Every year, many individuals apply for Russia student visa in Nigeria. If you are thinking about doing the same, this article will provide useful information that can help you successfully get a Russia student visa.
What is Russia Student Visa?
A Russia student visa is given to individuals who wish to study in Russia. The student visa could be obtained for a college degree, 1-year Master’s degree or for a 4-year undergraduate degree.
Successful visa applicants are given a single entry Visa with duration of 3 months to 1 year. After your studies begin, your visa can be extended to match the duration of your educational programme. You can also request a multi-entry visa after getting your Russia student visa.
We also have a guide for Russia tourist, visit or business visa application in Nigeria. Click HERE to find out about the steps, requirements and visa issuance criteria.
Why Study in Russia
Before you apply for Russia student visa in Nigeria, here are some of the reasons why you should study in Russia:
– A large number of high quality universities to choose from
– The universities in Russia have a large variety of globally recognized courses.
– Tuition fees in Russian universities are affordable when compared to countries like the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
– The universities have excellent facilities, qualified lecturers and may even teach in the English language, therefore, eliminating the challenge of learning in a language you do not understand.
– Russia is a beautiful country with many beautiful locations for tourists or students who love sightseeing. Some schools also organize group trips or tours for students for free or at reduced prices.
– Russia is composed of a vast amount of people, cultures, and religions. This makes it easier to make friends and find people with which you have something in common.
– If you are trying to live on a budget, some parts of Russia are affordable.
Furthermore, there are student discounts, which you can take advantage of to reduce your living expenses.
Nigerian Students in Russia
It is quite comforting to be surrounded by people you know or individuals with whom you share a similar culture. This is why some people may be reluctant to apply for Russia student visa in Nigeria. It may seem surprising but there are many Nigerian students in Russia. There are online forums for Nigerians in Russia and this is an avenue to connect with other Nigerians while in Russia.
Russia Visa Requirements for Nigerian Citizens
Below is a list of documents you must have when you apply for Russia student visa in Nigeria
1- A valid passport that will not expire before the Visa you are applying for will expire.
2- Two recent passport photographs. You should not use passport photographs that were taken more than 6 months before your visa application. The backdrop of this photo should be white.
3- A filled visa application form. You will be able to find the form online. Fill the form on the computer and print it. The application form should be filled carefully. The information on this form should match the data on the other documents you will submit.
4- A letter of Invitation/admission letter from the school in which you are enrolled.
5- A valid and recent bank statement. The information on this document should show that you have enough funds to cover your living expenses for the duration of your student visa. This could be your statement of account or your sponsor’s.
6- Proof of full or partial payment of your tuition fees.
7- School certificates and school transcripts. The documents provided may vary according to the degree you are trying to acquire in Russia. You will need to authenticate these documents before submitting them for assessment.
8- A valid and recent HIV/AIDS certificate is compulsory before you apply for Russia student visa in Nigeria.
9- Receipt showing that your visa application fee has been paid.
10- Certificate showing clearance from the Nigerian police
11- Proof of health insurance for the period you will be in Russia. It is important to buy health insurance from an approved insurance company. So, we partnered with AXA Mansard to help provide travel insurance for your Russia visa application. Click HERE to order your travel insurance now.
12- Flight and hotel reservation
Paying for actual flight ticket and hotel booking will not guarantee you a Russia student visa in Nigeria. For this reason, you are advised not to book your flight tickets before getting your student visa. However, you can reserve your flight ticket and hotel accommodation. Click HERE to do this now.
Only the person applying for the Russia student visa can submit all the above-stated documents.
How to Apply for Russia Student Visa in Nigeria: Step by Step
The process of applying for Russia student visa in Nigeria may seem cumbersome. But you can apply with ease following these simple steps. Here are the steps to follow to apply for Russia student visa in Nigeria.
1- Gain admission
Do some research and decide what school in Russia you would like to attend. Then apply for admission, to obtain an invitation/admission letter from the institution.
2- Gather documents
Get all the documents listed previously. You will need to make clear copies of all the documents you will be submitting. Then fill the visa application using a computer.
Fill this document honestly to avoid being denied a student visa. After filling this form, print out the document and sign it.
3- Submit documents/attend interview
Submit the documents in the Russian embassy in Nigeria and pay the visa application fee. You must submit these documents in person; documents are not accepted through a third party.
After submitting the documents, you may be directed to produce other documents or even be interviewed. If neither is the case, you will be given a date to contact the embassy for information on your student visa.
4- Collect your passport
You can go to collect your passport on your passport collection date. The embassy will inform about this. You must go to the embassy with the receipt you were given on the day you submitted your visa application form.
Note: You will need to register your student visa immediately you enter Russia. Some schools can help with this process.
How to Book Interview Appointment When Applying for Russia Student Visa in Nigeria
You do not need to book an appointment when applying for Russia student visa. After you have filled your visa application form, you should take it and all necessary documents to the Russian embassy in Abuja. For clarity, contact the embassy via phone or email to inquire on the best day or time to submit your application form.
FAQs on How to Apply for Russia Student Visa in Nigeria
How much does the Russian Student visa cost in Nigeria?
Applying for a Russia student visa in Nigeria attracts a fee of N24,500. Processing this visa will take 4-20 days. However, for double that fee, you can purchase the express service. This service ensures that the verdict of your visa application is ready in only 3 days.
You can pay these fees in the embassy when you go to submit your documents. If you prefer, you can also pay this fee via bank transfer.
Find the banking details here.
How can I get Russia visa application form?
The Russia student visa application form can be found here. You can fill it with your computer and then print it for further use.
What is Russia student visa processing time?
After you apply for Russia student visa in Nigeria, it will take 4-20 days to receive a verdict. However, if you are in a hurry, you can pay an express fee and receive the verdict in 3 working days.
Where is Russia embassy in Nigeria?
Abuja: Plot 119, Constitution Avenue, Central Business District.
phone number : (+234) 812 139 3721
Email: rusconsulabuja@mid.ru
This embassy is open 9am-1pm from Monday to Friday. Visa applications are attended to on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 9am – 12pm
Conclusion
Russia is a beautiful country and if you wish to study there, you will not be alone. You will gain new experiences and meet people from diverse cultures. If you are interested in studying in Russia, read this guide before you apply for your Russia student visa in Nigeria.
If you have not taken our free visa eligibility test, we advise you take the test now in order to properly plan your application.
