Study in Tomsk

Tomsk for students

One of the oldest cities in Siberia, Russia, and the administrative centre of the Tomsk Oblast, Tomsk could be the ideal student city for snow-lovers.

Its institutions include Tomsk State University, the oldest university in Russian Asia (Siberia), which was founded in 1880 and ranks well within the top 300 universities in the world.

A small number of English-taught programs are available in engineering and science subjects (you can search for these here).

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Best universities in Tomsk - QS Best Student Cities ranking: 85th 

More about Tomsk

Tomsk is home to two world renowned universities this year, including top 300 entry: Tomsk State University. The city has approximately 596,000 residents, of which 29 percent are students. This year, Tomsk earns its highest score in the affordability indicator, ranking within the global top 10. 

To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology.

Why study in Tomsk?

An affordable student city

Ranking sixth globally for affordability this year, students in Tomsk benefit from low living costs and cheap tuition fees. 

Prestigious universities

Both of Tomsk's ranked universities place with the global top 400 in the world rankings: Tomsk State University in joint 272nd and Tomsk Polytechnic University in joint 395th.

A sporty city

Whether you're interested in basketball, rowing, skiing, snowboarding or scuba diving, you'll can find it in Tomsk. Tomsk has several stadiums and swimming pools and its mountains and cool climate make it perfect for skiing in the winter.

Cost of studying in Tomsk

Tomsk features in the top 10 for affordability in the QS Best Student Cities 2022, with lower living costs than those found in larger Russian cities such as Moscow. 

According to Numbeo, on average, a one bedroom apartment in the city centre would cost the equivalent of £200 and a one way ticket on local transport would cost 23p. Tuition fees are also low, with tuition costing an average of US$3,200.

Life & culture in Tomsk

A small, calm university city with a large student population, Tomsk has a lively café and arts scene and is especially noted for the picturesque ‘gingerbread’ style decorations found on its traditional wooden architecture.

Although its winters are long and extreme, Tomsk is a great place to study if you’re keen on skiing and other outdoor activities. From scuba diving to rock climbing; whatever sport you're interested in, Tomsk will have the facilities for it. 

There are also a number of theatres and museums to check out in your spare time. 

Careers in Tomsk

Tomsk is a major industrial centre, home to six business incubators and some of the region’s leading companies in engineering, pharmacy and food.

Tomsk is the only non-capital member of the Asian Network of Major Cities 21, a body demonstrating the interests of major Asian cities for common priorities such as urban planning, sustainability and crisis management. 

The city also has a large number of universities and scientific research institutes, making it one of Russia’s major centres for science and IT and earning it the nickname ‘Siberian Athens’.