Frequently Asked Questions: Graduate Admissions
Frequently Asked Questions
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There are several ways to apply to HSE, which complement and do not contradict each other:
- Participate in the portfolio competition as part of a separate competition for foreign citizens;
- Participate in the Open Doors International Olympiad. Winners and prize holders can apply for places under the Government of the Russian Federation State Scholarship quota;
- Participate in Olympiads for students and graduates listed on our website via this link. Winners and prize holders can apply for places under the Government of the Russian Federation State Scholarship quota.
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Foreign citizens can study at HSE:
- On places under the Government of the Russian Federation State Scholarship quota;
- On state-funded places (alongside Russian citizens, for foreign citizens who may be classified as compatriots).
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You may participate in the quota selection process, but the final decision on allocating a quota place is made by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation.
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Taking entrance examinations through Rossotrudnichestvo is not mandatory and is recommended. For details, please read the information in the section "Information for applicants through Rossotrudnichestvo" on the official portal https://admissions.hse.ru/rgs/.
For certain educational programmes, passing HSE entrance examinations is a mandatory criterion for reviewing and evaluating applications submitted through Rossotrudnichestvo.
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No, you cannot. The Government of the Russian Federation quota is provided only for obtaining a first degree at a specific level. If you already have a Master's degree, you cannot apply for a quota place for admission to a Master's programme.
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For all questions, please contact the Olympiad Organising Committee at opendoors@hse.ru, and also check up-to-date information on the official Olympiad website: https://od.globaluni.ru/about.
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Yes, HSE offers a number of Master's programmes that are delivered entirely in English.
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All online programmes are delivered in full-time format. Upon completion of an online programme, you receive the same HSE diploma as on-campus students. Visa support is not provided.
Full list of online programmes: https://admissions.hse.ru/study_online
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HSE has the right to independently recognise foreign educational documents. Recognition of educational documents is carried out in the foreign applicant personal account. Detailed information is available here.
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You must provide original educational documents to the Admissions Support Centre.
If the documents are in a foreign language, notarised translations into Russian must also be submitted. Before bringing your documents, please coordinate your visit with our colleagues via email: recognition@hse.ru.
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There are no age restrictions.
Deadlines and Key Dates
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Applications for the Government of the Russian Federation State Scholarship (quota) are accepted from November 1, 2025 to March 20, 2026.
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The deadline for document submission is specified in the system message — 21 calendar days from the date the recommendation is issued.
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The deadline for correcting documents is 10 calendar days from the date they are returned.
Scholarships, Dormitories and Health Insurance
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Foreign students studying on state-funded places under intergovernmental agreements receive a state academic scholarship throughout their studies, regardless of academic performance. More details about scholarships.
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Dormitory places are provided for the entire duration of study to students admitted on places under the Government of the Russian Federation State Scholarship quota. Accommodation costs and dormitory addresses are listed on the page.
Consultations on dormitory accommodation conditions at HSE can be obtained from the Dormitory Management Directorate.
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All foreign citizens (students) are required to purchase voluntary health insurance (VHI/DMS) upon arrival in Russia or before arrival, in their country of residence, for the entire duration of their stay. Foreign students may purchase VHI/DMS through insurance companies recommended by HSE.
Information on recommended VHI/DMS programmes and how to purchase a policy is available on the webpage of the Social Sphere Management Office.
Ask a question to the Consultancy Centre specialists
Address: 109028, Moscow, Pokrovsky Boulevard 11, Building D, Office 623
Working hours: 9:30 – 18:00, Monday–Friday