MOSCOW – Russia has allocated more than 5,000 state-funded university spots for African students this academic year, a move announced amid a dramatic surge in interest from the continent.
The head of Rossotrudnichestvo, the Russian state agency for international cooperation and cultural diplomacy, revealed that the initiative follows a massive influx of applications, which exceeded 40,000. This figure marks a doubling of the number of applicants from the previous year.
Speaking in Moscow, the official noted that the highest number of applications originated from Sudan, Guinea, Ghana, and Chad. The growing demand is part of a broader push by Moscow to deepen its ties with Africa.
As part of this expanded outreach, Russia is scaling up its educational projects in several key African nations, including Egypt, Zambia, Tanzania, South Africa, and Ethiopia. This effort is complemented by the growth of its cultural and educational centers, known as “Russian Houses,” now operating in 14 countries across the continent.
Officials state that a rising interest in Russian language courses is a key driver, opening new pathways for African students to pursue higher education and career opportunities in Russia. This educational expansion is widely seen as a cornerstone of Russia’s soft power strategy to strengthen its influence and partnerships in Africa.
