty, postdocs, and senior PhD candidates in materials science, chemistry, physics, mining engineering.
• English often sufficient for research, Russian is a plus for campus life.

Duration:

• Short-term visits (1–3 months) or longer collaborative stays (6–12 months).
• Many stays align with joint research or industrial projects.

Fees & Funding:

• No tuition; funding available for mega-grant participants or special research fellows.
• Most scholars are self-funded or supported by their home institutions.
• Dorms: $120–$200/month; Moscow apartments $400–$700.
• Visa/insurance: $120–$250.

Support & Resources:

• Visa invitation and registration support.
• Access to world-class nanotech and materials labs, innovation centers, and industrial partners.
• Library, e-journal access, and opportunities for publication and patents.

Application Process:

1. Identify a lab or research group.
2. Send research proposal, CV, and letters of recommendation.
3. Host department secures your invitation and notifies the International Office.
4. After visa, arrive and begin your research.

Pros:

• Top resources for advanced materials, strong Moscow industry links.
• Big opportunities for joint patents/publications.

Cons:

• STEM/tech focus only, not for humanities.
• Moscow’s costs and urban pace.

17. Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University (IKBFU)

Overview:
IKBFU in Kaliningrad (Russia’s Baltic exclave) is growing rapidly, with a focus on internationalization, European studies, medicine, and IT. Its geography makes it unique—almost EU, but Russian.

Eligibility:

• Open to faculty, postdocs, and PhDs in medicine, IT, European studies, biology, ecology, and linguistics.
• English OK for research; Russian useful for social integration.

Duration:

• Short-term (a few weeks) to long-term (1 academic year).
• Project- or exchange-based stays.

Fees & Funding:

• No tuition; self-funded unless on a specific EU/UN grant.
• Dorms: $80–$150/month; private flats $200–$350.
• Visa/insurance: $60–$120.

Support & Resources:

• Visa and migration support, library, labs, student integration activities.
• Baltic research fieldwork, cross-border projects with EU universities.
• Language classes and cultural events.

Application Process:

1. Identify a host professor or project.
2. Submit CV, research plan, and references.
3. After approval, receive an invitation and apply for visa.

Pros:

• EU-adjacent, modern city, more European feel.
• Focused on innovative research, lots of international projects.

Cons:

• Small university, fewer resources than Moscow/Petersburg giants.
• Funding mostly external.

18. Kazan National Research Technical University (KAI)

Overview:
KAI specializes in aviation, aerospace, mechanical engineering, robotics, and IT—named after A.N. Tupolev. It’s got solid industrial partnerships (think Airbus, Boeing) and welcomes visiting scholars for technical research and innovation projects.

Eligibility:

• Faculty, postdocs, and advanced PhDs in aerospace, robotics, engineering, computer science.
• English accepted in research, Russian helps with daily life.

Duration:

• Stays from 1 month to 1 year; project-driven or semester-based.

Fees & Funding:

• No tuition for research stays.
• Most visitors are self-funded, but those on industrial or mega-grant projects may get a stipend.
• Dorms: $90–$140/month; city apartments $200–$350.
• Visa/insurance: $60–$120.

Support & Resources:

• Visa/invitation, migration help, access to labs and design studios.
• Industrial research collaborations, participation in engineering conferences, and innovation contests.

Application Process:

1. Find host lab or department, align research interests.
2. Submit proposal, CV, and recommendations.
3. Department/International Office issues the invitation.

Pros:

• Aerospace and robotics research, direct industry pipelines.
• Cheaper cost of living than Moscow/Petersburg.

Cons:

• Tech/engineering only, not much for humanities/social science.
• Kazan is smaller and less international outside the university.

19. South Ural State University (SUSU)

Overview:
SUSU, based in Chelyabinsk, is known for metallurgy, mechatronics, energy, computer science, and sports science. They’re building international collaborations and support joint research, teaching, and innovation.

Eligibility:

• Faculty, postdocs, senior PhDs in technical fields, plus linguistics, sports science, and economics.
• English possible for STEM; Russian helpful otherwise.

Duration:

• 1–12 months; often project-based or exchange.

Fees & Funding:

• No tuition; rare admin fees.
• Self-funded unless joint grant or project.
• Dorms: $60–$120/month; apartments $180–$300.
• Visa/insurance: $80–$120.

Support & Resources:

• Visa, registration, and arrival support.
• Access to labs, high-tech workshops, and supercomputers.
• Language courses, campus integration programs.

Application Process:

1. Find host department or project.
2. Submit research plan, CV, references.
3. Get invitation, process visa, and go.

Pros:

• Strong regional research, lower cost of living.
• Focus on applied sciences and industry connections.

Cons:

• Chelyabinsk is industrial, not a cultural hotspot.
• Less international exposure than capitals.

20. Samara National Research University (Samara University)

Overview:
Samara University is a leader in aerospace, rocket science, engine tech, IT, and applied physics. Major partners include Roscosmos, Airbus, and Rolls Royce. They want international scholars, especially in engineering.

Eligibility:

• Faculty, postdocs, and advanced PhDs in aerospace, rocket propulsion, satellite tech, computer science.
• English accepted in top research teams.

Duration:

• Short-term research projects to year-long stays.

Fees & Funding:

• No tuition.
• Most are self-funded unless you join a funded project or get a scholarship.
• Dorms: $70–$120/month; city apartments $200–$350.
• Visa/insurance: $70–$120.

Support & Resources:

• Visa support, lab and workshop access, integration into research teams.
• Opportunities for field testing, conferences, and innovation fairs.

Application Process:

1. Find a research group or department, agree on project.
2. Send proposal, CV, and references.
3. Host secures invitation, you get your visa and head to Samara.

Pros:

• Top place for aerospace research, real hands-on lab work.
• Cheaper city, supportive academic culture.

Cons:

• STEM/tech only.
• Samara is regional, not a global city.

21. Volgograd State University (VolSU)

Overview:
VolSU is a multidisciplinary regional university, good for environmental science, chemistry, economics, linguistics, and IT. They offer visiting roles mainly via department contacts.

Eligibility:

• Faculty, postdocs, advanced PhDs in natural sciences, IT, humanities, and economics.
• English accepted in STEM; Russian best for humanities.

Duration:

• Project-based stays: 1 month–1 year.

Fees & Funding:

• No tuition; self-funded unless you fit a funded project.
• Dorms: $70–$120/month; apartments $180–$300.
• Visa/insurance: $80–$120.

Support & Resources:

• Visa and migration support, labs, libraries, conference access.
• Some student integration and cultural activities.

Application Process:

1. Find a faculty contact/host.
2. Submit research plan, CV, and references.
3. Get invitation, process visa.

Pros:

• Cheaper living, easy campus life.
• Broad research scope.

Cons:

• Regional, less global exposure and funding.
• Less English outside core STEM fields.

22. North-Eastern Federal University (NEFU / Yakutsk)

Overview:
NEFU is in Yakutsk, the world’s coldest city, but a hotspot for Arctic studies, indigenous languages, geology, environmental science, and sustainable development.

Eligibility:

• Faculty, postdocs, and senior PhDs, especially in Arctic research, indigenous studies, geosciences, biology.
• English OK in Arctic research, Russian otherwise.

Duration:

• 1–12 months; fieldwork-based or project-driven.

Fees & Funding:

• No tuition; self-funded unless on a mega-grant or Arctic Council project.
• Dorms: $50–$100/month; apartments $180–$300.
• Visa/insurance: $80–$120.

Support & Resources:

• Visa/invitation, research station access (including Arctic field sites), language and integration support.
• Participation in expeditions, indigenous collaboration.

Application Process:

1. Find an Arctic/indigenous research contact.
2. Submit research proposal, CV, and references.
3. Get invitation and visa, travel to Yakutsk.

Pros:

• Unique research context, Arctic expeditions, indigenous fieldwork.
• Cheap living.

Cons:

• Insane cold (-40°C), geographic isolation.
• Less English outside Arctic labs.

23. National Research University Belgorod State University (BelSU)

Overview:
BelSU is a fast-growing regional university, strong in medicine, pharmacy, materials science, agriculture, economics, and linguistics.

Eligibility:

• Open to faculty, postdocs, advanced PhDs in STEM, medicine, economics, linguistics.
• English accepted in science; Russian better for campus life.

Duration:

• 1 month–1 year, project- or exchange-based.

Fees & Funding:

• No tuition; self-funded unless you join a project with funding.
• Dorms: $60–$100/month; apartments $150–$250.
• Visa/insurance: $60–$120.

Support & Resources:

• Visa/invitation, lab, library, clinical training for med research.
• International student/researcher integration programs.

Application Process:

1. Identify a host department or PI.
2. Send research plan, CV, recommendations.
3. Secure invitation and visa, head to Belgorod.

Pros:

• Big for medicine, biotech, and applied sciences.
• Friendly regional city, cheap living.

Cons:

• Regional, fewer high-profile grants.
• Less English outside main research teams.