Benefits for Students in Russia
Students of Russian universities, including international students, can expect several types of discounts.
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 2,570 roubles (USD 37) in Moscow, a student pass costs just 405 roubles (USD 6)(prices as of 2020).
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.
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.
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.
