Benefits for Students in Russia

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Students of Russian universities, including international students, can expect several types of discounts.

Transport

City Transport

Full-time students of state-accredited Russian universities are entitled to reduced tariffs on public transport (metro, bus, trolleybus and tram). The discount is quite significant: if a regular unlimited monthly metro pass costs 2,000 roubles in Moscow, a student pass costs just 380 roubles (prices as of 2017).

The discount is valid throughout the year. To obtain it, you have to apply for a student ID card or a student social card (depending on the region) at ticket offices or social protection centres (depending on the region).

You usually have to present your passport and student ID card. Contact your university for details.

While you are arranging a concessionary travel ticket, you can still save by taking advantage of preferential rates. More details in the Transport section.

Suburban Transport

Full-time students of Russian universities have the right to a 50% discount for travel on suburban trains (within a single region). The discount is valid from 1 September to 15 June inclusive each year.

You can receive a discount when you purchase a single-journey ticket by presenting your student ID card at the ticket office. For frequent travel, you can get a travel pass or a transport card

During ticket checks on public and suburban transport, in addition to your travel pass (or single-journey ticket), you need to present a valid student ID that confirms your right to the discount.

Places of Cultural Interest

In Russia, when visiting museums, students are offered a number of discounts, from reduced ticket prices (for example, at the Tretyakov Gallery and the Pushkin Museum) to free passes (such as to the Hermitage and the Kolomenskoye Museum). More information about discounts and promotions, including free entry days, can be found on the museums’ official websites.

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Don't forget that you need to present a valid student ID card to get a discount.

Each year in May, many Russian cultural attractions are also open to the public free of charge as part of the Night of Museums. Visitors can attend offered special exhibitions, seminars, lectures, workshops, concerts and much more.

Shopping and Services

Discounts for students are frequently offered by a variety of companies (domestic and international) and service providers.

Get more information about sales and events in store and online. Many stores distribute leaflets at universities, libraries, and cafes. Special promotions often run on the eve of student holidays and at the start of the academic year.

ISIC Card in Russia

The international ISIC card is more suitable for those who plan frequent travel abroad during their studies in Russia. The card offers discounts in more than 130 countries worldwide, for which Russian university ID cards are not valid.

The ISIC card gives you free access to museums, theatres and cultural centres in participating countries, as well as discounts on holidays and air travel, hotel and hostel accommodation, training courses and educational programmes, and shopping offline and online.

In Russia, ISIC card holders are eligible for more than 3,000 discounts, some of which are also granted upon presentation of a regular Russian student ID card. Before purchasing the ISIC card, make sure you read through the available offers on the Russian version of the ISIC website – it’s possible that a Russian student ID card may sufficient.