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Education serves as key link between Russia, Africa
(MENAFN) For decades, education has served as a key link between Russia and Africa, shaping generations of professionals and leaders. The Soviet Union’s investment in academic exchange laid the groundwork for long-term partnerships, and today, Russia continues to attract African students in increasing numbers.
Beyond academic excellence and affordability, Russia’s universities foster a strong alumni network, with former students acting as cultural and professional ambassadors. Many African students choose Russia based on personal recommendations from alumni, highlighting the deep emotional and historical connections that education fosters.
For many African students, studying in Russia is more than an individual choice—it’s a legacy. Generations of alumni actively encourage new students to follow in their footsteps, creating close-knit diasporas within Russian universities. These former students play a key role in promoting Russia’s educational and cultural influence in Africa.
Dr. Issa Togo from Mali, now an associate professor at the SPbPU Institute of Civil Engineering in St. Petersburg, recalls his decision to study in the USSR: “I had many options, including France, Italy, and Germany. But my brother advised me, ‘You can always visit those countries later, but first, you should understand the Soviet Union.’”
Brahima Togola, a PhD student at the Russian State University for the Humanities, shares a similar experience. He was influenced by civil servants in Mali who had studied in the Soviet Union and spoke highly of Russian culture, patriotism, and even the Moscow Metro.
Currently, around 35,000 African students are enrolled in Russian universities, many through government-sponsored quotas covering tuition, housing, and stipends. In the 2025/26 academic year, Russia will allocate 4,816 state-funded spots for African students, slightly more than the 4,746 available in 2024/25. Competition remains high, with 14,000 applicants last year vying for these positions.
The highest number of scholarships will go to students from Egypt, Algeria, Angola, Chad, Mali, Congo, Nigeria, Zambia, Benin, Guinea, and Zimbabwe. The most sought-after fields of study include medicine, economics, IT, international relations, oil and gas, and construction. Leading Russian universities such as the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN), St. Petersburg State University, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, and Bauman Moscow State Technical University continue to attract the most African students.
Russia’s commitment to academic exchange ensures that its historical ties with Africa remain strong, fostering a new generation of professionals who continue to bridge the gap between the two regions.
Beyond academic excellence and affordability, Russia’s universities foster a strong alumni network, with former students acting as cultural and professional ambassadors. Many African students choose Russia based on personal recommendations from alumni, highlighting the deep emotional and historical connections that education fosters.
For many African students, studying in Russia is more than an individual choice—it’s a legacy. Generations of alumni actively encourage new students to follow in their footsteps, creating close-knit diasporas within Russian universities. These former students play a key role in promoting Russia’s educational and cultural influence in Africa.
Dr. Issa Togo from Mali, now an associate professor at the SPbPU Institute of Civil Engineering in St. Petersburg, recalls his decision to study in the USSR: “I had many options, including France, Italy, and Germany. But my brother advised me, ‘You can always visit those countries later, but first, you should understand the Soviet Union.’”
Brahima Togola, a PhD student at the Russian State University for the Humanities, shares a similar experience. He was influenced by civil servants in Mali who had studied in the Soviet Union and spoke highly of Russian culture, patriotism, and even the Moscow Metro.
Currently, around 35,000 African students are enrolled in Russian universities, many through government-sponsored quotas covering tuition, housing, and stipends. In the 2025/26 academic year, Russia will allocate 4,816 state-funded spots for African students, slightly more than the 4,746 available in 2024/25. Competition remains high, with 14,000 applicants last year vying for these positions.
The highest number of scholarships will go to students from Egypt, Algeria, Angola, Chad, Mali, Congo, Nigeria, Zambia, Benin, Guinea, and Zimbabwe. The most sought-after fields of study include medicine, economics, IT, international relations, oil and gas, and construction. Leading Russian universities such as the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN), St. Petersburg State University, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, and Bauman Moscow State Technical University continue to attract the most African students.
Russia’s commitment to academic exchange ensures that its historical ties with Africa remain strong, fostering a new generation of professionals who continue to bridge the gap between the two regions.
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