✍️ Comment by Russian Ambassador to South Africa Roman #Ambarovpublished by TV BRICS media outlet on August 6, 2025
Currently, more than 2️⃣0️⃣0️⃣South Africans are studying in higher education programs in Russia. This includes those who enrolled through the quota provided by the Russian Government to South Africa, as well as those studying on a contractual basis. In addition to Moscow and St. Petersburg, local applicants choose universities in Saratov, Tambov, Astrakhan, and Kursk. Russian higher education is in demand in fields such as medicine, engineering, mathematics, and computer science.
A degree earned in Russia is highly valued, even though in some fields graduates must have their qualifications recognized before they can work in South Africa (for example, medical professionals — due to South Africa’s unique geographic and climatic conditions).
Some of the students who decide to pursue higher education in Russia receive co-funding from South Africa’s Department of Higher Education and Training. The support is based on certain criteria, one of which is the obligation to return home and work for a certain period after completing their studies.
Indeed, many South Africans dream of studying in Russia. Allow me to share a heartwarming story of one such dream that came true 👇
Benedict, a resident of the “New Jerusalem” orphanage in Midrand, who lost both parents and spent 11 years in the orphanage, had a strong desire to study in Russia. She took part in online Russian language courses organized by Saint Petersburg State University specifically for interested South African residents. In 2024, she applied for admission to the Patrice Lumumba Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia#RUDN and was accepted. As a full orphan, she could not afford airfare or living expenses in Moscow. However, the Russian community in South Africa, which has long supported the orphanage, stepped in to help.
Benedict is now in Moscow. She has already completed the preparatory program at Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas and will soon begin her main studies at RUDN.