Social History of Russia in the 20th–21st Centuries

Check which documents to prepare before applying.

• Passport

  General preparation guidance

  Prepare your international passport and a clear copy of the page with your photo and personal details.

  If you need a Russian study visa, use this passport for your invitation and visa application at a Russian embassy or consulate.

  Your passport must be valid for at least 18 months from the start date of your study visa.

  Required when applying

  Submit a document that verifies identity and citizenship.

• Education documents

  General preparation guidance

  Prepare your school certificate or diploma in its original language, with the supplement or transcript showing your subjects and grades.

  Depending on the country that issued it, you may need an apostille or consular legalisation. Some documents are exempt.

  Your qualification may also need recognition in Russia. Ask the university which steps apply to your document.

  Check legalisation rules for your country Check recognition requirements

  Qualification recognition

  If applicable when applying

  Provide a certificate recognizing the foreign education or qualification when recognition is required; some credentials are exempt.

• Russian translations

  General preparation guidance

  Prepare Russian translations of your passport and education documents.

  Have the translations certified by a Russian notary or a Russian consulate in the country of issue.

  Identity translation

  Required when applying

  Submit a notarised Russian translation of the identity document.

• Russian language certificate

  General preparation guidance

  TORFL (TRKI) is an official certificate showing your level of Russian.

  To get it, pass a Russian language test at an authorised testing centre. The test covers reading, writing, listening, speaking, vocabulary and grammar.

  A language course can help you prepare. A course completion document is not the same as a TORFL certificate.

  Check the level and accepted proof with the university. Some universities accept their own Russian entrance test instead of a certificate.

  How the TORFL test works
• Already in Russia?

  General preparation guidance

  Prepare copies of your migration card and current registration (proof of where you stay), if these documents were issued to you.

  Also prepare your valid visa or residence permit, if you have one.

  Before enrolment or changing universities, contact the university’s international office. Tell them why you are in Russia and when your documents expire.

  Ask whether your current documents allow you to study and what needs to be updated.

Document information from university admission rules for 2026/27.