St Petersburg University is the first university in Russia and a world-leading centre of science and education

With a history dating back to 1724, the University is the oldest institution of higher education in Russia. Today, SPbU successfully combines tradition and innovation, being one of the leading international centres of education, science and culture. It is ranked among the top 300 universities around the world and in second place in Eastern Europe and Central Asia according to the QS Rankings. The University is also ranked in second place in Russia in the QS Graduate Employability Ranking. It is the best in Russia for Employer-Student connections. As a dynamic institution, it designs multidisciplinary academic programmes that combine fundamental theoretical problems with real-world, practical application.

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 (Mathematics) and Shaw Prize winners. Moreover, two presidents of the Russian Federation and six government leaders graduated from the University.

Today there are more than 5,000 international students from 121 countries study in the University. They are offered a choice from: 6 double degree programmes; 27 master’s programmes taught in English, German, Spanish, French and Italian; as well as over 500 programmes of bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels taught in Russian. According to Rossotrudnichestvo (the Federal Agency for the Commonwealth of Independent States Affairs, Compatriots Living Abroad, and International Humanitarian Cooperation), in 2022 the University became the most popular university in Russia among foreign applicants.

The University maintains strong partnerships with 500+ universities in 81 countries worldwide. It is an active member of international academic mobility programmes including International Association of Universities, Coimbra Group, European University Foundation etc. There are 10 Representative offices functioning in China, Republic of Korea, Spain, Italy, Greece, Belarus, Iran, Thailand, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. Also The University is to open a branch in Uzbekistan (Tashkent) and Egypt (Cairo).

The University’s academic programmes are relevant for the challenges and opportunities of the global labour market. University alumni are able to take on competitive positions in a multicultural work environment. The University has 1600+ long-term cooperation agreements including with IBM, Unilever, PepsiCo, McKinsey, Google, Carl Zeiss, Microsoft, Leica, Intel, Adobe, Huawei, and many other leading international companies. The University partner organisations offer internships for students and take part in the development and assessment of academic programmes.

University 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. The University has cutting-edge research facilities – the state-of-the art Research Park with 23 resource centres, where the most advanced research equipment is concentrated. Students have an opportunity to annually receive research grants, including the Russian Federation Presidential grant. They can carry out research in numerous laboratories and make use of the University’s vast scientific collections.

University life is vibrant and diverse. Every year, the University holds over 700 student events, celebrations, conferences, and competitions. Students are invited to practice up to 21 types of sport at 30 University venues. There are also numerous opportunities to take part in creative student clubs, join the international students association, participate in University volunteering projects and much more!