Studying in Russia vs. South Africa
Russia and South Africa are both popular study destinations — but the price tag, visa rules, and currency differ. We pulled the numbers from our cost calculator: monthly living averages €333 in Russia and €588 in South Africa.
Side-by-side comparison
Verdict
Cheaper tuition
South Africa
Cheaper monthly living
Russia
Lower visa proof of funds
South Africa
Side-by-side comparison
Russia
South Africa
Currency
RUB (₽)
ZAR (R)
Public tuition (annual)
₽300,000
≈ €2,940 / yr
R50,000
≈ €2,500 / yr
Private tuition (annual)
₽450,000
≈ €4,410 / yr
R100,000
≈ €5,000 / yr
Monthly living (city avg)
₽33,950 / mo
≈ €333 / mo
R11,750 / mo
≈ €588 / mo
Visa proof of funds
—
R120,000
Proof of funds for the Section 11(1)(b) study visa (varies by case)
Cities tracked
Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Kazan, Novosibirsk
Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban
Figures are 2026 reference estimates from our cost calculator. Actual costs vary by city, program, and lifestyle.