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Can foreign students work while studying in Russia?

2025-05-03 02:04
International students in Russia working and studying — one serving coffee, one studying on a laptop, and one dressed for a part-time job near a university building
Reading time ≈ 6 min
(Legal options, where to find jobs, and what you should know in 2025)

💼 Many international students ask:

Can I legally work while studying in Russia?

The short answer is: Yes — under specific conditions. Russia allows foreign students to work during their studies, but you must follow legal rules to stay safe and protect your visa.

Here’s what every student should know in 2025.
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✅ Who is allowed to work legally?

You can work in Russia without a separate permit if:

  • You are enrolled in a full-time program at a state-accredited university
  • You have a valid student visa
  • You work in the same region where your university is located

This rule applies to undergraduate, graduate, PhD students — and even some university-based language course participants.

⚖️ What changed in the law?

Before 2021, foreign students needed a special student work permit to work part-time. But that requirement has been removed.
Now, as long as your job doesn’t interfere with your studies and you’re officially enrolled, you can work legally without extra paperwork.
💡 You don’t need a permit — but your employer may still ask for proof of your enrollment.

⏰ How many hours can you work?

Cartoon illustration of international students working part-time in Russia — one holding a clock, another at a computer, and one studying at a desk
There is no official weekly limit, but most universities recommend:
  • Up to 20 hours per week during the academic year
  • Full-time during holidays and breaks
Your university should always remain your main priority.

🚫 What happens if you work illegally?

Even though you don’t need a work permit anymore, you must still:
  • Be officially enrolled
  • Work in your university’s region
  • Inform your university or employer of your status
If you break these conditions, you risk:
  • Fines
  • Visa cancellation
  • Deportation

🔍 Where to find student jobs in Russia

Looking for a legal part-time job? Start here:

🧑‍💻 1. University resources

  • Career centers or job boards
  • On-campus work (library, labs, tutoring)
  • Student Telegram groups

🌐 2. Online platforms

Tip: Use filters like “неполный день” (part-time) and “без опыта” (no experience)

📱 3. Telegram groups

Try searching:
  • “Работа студентам Казань / Москва / СПб”
  • “Jobs for foreigners in Russia”
  • “Part-time jobs students Russia”

🏪 4. Telegram groups

  • Local cafés, schools, language centers
  • Ask classmates, roommates, or other international students
“I found my job teaching kids through a Telegram group. No permit needed — just a contract and proof of my enrollment.”
— Daniel, student from Nigeria

🧭 What about after graduation?

After you graduate, you can:
  • Apply for a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP)
  • Get a job-based work visa
  • Apply for Permanent Residency (PR) after a few years
In recent years, Russia has simplified these pathways to keep talented graduates in the country.
Get higher education in Russia

🎯 Final tips from Main Education

✔ You no longer need a work permit — but you must be enrolled full-time
✔ Your job should not affect your studies
✔ Work only in your region
✔ Use safe and verified sources to find jobs

📍 Want to study — and legally work — in Russia in 2025?

Main Education helps you apply to top universities and supports you during your studies — step by step.
👉 Start your application now at merussia.com
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