Russia Targets Africa to Boost International Student Numbers Amid Controversy
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Russia has officially launched its 2025/2026 international admissions campaign, intensifying efforts to attract students from Africa as part of a broader strategy to expand global enrolments. Spearheading this initiative is RACUS, the state-affiliated Regional Association of Russian Universities, which promotes Russian higher education in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
In its latest campaign, Russia is offering African students English- and French-taught degree programmes, tuition fees between $2,000 and $4,000, 300 scholarships, guaranteed admissions, job opportunities, and potential pathways to citizenship. RACUS general director Avbakar Nutsalov highlighted that scholarship recipients typically pay only 20% of tuition fees, with accommodation also subsidised.
“Each student is assigned a personal manager offering 24/7 support from application to graduation,” said Nutsalov, stressing Russia’s long-term commitment to education, not profit.
Following a 12.6% decline in international student numbers in 2024, Russia is targeting a 15–17% increase in 2025, largely driven by its growing partnerships with African nations under the BRICS framework. The government has also doubled its annual scholarship offer to African students from 15,000 to 30,000.
However, the campaign unfolds against a backdrop of controversy. Allegations emerged in 2024 that African students were misled into working in arms factories under the guise of work-study programmes. Reports by The Associated Press cited around 200 young women from African nations claiming they were exploited after arriving in Russia. RACUS has strongly denied these claims.
Nutsalov clarified that students on study visas are legally barred from military service. “Only volunteers or professional soldiers are involved in military operations,” he stated, adding that even those seeking to join are now being turned away due to a lack of need.
Despite global scrutiny, Russia remains focused on strengthening its education ties with Africa. The country continues to promote its academic opportunities as a path to a better life, with the government firmly backing its vision of education as a non-commercial, nation-building tool.
Source: THE PIE NEWS
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