HSE Scholars Debunk Myth That Africans Fear Russia’s Harsh Winters
Career prospects in Russia prove to be more important for African students than climate, language barriers, or everyday difficulties. HSE researchers came to this conclusion after analysing survey results from students representing 28 countries across the continent. The key factor influencing their decision is the opportunity to start working while still studying.
Mikhail Denisenko, Director of the Vishnevsky Institute of Demography at HSE University, and Yassir Mohammed, a doctoral student at the Doctoral School of Sociology and the Institute of Demography, presented the first large-scale study of migration plans among African students in Russia. The research has been published in Universe of Russia.
The study is based on a survey of 385 students from 28 African countries enrolled at Russian universities. The analysis identified the key factors shaping graduates’ plans regarding their future lives and careers after completing their degrees.
As cooperation between Russia and African countries expands, understanding students’ motivations becomes an important resource for both education policy and the attraction of skilled labour to the Russian labour market.
One of the most persistent stereotypes is the belief that Russia’s cold climate may deter students from Africa. However, the findings show that weather conditions have no statistically significant impact on graduates’ decisions to stay in the country.
For many students, professional opportunities and career development prospects take priority, outweighing any potential discomfort caused by the climate.
The most significant factor influencing students’ plans is the opportunity for employment during their studies. Regression analysis demonstrates that having a job or internship substantially increases the likelihood that a graduate will choose to remain in Russia after completing their degree.
At the same time, the type of funding—whether a state scholarship or fee-based study—does not significantly affect students’ migration intentions.
The hypothesis that knowledge of the Russian language automatically encourages international students to stay in Russia was also not confirmed. However, proficiency in multiple foreign languages increases employment prospects and facilitates graduates’ integration into the professional environment.
The study also examined potential barriers to long-term residence for international graduates in Russia, such as difficulties in obtaining residence permits, high housing costs, and challenges of social integration.
However, these factors did not demonstrate a statistically significant effect on students’ final decisions. This may indicate a high level of motivation among young professionals, who are primarily focused on career development.
Mikhail Denisenko
‘Russia is competing for human capital on a global scale, and African students are an important part of this process. Our research shows that to turn educational migration into permanent migration, there is no need to change the climate or simplify everyday life. It is enough to create conditions for early professional realisation. The fact that weather and daily challenges take second place to career prospects highlights the high potential and motivation of these young people,’ noted Mikhail Denisenko.
The authors propose a number of practical steps that could help retain international graduates in Russia. In particular, they recommend expanding opportunities for student employment, simplifying procedures for part-time work, and creating more internship programmes. Early entry into the labour market could become the most effective mechanism for further integration.
In addition, universities should expand career support programmes for international students. Assistance with employment before graduation helps establish a stable connection between graduates and the Russian labour market.
At the same time, the authors note that the study sample is not fully representative of the entire country, as most respondents study at Moscow-based universities, namely HSE University and RUDN University. Therefore, the findings should be generalised to other regions of Russia with caution.
Yassir Ali Osman Mohammed
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