Can foreigners study and work in Russia at the same time?

Yes, international students can work at the university (or at its organizations) on their free time. Sometimes universities’ International Offices help students find employment such as contract work. In this case you don’t need to take the relevant permit from the General Administration for Migration Issues of the Interior Ministry of Russia. In other cases a permit is required. Permits are issued only to students on full-time courses at state-accredited universities. Students can work only according to the profession specified in the permit, and in the region (city) where their university is located. 

You should not assume however that supplementary employment can cover all your living costs (amounting to $300 to $400 per month on the average). Due to intensive study at Russian universities and homework challenges students do not have much free time. It’s best to have your family support you or save a certain sum to meet your expenses in order to stay focused on your studies. Read more about work for international students in Russia.