Over the years, Russia has grown to be one of the popular destinations for international students to study. However, there is a notion that international students don’t get the opportunities to work per-time jobs or make a side income. As an international student, I’ve found ways to create multiple streams of income for myself. Today, I’ll be teaching you how to do the same. In this post, I’ll share with you 10 ways to make money as a student in Russia.

Note that there are a couple of factors to consider before getting a job or make money. Such as;

1. Your location: This determines the opportunities available to you to make money. A relatable example; I recently moved to Moscow after living in Arkhangelsk (North of Russia) for 6 years plus and I can tell you there is a huge difference. There are so many opportunities here for students to make money compared to a smaller town like where I was. Not to get ahead of myself, I hope this gives you an idea of what’s possible.

2. Your skills: This is a major determinant. What can you do? How relevant is it to the Russian market?  Regardless of the region you live in, you should be able to develop skills in demand. This will increase your chances of making money or getting a Job.

3. Your earning capacity: This is so important because the major determinant is you! You might not be able to control external factors like your location, the economy, and the likes but you can control your work ethic, your mindset towards making money, finding opportunities, and harnessing it.

These 3 factors determine the ease of getting a job, creating streams of income, and how much money you get to make while at it. I currently have 5 streams of income and while I’m not pursuing all concurrently, I know it’s possible to create multiple sources of income and make money as a student in Russia.

10 Ways to Make Money as a Student in Russia

1. English Tutor: This is one of the skills in demand in Russia and as a Native English speaker there is a high probability of you getting a Job. You can choose to work as an English Tutor at a kindergarten, an English club, or as a private tutor. You are not limited to offline jobs as an English Tutor because there are opportunities available for online English teaching jobs as well.

How to become an English Tutor

To become a tutor, you’ll need to get acquainted with tutoring foreigners. You can do that both by getting certified through platforms like TEFL, TESOL ; do some research on how to get started with them.

Other requirements include the ability to communicate, friendliness especially if tutoring kids. If teaching online, you’ll need a laptop, headset with microphones.

After a while of tutoring on any of these platforms mentioned above either online or offline, you can decide to set up your private English tutoring company. If that’s something you love doing and you want to make it a major source of income. People like Masiliso Mutumba, Dr. Olan Sean, and many others have been able to do that. It’s also important to note that your student visa allows you to work as an English tutor except in other cases. If you can teach other foreign languages such as French, Spanish, you can also apply the same principles.

Depending on your work experience and qualifications, you can expect to make between 400$- 1200$ in a month as a part-time teacher. According to ITTT, Full-time English teachers in Russia can expect to make between US$1,000 and US$1,200 per month. Those teaching at a university or international school, however, usually earn higher salaries of between US$1,500 and US$2,000 a month.  To apply for Teaching jobs, visit hh.ru, profi.ru, kindergartens around you, English clubs.

2. English Translator: This is sister to being an English tutor. Your job description is simple; Translate documents or host sessions alongside a speaker from English to Russian and vice -versa. To get started with this you need a grasp of the Russian language to do this successfully.

3. Modelling: Russian brands are constantly in need of dark-skinned models. While this isn’t a common vacancy, if it’s something you are interested in, it is an opportunity to make money doing what you love. Here, I shared how I became a model in Russia.

4. Hair Braider and barber: This is a lucrative skill here in Russia as there is a constant demand for hair braiders. Both from the black community and Russian community. Just like there is a demand for Afro hair braiders, hair barbers are also in high demand. So it’s another lucrative skill.

5. Makeup artistry and hairstyling:  As a makeup artist especially of African descent, there are many opportunities for you to use your skills. Either on individuals or in media.

6. Catering: You can cook for individuals or cater to events especially African cuisine.

7. Photography and videography: It’s no news that photography is one of the lucrative jobs available in the world and Russia is no different. You can work in media, events, etc.

8. Acting, singing, dancing: Making money off performance is one of the ways to make money as a student. Either at events, working with a band or an entertainment company.

9. Fitness Trainer: Empowering other people to begin or maintain their fitness journey is another money-making machine. You are also not restricted as to whom to work with. Check out some of these student fitness trainers.

10. Online business (content creation, digital marketing, forex): These are some of the most lucrative skills all over the world at this time and as a student in Russia you can take advantage of this. With great access to the internet and a phone, you are good to go. Do well to research on them and get started.

There are more than 10 ways to make money as a student here in Russia.  However, the purpose of this post is to help you see what’s possible. Getting a job might not be a walk in the park for many students in Russia especially for those living in smaller cities. However, with the right mindset, information, and hands ready to do the work, you will be on your way to making money as a student in Russia. If you are still in doubt, check out some of these international students in Russia in different fields; Dr. Kiki, Tee Kay, Dr. Elvis Justice, the list is endless.

If you have any more questions be sure to reach out to me here at joycebusola.com.