In short
Tomsk State University, Siberia's oldest research university, offers over 230 programs with affordable tuition and low living costs in the vibrant student city of Tomsk. It is a National Research University ranked in the QS top 500 globally.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1878
- Students
- 15,257
- International students
- 2,000
- Acceptance rate
- 62%
- Tuition (intl)
- €2–5k/yr
- Languages
- EN, RU
- Location
- Tomsk, Russia
Tomsk State University (TSU) is Siberia's oldest and most distinguished research university, founded in 1878 and holding National Research University status. Located in Tomsk, Russia's "student city," TSU offers over 230 programmes across natural sciences, humanities, law, and technology. It ranks in the QS top 500 globally, hosts around 2,000 international students, and actively participates in international exchange and joint research programmes.
Why study here
- National Research University ranked QS top 500 globally and top 4 among Russian universities.
- Rich scientific heritage — TSU alumni include 2 Nobel Prize winners and over 70 full members of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
- Affordable tuition (from ~EUR 2,000/year) and very low living costs in Tomsk.
- Growing portfolio of English-taught programmes and an active international exchange network.
- Vibrant student city of Tomsk with a tradition of academic excellence and lively campus culture.
Student life
Tomsk State University offers an exceptionally rich campus life with 10 museums, a Siberian Botanical Garden, a Herbarium, a 4-million-volume research library, and a swimming pool. The creative cluster "Penaty" fosters entrepreneurship and creative industries. The university runs its own TV channel (TV-University) and supports a wide range of student clubs and sports teams. Tomsk's high proportion of students in the city population creates a uniquely intellectual and social atmosphere.
Fees
InternationalAnnual tuition for international students is approximately RUB 170,000–400,000 (~EUR 2,000–5,000) depending on programme level and field of study.
HomeRussian state-funded students pay no tuition (grant-funded places). Self-funded domestic students pay rates similar to international tuition.
LivingMonthly living costs in Tomsk are very affordable, approximately EUR 250–400. Annual living costs including accommodation are approximately EUR 3,000–4,800.
Russian Government scholarships (including quota scholarships for foreign nationals) may cover full tuition and accommodation for qualifying international students.
Admissions
Secondary Education CertificateRecognised school-leaving certificate or diploma equivalent to Russian 11-year secondary education.
Russian LanguageMost programmes require Russian; English-medium programmes available for international students.
Academic TranscriptsNotarised copies with certified Russian translation required.
IELTS6.0+ for English-medium programmes
TOEFL iBT72+ for English-medium programmes
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2025499
Round University Ranking (RUR) Diamond League100
QS World Rankings among Russian universities4
University scholarships
Russian Government Quota ScholarshipFull tuition + monthly stipend ~EUR 100
TSU Merit ScholarshipPartial tuition reduction
Alfa-Bank Scholarship ProgrammeVaries
Accreditation
Accredited by the Federal Service for Supervision in Education and Science (Rosobrnadzor); designated National Research University by Presidential decree; included in the State Code of Particularly Valuable Cultural Heritage Objects.
Programs
a selectionTomsk State University · Russia
Adobe Photoshop & Lightroom: Professional Photo Editing and Retouching
This video course teaches you professional photo editing and retouching skills using Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom from scratch. You will learn to create high-quality images suitable for social media, personal projects, or professional work. The course is led by an award-winning art photographer who will share their expertise and professional techniques. This program is ideal for photography enthusiasts looking to enhance their hobby, SMM and content specialists aiming to improve visual content, and graphic designers wanting to master professional editing techniques. Upon completion, you will receive a Certificate of Advanced Training from Tomsk State University.
Certificate
Level
€0k
Tuition
—
Duration
Tomsk State University · Russia
Flight Preparation and UAV Control
This professional development program focuses on the art and science of flight preparation and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) control. It covers the essential aspects of preparing for flight and managing UAV operations, emphasizing attention to detail and mastery. The curriculum integrates knowledge, experience, and intuition to ensure safe flights and successful landings. A key feature of the program is the ability to remotely connect to a piloting training center for hands-on UAV flight practice and to utilize a specialized testing ground for automated flight simulations. The program is designed for individuals with existing vocational or higher education backgrounds.
Certificate
Level
€1k
Tuition
—
Duration
Tomsk State University · Russia
TSU: Open Doors Russian Scholarship Project
Tomsk State University (TSU) offers international students the opportunity to study in Russia through its "Open Doors" Russian Scholarship Project. This initiative aims to attract talented students from around the world to pursue their higher education at TSU. The university also provides various other programs, including English-taught Bachelor's and Master's degrees, as well as Summer and Winter Schools, catering to a diverse range of academic interests. TSU is recognized for its programs, including being ranked in the TOP-100 for Mechanical Engineering. TSU is committed to fostering a global academic environment. Beyond degree programs, they offer resources for learning the Russian language and cultural immersion experiences. The university's mission is to educate well-rounded, cultured individuals capable of significant scientific and philosophical contributions, while upholding traditions and enhancing its international standing.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Scholarships
for Russia
full fundingSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)
Skoltech University Scholarships
Open to international students of all nationalities applying to a full-time Master's (2 years, 120 ECTS) or PhD (3 to 4 years, 240 ECTS) programme at Skoltech in Moscow. Applicants need a strong academic record with research potential, must enrol full-time, and Master's applicants are required to pass an online subject test as part of selection. Scholarship renewal is subject to an annual academic performance review.
full
Funding
€20k
Max
Apr 28, 2027
Deadline
full fundingSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)
Skoltech Graduate Scholarships
Open to international and domestic students for fully funded Master's (MSc) and PhD study at Skoltech in Russia. Master's applicants need a relevant Bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited institution and a strong academic record; PhD applicants need a relevant Master's degree or equivalent and a strong research proposal aligned with Skoltech's objectives. All applicants must demonstrate English proficiency with a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 72 or equivalent. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
full
Funding
€8k
Max
-25d left
Deadline
tuition only fundingAssociation of Global Universities of Russia
Open Doors: Russian Scholarship Project
For prospective international master's and doctoral students who win the Open Doors olympiad. Winners gain the right to enrol at a participating Russian university without entrance examinations and to study tuition-free (on a state-funded basis). Applicants register online and compete in subject tracks.
tuition only
Funding
€6k
Max
Nov 1, 2026
Deadline
full funding
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome Trust Fellowships and Grants (for international researchers)
For researchers at different career stages working on health-related science. Wellcome funds a family of fellowships and grants — early-career, career-development, and discovery awards, plus team and translational funding — each with its own eligibility, value, and call deadline. There is no single scholarship application; you apply to the specific scheme that fits your stage and project.
full
Funding
€3000k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
full funding
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome International Training Fellowships
For early-career researchers based in low- and middle-income countries (outside the high-income world) who want protected time and support for research training in health, often including a PhD or postdoctoral research. Wellcome's scheme names and exact criteria change over time, so applicants should check the current relevant Wellcome funding scheme.
full
Funding
€150k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
full funding
European Commission - European Research Executive Agency (REA)
Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships
Open to researchers of any nationality who hold a PhD (or will have defended their doctoral thesis by the call deadline) and have at most 8 years of full-time-equivalent research experience after the PhD. Applicants apply jointly with a host organisation - a university, research institution, business, SME, or other body based in an EU Member State or a country associated to Horizon Europe. European Postdoctoral Fellowships are open to all nationalities for a project inside the EU or an associated country; Global Postdoctoral Fellowships are reserved for EU nationals or long-term residents who carry out a phase in a third country before returning to Europe. Researchers who have been displaced by conflict and those restarting a research career after a break are explicitly encouraged to apply.
full
Funding
€100k
Max
Sep 10, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What is the tuition for international students at Tomsk State University?
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Annual tuition for international students ranges from approximately EUR 2,000 to EUR 5,000, depending on the program level and field of study. Russian Government scholarships may cover full tuition for eligible students.
What are the living costs in Tomsk for students?
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Monthly living costs in Tomsk are very affordable, estimated between EUR 250 and EUR 400. Annual living costs, including accommodation, are approximately EUR 3,000 to EUR 4,800.
Does Tomsk State University offer programs in English?
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Yes, Tomsk State University offers a growing portfolio of English-taught programs. For these programs, an IELTS score of 6.0+ or TOEFL iBT score of 72+ is generally required.
What are the academic requirements for international students?
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International students need a recognized school-leaving certificate equivalent to Russian 11-year secondary education. Notarised copies of academic transcripts with certified Russian translations are also required.
What makes Tomsk State University a good choice for international students?
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TSU is Siberia's oldest research university, ranked in the QS top 500 globally and top 4 among Russian universities. It offers affordable tuition, low living costs, and a vibrant student city with a rich academic atmosphere.
Last updated