Russian university students could soon receive academic stipends matching the national minimum wage under a new legislative proposal aimed at eliminating the need for part-time jobs during semesters. Igor Antropenko, a deputy in the State Duma representing the United Russia faction, introduced the initiative to state media on October 6.
Legislative Proposal for Minimum Wage Stipends
The proposed measure ties academic scholarship payouts directly to the legal minimum wage. In 2026, the minimum wage in Russia is set at 27,093 rubles. According to Antropenko, raising monthly payouts to this threshold will allow full-time students to focus entirely on their coursework rather than dividing their time between classes and outside employment.
Current scholarships fail to cover basic living expenses
Existing state support for university students falls significantly short of modern living costs. Standard academic scholarships currently average slightly more than 2,000 rubles per month. Graduate students and medical residents receive higher monthly sums, averaging just over 10,000 rubles. Antropenko stated that these current tiers fail to cover basic living expenses, forcing scholars to seek outside work that often harms their academic performance. In a separate regional initiative announced on September 16, the Moscow city government provided supplementary stipends to support more than 20,000 local students.
Frequently Asked Questions About Russian Student Stipends
What is the current average academic scholarship in Russia?
Standard academic scholarships for university undergraduates average slightly above 2,000 rubles per month, while graduate students and medical residents receive over 10,000 rubles monthly.
Who proposed raising the stipends to the minimum wage?
Igor Antropenko, a State Duma deputy from the United Russia faction, announced the legislative initiative on October 6.
What will the minimum wage be in 2026?
The official minimum wage in Russia is established at 27,093 rubles for 2026, which serves as the benchmark proposed for student scholarship levels.
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