This article is devoted to the export of higher Education, as it is becoming increasingly important in the strategy of socio-economic development in various countries around the world. Experts estimate that the global market of higher education is equivalent to 150 billion US dollars. Russia currently holds less than 1% of this market. In most education - exporting countries, research on the contribution of international studentts to the national economy is held on a regular basis. It is known that, in addition to tuition fees, foreign students also pay for their accommodation and other daily expenses during the studies in another country. The total costs include the administrative fees, accommodation or housing rent, education and entertainment. Training costs other than tuition fees include the cost of textbooks, equipment and materials, cost of travel to the university and back and therefore contribute to the development of regional economy. The article attempts to estimate the contribution of foreign students to the Russian economy. In addition, the authors of the article provide recommendations for some of the priority actions that should be taken in order to increase Russian exports of higher education.