The main goal of the program is to prepare foreign citizens for admission to the National Research University "Higher School of Economics" (HSE University) for main educational programs taught in Russian. During the training, students develop language competence necessary for academic communication, as well as master basic specialized disciplines for successful completion of entrance examinations.
The program provides comprehensive training, including studying Russian as a foreign language and specialized subjects depending on the chosen field of study (humanities, economics, natural sciences, technical, etc.).
The program provides comprehensive training, including studying Russian as a foreign language and specialized subjects depending on the chosen field of study (humanities, economics, natural sciences, technical, etc.).
Preparatory Department (for International Students) | HSE Universirty
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General Information
The program aims to prepare foreign citizens for admission to HSE University's main bachelor's and master's degree programs taught in Russian.
Students are prepared for entrance examinations at HSE University in specialized disciplines, depending on the chosen field of study:
Economics - mathematics, history, social studies
Humanities - history, literature, social studies
Engineering and Technical - mathematics, physics, computer science
The program is designed for 10 months (2026-2027 academic year) and includes two main modules: an intensive course in Russian as a foreign language for beginners (from A0 to B1 level, 800 hours) and specialized subject preparation (200 hours).
Students are prepared for entrance examinations at HSE University in specialized disciplines, depending on the chosen field of study:
Economics - mathematics, history, social studies
Humanities - history, literature, social studies
Engineering and Technical - mathematics, physics, computer science
The program is designed for 10 months (2026-2027 academic year) and includes two main modules: an intensive course in Russian as a foreign language for beginners (from A0 to B1 level, 800 hours) and specialized subject preparation (200 hours).
During the training, students study basic terminology and grammatical structures of academic language necessary for successful mastery of disciplines in their field of specialization.
- Classes are conducted in person on the HSE University campus in St. Petersburg or in a fully distance learning format. Full-time students are provided with comfortable accommodation in the university's student dormitory.
- Program Director — Olga Valerievna Tarakanova. The teaching staff of the Centre for Russian Language and Culture includes qualified specialists with extensive experience working with international students.
- HSE University provides full visa support for international citizens, as well as mentoring assistance (Buddy program), curator support, and access to an extended LMS system
Required Documents
Copy of passport
valid for more than 18 months
from the planned date of entry into the Russian Federation
from the planned date of entry into the Russian Federation
High school diploma
certificate of secondary education
HSE University Benefits
- FacultyOur teachers are qualified specialists of the Centre for Russian Language and Culture of the School of Arts and Humanities at HSE University, with extensive experience working with international students.
- Educational programsWe offer pre-university preparation programs (0-B1), intensive Russian and English language courses, as well as modules on academic skills and Russian culture (on-campus and online).
- Leading Research UniversityHSE University is one of Russia's leading universities, where you will receive a modern individual approach and become part of the global academic community.
- Dynamic Student EnvironmentHSE University in St. Petersburg offers an active student life and various extracurricular activities that will help you quickly adapt and find friends from all over the world..
- Certificate of CompletionUpon completion of the program, you will receive an official HSE University certificate confirming your level of preparation and granting the right to apply to the university.
- Comprehensive Student SupportWe provide visa support, accommodation in HSE dormitories, access to an extended LMS system, as well as free assistance from mentors and curators.
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The project is implemented with the support of the Innovation Promotion Fund under the "Student Startup" program as part of the "University Technology Entrepreneurship Platform" initiative of the federal project "Technologies".
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