One of the key players in Russia’s international student recruitment strategy is RACUS (Regional Association of Russian Universities), a state-affiliated organisation that promotes Russian higher education, particularly in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
Russian universities, through RACUS, are offering prospective African students various incentives, including tuition fees between $2,000 and $4,000, English- and French-taught degree programs, 300 scholarships, guaranteed admissions, job opportunities, and a potential pathway to Russian citizenship.
Speaking to The PIE News, RACUS general director Avbakar Nutsalov, alongside Lika Shengeliia, a student services manager for Southern Africa, asserted that Russia remains committed to welcoming international students.
Nutsalov emphasised that students who receive Russian government scholarships typically pay only about 20% of their tuition fees, with the rest covered by the government. They are also provided with free or low-cost accommodation.
“Each student is assigned a personal manager who provides 24/7 support from the moment of application until graduation,” he explained.
While Russia saw a 12.6% decline in international student numbers in 2024, RACUS anticipates a 15-17% increase in 2025, attributing this to strengthening ties between Russia and Africa, particularly within the BRICS framework.
“In Russia, we don’t view education as a tool for profit. It is meant to give people a better life,” he added, with the Russian government increasing the number of full scholarships available for African students from 15,000 to 30,000 per year.
“According to the Russian government, Africa needs more educated professionals, which is why we are actively promoting opportunities for African students,” Nutsalov stated.
Russia’s overall international student recruitment goals have recently faced challenges due to geopolitical tensions and concerns over reported student experiences.
According to the Russian government, Africa needs more educated professionals, which is why we are actively promoting opportunities for African students
Avbakar Nutsalov, RACUS
It follows allegations in the media last year that some international students and workers have been drawn into military and labour roles amid Russia’s ongoing and highly controversial conflict with Ukraine – claims that RACUS vehemently denied when questioned by The PIE.
A 2024 investigation by The Associated Press highlighted allegations from a group of young women – aged 18 to 22 from Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, South Sudan, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria.
According to the report, the women claimed they were misled upon arriving in Russia, believing they were entering work-study programs, only to be assigned to labour in arms production facilities. Reports suggest that approximately 200 African women have been engaged in these roles alongside Russian vocational students.
Another report indicates that vocational workers at Russian factories also include students from the Alabuz Polytechnic School, a technical boarding school for Russians aged 16-18 and Central Asians aged 18-22, some of whom are reportedly involved in drone production; with leaked documents suggesting plans to expand this workforce from 900 to over 2,600 by 2025.
Addressing concerns about potential military recruitment, Nutsalov stated that international students on study visas are legally restricted from military service. “In order to be recruited, you must have spent at least one year in the Russian army, which students do not have,” he said.
“The only individuals involved in military actions are volunteers or professional soldiers,” he added, stating that even those seeking to enlist are now being turned away due to a lack of need”.
