FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The questions are divided into these 6 sections. Please click on the desired sections to access
the frequently asked questions :
| • | GENERAL / APPLICATION & ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS |
| • | VISAS |
| • | INTERNATIONAL & DOMESTIC TRAVEL |
| • | TUITION FEES & LIVING EXPENSES |
| • | HEALTH & PERSONAL SAFETY |
| • | STUDENT LIFE |
Download the entire FAQs in PDF : Download
GENERAL / APPLICATION & ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Why should I study in Russia?
The standard of higher education in Russia is considered to be one of the most advanced and
sophisticated in the world. Russian degrees have received global recognition and have topped
World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO) rankings.
What are the costs like when compared to other Western countries?
Compared to Western countries, the cost of your higher education in Russia is less than half.
For Malaysian students, a Russian university degree will cost around RM 250,000 to RM 300,000
for the whole course compared to between RM 500,000 and RM 1,000,000 in other countries.
Are the list of Russian medical institution which you represent,are recognised by the Malaysian government?
Yes, all 4 Russian medical institutions we represent are approved by the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC)
and Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam (JPA).
Kindly refer to the website:
http://www.eghrmis.gov.my/
How do I choose a university or an institute?
Russia offers many undergraduate and post-graduate courses in a variety of fields including medicine,
arts,music,architecture,aerospace engineering and IT. Choose the one best suited to your needs.
At Russian Resources Sdn Bhd, we have a comprehensive list of Russian universities for you to refer to.
There is a brief list of Russian universities in our links section.
How do I apply to a Russian university? What are the admissions requirements?
The requirements for entry into a Russian university vary depending on the type of degree that you are applying.
You can apply through Russian Resources Sdn Bhd or our authorised representatives nationwide.
This website has a general overview of the entry requirements or you may contact us directly.
What are the KP/A, KP/B and KP/C forms that are required to complete the application?
The completed forms are required by the Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia. The forms are provided free of
charge, and can be obtained from us. The following are brief descriptions of the purpose of each form:
| KP/A | » | Borang Maklumat Pelajar |
| Students are required to provide their personal details – name, address, age, date of birth, results of medical examination etc. |
||
| KP/B | » | Surat Akuan |
| Students are to acknowledge that they will abide by laws and regulation of host country, and to avoid activities that will mar the name of Malaysia. |
||
| KP/C | » | Penaja Kewangan |
| Students are required to provide details of their financial guarantor. |
What if the classes are conducted in Russian? I don’t even speak Russian!
Before you leave for your studies in Russia, you may enrol in a Russian Language class at our respective
offices in Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Kuching.
If the medium of instruction for your intended course is Russian, you will receive an academic year-long
Preparatory course conducted in Russian before you begin your actual university studies.This course teaches
you Russian in more detail and also covers the prerequisite subjects that you need to know to begin your
university studies.
What if the classes are conducted in English? Do I need to be proficient in Russian?
Students admitted into the English medium will undertake the courses in English simultaneously with the
systematic study of the Russian language. It gives an opportunity for students to overcome the language
barrier at the beginning and to learn Russian at a less intensive pace.
In some medical courses, the disciplines in the senior years (4th – 6th year) including the clinical
studies at local hospitals and clinics will be conducted in Russian. Students are therefore required to be
proficient in the Russian language so that they are able to gain the most out of their higher education
in Russia.
In short, proficiency in Russian is a MUST if you choose to enrol in Russian Higher Education.
What are Russian classroom environment like?
In most Russian universities and institutes, there is generally a teacher student ratio of 1:8 -10,
which gives you a more attentive and personal learning environment.
Are there any scholarships or study loans available? Who should I ask about this?
Presently, there are no scholarships or loans offered to Malaysian students by Russian institutions of higher
education.
What are the intake periods?
There are two intakes. Local intake commences on January based on SPM forecast results.
Russian intake for both pre-medical and first year course commences on September/October.
Applications for admissions for entrance to the Preparatory Course or the first Academic year of undergraduate
degrees are invited from January to June of each year.
Please
contact us for further details on available courses and application deadlines.
Do I need a visa to enter Russia as a student? How do I apply for the visa?
Yes, international students require a visa to enter Russia for their education. The visa application
must be submitted together with your Application for Admission to Higher Education in Russia.
For new application, your passport must be valid for at least 18 months from your departure date.
Upon acceptance to the university or institution, the university (your host) will issue you an official
letter of invitation. We will submit this letter together with your visa application to the local Russian
embassy or consulate for processing.
When will I receive my visa?
Visa approvals take approximately 8-10 weeks. Students are encouraged to submit their applications
and payments early to allow sufficient time for approvals.
Visas are generally scheduled to arrive 1-2 weeks before departure to Russia. However, late
applicants may not receive their visas in time. Urgent approvals for visas will incur additional cost.
What type of Visa will I have? How long will it be valid?
As a student, you will enter Russia on a student visa that is sponsored by the University or Institution that
will be hosting you. Student visas are valid for the duration of the course that you are pursuing in Russia.
Students with student visas are NOT allowed to seek employment in Russia.
What if I want to go home or travel out of Russia during my studies?
When you know your travel dates out of the country, you MUST apply with the Russian University for
what is termed as an “Exit-Re-Entry” visa, which allows you to leave and return again without giving up your
student visa. You will need to submit additional photos, and to pay a fee. You should also apply for this at
least 3 weeks before your planned travel dates, and you will need to specify the “travel window (exit and
return dates)” during which this “Exit-Re-Entry” visa should be valid.
Do not lose this “Exit-Re-Entry” visa, as entry to Russia is
not permitted without this document. Re-application / replacement can only be processed by the University
concerned. This may take between 4 to 6 weeks. All students are strongly advised to staple this visa slip to
their passport as this is not done by the authorities.
What does it mean to “register” my visa?
The visa you receive initially is only your permission to enter Russia. Once you arrive, you have 72 hours
during which to register the visa. In the case of a student visa, this registration process is done by the
university. They will register it for the period for which you have enrolled in your course.
Important: You must register your visa within 72 hours of your arrival
in Russia otherwise you will be liable to a hefty fine.
INTERNATIONAL & DOMESTIC TRAVEL
Will I be accompanied on my trip to enrol at University for the first time?
First time students going to Russia are encouraged to travel with us in a group with other students. Students
will be accompanied and met at the Airport and brought to the University to register and to check-in to student
housing.
Where can I get more information about flight arrangements and departure before I go to Russia for the
first time?
A few weeks before departure, a briefing session will be conducted to brief students and parents with regards
to travel arrangements and departure dates. Parents and students are strongly encouraged to attend and to
participate in the Q&A session following the briefing. This is the best time to seek answers to questions
that you may have prior the students’ departure to Russia.
What are some the travel requirements for international flights that I should be aware of?
Students should have bags that can be securely fastened, locked and labelled. International airlines allow
passengers to check two bags per person, with a MAXIMUM weight of 30 kilograms. In addition, a small, less
than 6 kg, carry-on bag is allowed, including a laptop. Please note domestic Malaysian airlines impose lower
baggage limitations.
Students are strongly encouraged to keep to the maximum weight allowed to avoid check-in delays and additional
costs of excess baggage.
Should I purchase an open-ended return ticket or a fixed return ticket?
Often students who are staying for a year are not sure about their return date. From experience, students are
advised to purchase a fixed ticket with a tentative return date.
If you need to change your return date, it is often changeable for a small fee, but this should be confirmed
with the ticketing agent at the time of purchase.
What about travel within Russia? What are some of the requirements on domestic airlines and trains?
Domestic flights in Russia are quite strict and permit only a MAXIMUM of 20 kilograms per person in total
for both their carry-on and check-in baggage.
As for trains, there are typically four passengers per compartment, and it is not necessary that passengers
of the same sex share the same compartment – so you should be prepared! There are also sleeping cars with
two passengers per compartment but the cost is very much higher. Each passenger is limited to 35 kilograms
without extra payment. An overnight trip from Moscow to Nizhny Novgorod takes about eight hours (450 miles)
I have heard about “Registration”when I visit another city? What does this mean?
Registration is a process that affects all travellers in Russia including Russian citizens. Visitors to any
city for more than 72 hours (count business days only) are technically required to register. This function
is performed by hotels at check-in; in the case where a visitor is staying at a private residence, the
registration must be done by the visitor at the local police station.
While this is not regularly enforced, it can come up during your travel. If you take a weekend trip somewhere,
this is generally not a problem. But, you can be stopped at anytime by the local police and asked to prove you
that you are here less than 72 hours if you do not have local registration. Therefore to avoid any issues with
the police, you are strongly advised to abide by this regulation.
Can my parents or family visit me while I study in Russia?
Of course, they can! However, the Russian university or institute you are currently studying at and the Russian
government is not responsible for the travel expenses or arranging accommodation for your family.
Students must apply to the University for an Invitation letter for your family. With this letter, your family
then can apply for a visa for entry into Russia at the local Russian Embassy or Consulate. Please allow
between 4-8 weeks for the visa application process.
TUITION FEES & LIVING EXPENSES
How much money should I bring when I leave for Russia for the first time?
Students are advised to bring about USD 1000-1500 (new notes) when they
leave for Russia for the first time. This will be needed for initial expenditures for clothes, medical insurance,
and other items that you may need to begin your stay in Russia.
When would I need to pay my tuition fees? How and where should I pay it?
Students who are enrolled for the preparatory course, pre-University course, and the first academic year
must pay their tuition fees to us before leaving for the University in Russia.
For subsequent years, tuition fees must be paid prior to beginning of the next academic year at the University
or to RRSB. Students may choose to pay, in cash, directly to the University in Russia. But, to avoid carrying
large sums of money to Russia, students are advised to pay their fees through us (via bank-draft), and we will
then transmit the fees to the University.
Returning students are strongly advised to pay RRSB
immediately upon their return.
Will fees increase after I am enrolled at the University?
Tuition fees may be reviewed and increased from year to year. But for students who are already enrolled, the
increase in tuition fees will not affect them.
The university or institution will stipulate the yearly
tuition fees at the time of the student’s enrolment. These fees are then fixed for the duration of the
whole course.
Hostel fees are subjected to increment as stipulated by the University.
What about daily living expenses? How much would I need each month?
Living in Russia is quite affordable although the cost of living differ from city to city; the most expensive
being in Moscow. For living expenses, students are recommended to set aside about US$ 200-300 per month for
personal needs in Moscow. Other cities may require less expenditure; for example in Volgograd and Nizhny Novgorod
US$ 200-250 will be sufficient.
As Russian institutions have a statutory obligation to provide students
with hostel rooms the accommodation costs are included in the tuition fees. Rooms are shared with one or two
other students.
Any changes in terms of hostel improvements or transfer to bigger rooms can sometimes
be marginally imposed by the University and students will need to comply accordingly.
What is the best way for my parents to send me money for my living expenses?
Students can withdraw money through ATM machines in Russia if they have a savings account in Malaysia which
has a Global ATM card that is on the CIRRUS, MAESTRO or PLUS network. Money deposited in the saving account in
Malaysia will be available for withdrawal in Russia the next working day. Depending on the ATM machine, US
dollars or Russian roubles can be withdrawn.
There will be a transaction fee associated with each
withdrawal; you are advised to check this with your bank.
Are credit cards readily accepted? Should I carry some cash?
Although credit cards are readily accepted in Moscow, it is best to limit their use. In the
smaller cities, however, very few businesses accept them. It is best to bring cash in denominations of USD $20-50.
With frequent changes in exchange, it is best not to cash more than your need. Also, please ensure that you
have clean, crisp dollar bills not older than 2002, because each one is checked. Torn, disfigured or crumpled
notes may not be accepted for exchange in Russia.
Is Russia really as unsafe as the media says?
Moscow is a very big city, and thus carries with it some of the dangers of similar large cities in the world.
Most problems arise as a result of alcohol, in or around places where there is considerable drinking. This can
easily and should be avoided. Common sense is the best thing to carry with you. Do not travel alone especially
in the late evenings and night, and to avoid quiet streets. Other cities are smaller, quieter and safer but
still, it is no substitute for plain common sense.
Students are also advised not to carry too much
cash or valuables with them.
I have heard stories about “skinheads”. Are they true?
These “skinheads” do exist, and they apparently have no other purpose in their lives other than to target
individuals that they perceive as foreigners. Skinheads are not unique to Russia as they are also found in other
European cities. Although they are a concern, especially in Moscow, incidents involving them are rare.
Do I need medical insurance while studying in Russia?
Yes, medical insurance is required upon registration at the University. It is not included in the tuition fees,
but it is provided at a nominal sum to be paid directly to your university.
Students sponsored by the
Russian Government will be given medical insurance in accordance with the law of the Russian Federation.
Do I need any vaccinations? What are the medical tests that I will have to take to support my application?
No, you do not need any vaccinations. But, students will have to undergo a general medical examination and a
standard blood screen that includes a mandatory test for HIV in Malaysia as part of the application requirement.
Additionally as of year 2005, all new and returning students must undergo HIV test in Russia at a
nominal fee. As long as you return, you need to repeat this HIV test.
Where will I live?
The university you choose to go to will provide comfortable basic student accommodation with common kitchen
facilities. The cost is included in the yearly tuition fee that is paid to the University. Student housing will
provide you an exciting opportunity to learn more about Russian culture and students cultures from other
countries.
For those who prefer to live out of university, private apartments are available, but
students will have to rent them on their own.
The applicable hostel fees will be refunded. However
this refund is limited on a yearly basis and no transfer will be made until expiry of the yearly contract.
This is my first extended stay in another country. What can I expect?
Life in Russia is very different from home. Things that are taken for granted as routine at home may be very
time consuming and frustrating in Russia. Also, life in student housing can be very challenging. Besides
taking care of yourself, you will have to adapt and live with students from all over the world whose cultures
are very different from yours. It is very important that you learn to adapt and handle each situation with
maturity and poise.
Where will I eat?
Students can dine at low-priced cafeterias which are located in the University or institution. Alternatively,
there are cafes, restaurants and fast-foods chains (McDonalds, Pizza Hut etc) in the cities where you can dine.
Student housing usually provides shared kitchen facilities for those who prefer to cook their meals.
There are many supermarkets and stores where you can purchase your food if you choose to cook. Shared cooking
among the international students is also a popular activity.
What is student life like in Russia?
It is not all hard work when studying in Russia. Learning is not just confined to the classroom. There is a
wide range of cultural activities to check out. Universities can arrange trips which provide an insight into the
culture, history and geography of Russia. There are also museums and galleries to explore.
Students
enjoy a wide selection of extracurricular activities that may include drama productions, horse riding, pilot
lessons and sports. There are also concerts, parties, and camping trips that are organised by the student unions.
With most universities located in communities, many social and recreational activities and facilities
are available to students; these include opera houses, ballets, and plays.
There are also numerous yearly
traditional and cultural events to look forward to.
What kind of clothes should I bring?
Winters are extremely cold and damp; temperatures can fall as low as -30 deg C. Interiors are usually well
heated, so it is preferable to dress in layers. Winter clothing is cheaper and is easily available in Russia,
you should plan to buy most of your winter clothes there.
Summers are warm and humid, and temperatures
can rise to the mid-30 deg C. So, pack some light clothing for warm weather especially those that you can throw
on a sweater over if the weather gets colder.
What about foodstuffs and toiletries? Should I bring them with me?
You may be better off taking a few extra dollars with you as you can buy practically every kind of food and
toiletry in Russia. It is recommended, however, that you bring something just for the first few days.
They say that the climate in Russia is horribly cold. Can I stand it?
In winter, from December to February, temperatures can be as low as – 30° C. You should have “warm” clothes for
this season. Thousands of students from Africa and Asia are studying in Russia and feel comfortable in winter.
Be prepared that in summer it can be rather hot – up to over 30° C in July!
Are student housing in or near the campus? If not, how do I travel to classes?
For some institutions, the hostel is walking distance to the campus, but for others, some travelling is
required. The normal mode of transportation for students is by bus and subway (underground trains). Russia has
an efficient and extensive public transportation system. Buses and underground trains are reasonably priced and
easily accessible.
If you need to take a taxi, take only official cabs, as opposed to a “private or
gypsy taxi” with a self-employed driver. Negotiate fare in advance as meters are rarely used. Never enter a taxi
with another person, who is not known to you, already in it.
Can I use the Internet or a hand phone while in Russia?
Yes, you can. If you have a notebook or hand phone you can take it with you. If not, you can buy them in Russia.
Prices for these products and many other items may be lower there than in Malaysia.
There are also
numerous cyber-cafés in the cities where you can e-mail or chat online with your friends and family.
May I practice my religion in Russia?
Yes, you can. Russia is home to over 100 nationalities and ethnic groups, as well as different religions. The
Russian Orthodox Church is the largest religious group while Islam is the second most practiced religion.
What about appliances? What is the electricity requirement in Russia?
Russia operates on 220 volts 50hz. Videos operate on PAL-SECAM system. It is NOT recommended that you bring
appliances with you. They can be purchased there later if you need them. Otherwise, DO bring along a universal
adapter.
