Russia is enhancing its ties with African nations through academic diplomacy as part of its foreign policy. In 2025, the country allocated over 5,000 state-funded university spots for African students, receiving more than 40,000 applications, according to Rossotrudnichestvo, Russia's cultural diplomacy agency. This number is double the applications received in 2024, with the highest number of applicants from Sudan, Guinea, Ghana, and Chad. There is also a noted increase in interest in Russian language courses.
Under President Vladimir Putin, the Kremlin has aimed to revive Soviet-era relationships and establish new alliances in Africa to expand its global influence, particularly in light of international isolation following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Russia has promoted education, energy, and military cooperation as engagement tools.
Russian historian Irina Filatova stated, "Offering scholarships is the cheapest possible way to get allies. Russia needs allies at the moment," adding that Russia has positioned itself as anti-colonial, which resonates with many Africans.
Currently, the number of African students in the EU or the US significantly exceeds those studying in Russia, with estimates indicating over 92,000 African students in France alone. Russia plans to expand its cultural and educational presence in Africa through initiatives like "Russian Houses," with new centers set to open in Egypt, Zambia, Tanzania, South Africa, and Ethiopia, as announced by Yevgeny Primakov, head of Rossotrudnichestvo.
Primakov noted that Russian language courses are available in many African countries, which can lead to scholarships and career opportunities. In the Central African Republic, compulsory Russian language courses for university students have been introduced, coinciding with a strong Russian military presence in the country.
Critics argue that Russian Houses may serve as propaganda tools promoting Kremlin narratives. Human rights organizations have raised concerns about reports of foreign students being pressured into military service in exchange for visa extensions. Some students captured by Ukrainian forces claimed they were coerced into signing military contracts under threat of deportation.
Filatova commented that such practices could damage Russia's image, stating, "It is very bad for the Russian image at the moment to invite people to study and pay for their studies if they end up doing something different. Russia needs African countries as allies, not enemies."
Historically, during the Soviet era, Moscow positioned itself as a partner to newly independent states in Africa and Asia, providing education to thousands of students who later became leaders in their countries. The Patrice Lumumba People's Friendship University of Russia, established in 1960, is a notable example of this educational outreach.
In addition to geopolitical factors, the cost of tuition and living expenses in Russia is significantly lower than in Western countries. Annual tuition fees for specialized fields in Russia range from $2,000 to $10,000, compared to $20,000 to $40,000 in Europe or the US. Keith Baptist, a parent from Zimbabwe, highlighted the affordability of studying in Russia compared to local options.
Filatova noted that the Kremlin's funding for state universities helps keep costs low, providing opportunities for African students who may struggle to afford education elsewhere. Analysts also cite restrictive immigration policies in Western countries as a factor driving students toward Russia, with the US recently suspending visa issuance for several African nations and revoking thousands of student visas for alleged violations.
Baptist remarked, "Western countries are now making it difficult to get a scholarship or even a simple student visa," reflecting a shift in preference among African students toward Russian educational opportunities.