Saint Petersburg State University

With a history dating back to 1724, St Petersburg University (SPbU) is the first institution of higher education in Russia. Today, St Petersburg University is one of the leading international centres of education, science and culture. It is ranked among the top 300 universities around the world and the second in Eastern Europe and Central Asia according to the QS Rankings. SPbU is also ranked as #2 in the country in the QS Graduate Employability Ranking and the best in Russia for Employer-Student connections. As a dynamic institution, it designs multidisciplinary educational programmes that combine fundamental theoretical problems with real-world, practical application.

Famous Graduates

The discoveries and achievements of the University professors and graduates have shaped the history of both international and Russian science and technology. The University is proud to be home to 9 Nobel prize winners in Physiology, Medicine, Chemistry, Physics, Economics, Literature as well as Fields Medal and Shaw Prize winners. Moreover, two presidents of the Russian Federation and six government leaders graduated from SPbU.

International Students

Each year, more than 3,000 international students from 100 countries enroll in SPbU. They are offered a choice from 10 double degree programmes, 20 Master programmes taught in English, German, Spanish, French and Italian as well as 400 programmes of Bachelor, Master and PhD levels taught in Russian.

According to Rossotrudnichestvo (The Federal Agency for the Commonwealth of Independent States, Compatriots Living Abroad and International Humanitarian Cooperation), in 2019 SPbU became the most popular university in Russia among foreign applicants. International students can apply for the Russian Federation government-funded places (full coverage of tuition fees and monthly allowance) or self-finance their studies.

International Cooperation

SPbU maintains strong partnerships with 485 universities in  80 countries worldwide. University is an active member of international academic mobility programmes including Erasmus , Finnish-Russian Cross Border University, Santander Universities, Coimbra Group, Campus Europae, etc. The University makes it easy to connect with the whole world by offering the opportunity to participate in Alumni clubs in 16 counties and Representative offices in China, Republic of Korea, Spain, USA, with Italy and Turkey shortly on the way.

Global careers

St Petersburg University educational programmes are relevant for the challenges and opportunities of the global labour market, and SPbU alumni are able to take on competitive positions in a multicultural work environment. The University has 2000 long-term cooperation agreements with IBM, Unilever, PepsiCo, McKinsey, Google, Carl Zeiss, Microsoft, Leica, Intel, Adobe, Huawei and many other leading international companies. St Petersburg University partner organizations offer internships for students and take part in the development and assessment of study programmes. In 2018, SPbU became the best university in Russia in Employer-Student connections according to QS Graduate Employability Rankings.

Research

SPbU scientists conduct research in almost all fields of knowledge, provide expertise and consulting, and enjoy close ties with Russian and international partners. The research findings are published in high-impact international journals.

Priority research areas:

●      nanotechnology and materials science

●      biomedicine and human health

●      information systems and technology

●      ecology and nature management

●      social research and technologies

●      human resource management and technologies

SPbU has cutting-edge research facilities — a state-of-the-art Research Park with 26 resource centres, where the most advanced research equipment is concentrated. Students have an opportunity to annually receive research grants, including Russian Federation Presidential grant. They can carry out research in numerous laboratories and make use of vast scientific collections of the University.

Student life

University life is vibrant and diverse. Every year, the University holds over 300 student events, celebrations, conferences, and competitions.

Start-up SPbU programme gives students a great opportunity to have a try at research-intensive entrepreneurial projects and win a 1 000 000 rubles grant for bringing them to life.

Students from other countries are welcome to join the International Students’ Club. The Club is an opportunity to meet fellow students, learn more about Russia and its culture, exchange experience, get help and advice.

Students are invited to practice up to 21 kinds of sport on 30 University venues. The University teams take part in Russian and international sporting events, win various awards and prizes.