Who can participate in the Open Doors?

Foreign citizens or stateless persons, including compatriots living abroad, who can verify the completion of the previous degree of education or who will complete it in the year the Open Doors is held, depending on the chosen track:

• Bachelor’s track – a completed general secondary education;
• Master’s track – a degree of higher education, at least that of a bachelor;
• PhD track – a degree of higher education, at least that of a master’s or specialist;
• Participants of the postdoctoral track should have a PhD or a candidate/doctor of science degree.

What are the benefits for the winners of the bachelor’s, master’s or PhD tracks?

• Free tuition for the chosen study program, taught in English or Russian. Students who have selected a degree program taught in Russian are entitled to a year of complimentary Russian language training;
• The opportunity to choose a university and degree program through a streamlined, one-stop system;
• An engaging student life experience and vibrant campus environment;
• Ongoing support and assistance provided at every stage of the academic journey.

What are the benefits for the winners of the postdoctoral track?

• A postdoc position in a research project at one of Russia's universities;
• The opportunity to choose a university research project through a streamlined one-stop system;
• The opportunity to work under the guidance of world-renowned scientists, using state-of-the-art research equipment;
• Continuous support at every stage of their research work.

Online format of participation at all stages.

The registration start date is September 5, 2024

– Institutions and human capital as factors in crisis adaptation (2024)

– Quality of governance, public opinion and institutions as factors of development and crisis response (2022)

– Candidates must hold a PhD degree obtained no more than 5 years prior to the start of their contract at HSE University, or must receive the degree before the appointment begins. The degree must be from a major international research university.

– The PhD program must be strongly research-oriented in an applied field.

– Candidates may apply before completing their PhD, but the degree must be awarded before the contract begins.

– All work is conducted in English. Knowledge of Russian is not required.

– Host departments may set additional requirements.

– A competitive salary

– Standard medical insurance

– A fully equipped workspace with computer and free Internet access

5 400 INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS FROM 130 COUNTRIES

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS ARE FROM 34 COUNTRIES
Kazakhstan, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Moldova, Kyrgyzstan, Vietnam, China, Mongolia

MOST POPULAR FIELDS OF STUDY
Economics, Design, Management, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Law, International Relations, Linguistics

GRADUATE STUDENTS ARE FROM 118 COUNTRIES
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, China, Belarus, Nigeria, Kyrgyzstan, Ghana, Pakistan, India

MOST POPULAR FIELDS OF STUDY
Management, International Relations, Applied Politics, Finance, Linguistics

Undergraduate admission is available in the following fields:

— Arts, Design, and Urban Studies

— Social Sciences

— STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)

— Business and Management

— Humanities

— Journalism and Media

— Law

The full list of undergraduate programs is available at the HSE University website.
 

Graduate admission is available in the following fields:

— Arts, Design, and Urban Studies

— Social Sciences

— STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)

— Business and Management

— Humanities

— Journalism and Media

— Law

— Education and Training

The full list of graduate programs is available at the HSE University website.

More information about the admission of international applicants to undergraduate and graduate programmes on the HSE website:

 Undergraduate 

 Graduate 

The HSE University International Preparatory Year offers a unique opportunity for international students to gain the knowledge and skills required for successful admission to and study at Russian universities.

Our team of highly qualified instructors uses advanced educational technologies and up-to-date learning materials to ensure an effective and engaging learning experience.

Advantages of the Preparatory Year

 Russian Language Studies

Students study Russian at all proficiency levels — from A0 (beginner) to C2 (advanced). The program helps develop essential language skills for academic success at HSE University or other Russian institutions.

 Choice of Academic Track

Participants can choose one of three academic tracks: Economics, Humanities, or Engineering and Technology.

 Subject-Specific Courses

In addition to Russian language classes, the curriculum includes subject-specific courses taught in Russian. Depending on the chosen track, students may study mathematics, physics, computer science, literature, history, or social studies.

 New Academic Opportunities

The program provides insights into degree options at HSE University and offers the opportunity to receive a tuition discount for bachelor’s or master’s programs.

 Cultural Immersion

Students become part of a vibrant international community, discover Russian culture and traditions, and experience life in Moscow — a city rich in history and culture.

 

Upon Completion of the Preparatory Year

1. Final Exams

After completing the course, students take exams in Russian and all subjects under their chosen academic track.

2. Certificate

Students who pass their exams successfully will receive a Certificate of Completion.

3. Transfer to Full-Degree Study

Successful completion of the preparatory course allows students to transfer to full-degree study.

HSE University provides comprehensive support to international students at every stage of their academic journey — from arrival in Russia to graduation and the beginning of a professional career. This support covers academic, administrative, everyday, and career-related matters.

International students receive assistance with visa and migration procedures, medical insurance, and obtaining all essential documents, including student ID cards, electronic passes, SNILS, social cards, and scholarship cards.

HSE University also offers guidance on settling in Moscow — from housing options and transportation to access to healthcare services and navigating everyday life in a new city.

In the academic sphere, international students benefit from access to modern educational tools and services, including the university’s digital learning environment, library resources, academic platforms, and opportunities for academic mobility both within Russia and internationally.

Special attention is given to social and financial support. Students can access information about scholarships, allowances, and other available forms of assistance.

HSE University actively encourages international students to participate in extracurricular life — cultural events, sports, creative initiatives, and volunteer projects form an integral part of the student experience.

Career development is supported through dedicated career centers, which assist both students and graduates in finding internships and job opportunities, preparing resumes and for interviews, and planning career paths — both in Russia and abroad.

Saint Petersburg is one of the largest and most beautiful cities in Russia, located on the banks of the Neva River and the Baltic Sea. Covering an area of about 1,400 km², the city is distinguished by its unique geography: numerous rivers, canals, and islands give it a character reminiscent of the “Northern Venice.” Saint Petersburg is an important economic, cultural, and scientific center of the country, with Pulkovo International Airport providing convenient connections to Russia’s major cities and international destinations.

The city has a population of approximately 5.6 million people, where diverse nationalities and cultures coexist harmoniously. The climate is moderately continental, with clearly defined seasons: cold, snowy winters and mild summers with frequent rain. Average temperatures are around −8 °C in January and +19 °C in July, with annual precipitation ranging from 600 to 800 mm.

Saint Petersburg is rightly called the cultural capital of Russia. The city is famous for its unique White Nights, world-renowned museums, theaters, concert halls, and stunning architecture. Visitors can explore the Hermitage, the Russian Museum, Peterhof, and numerous historical ensembles, while the city’s vibrant cultural life continually inspires creativity and new discoveries.

Modern Saint Petersburg combines rich historical heritage with a thriving urban infrastructure. The city is home to leading universities, scientific and innovation centers, and a well-developed transport network, including a five-line metro system, buses, trams, and suburban trains. The average cost of living is around $1,200–1,500 per month, including rent; a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $700–800, while outside the center it is around $450–500.

Residents and visitors enjoy numerous parks, embankments, and modern public spaces. Saint Petersburg is an international hub of art, science, and innovation, where one can gain not just an education but an experience that can change a life. The city perfectly combines comfort, opportunities for growth, and inspiration, making it an ideal place to live, study, and develop personally.

Nizhny Novgorod is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Russia, located at the confluence of the Oka and Volga rivers in the very heart of the Volga region. Covering an area of about 466 km² and lying at an average elevation of 80–90 meters above sea level, the city’s unique geographical position has made it a major transportation hub and an important economic center of the Volga area. The Strigino International Airport, situated 18 km from the city center, provides direct flights to Russia’s largest cities as well as a number of international destinations.

Home to around 1.2 million people, Nizhny Novgorod is a multicultural city where Russian, Tatar, Mordovian, and other traditions coexist in harmony. Its climate is moderately continental, with snowy, frosty winters and warm, sunny summers. Average January temperatures are around −10 °C, while July averages about +20 °C. Annual precipitation amounts to roughly 500–600 mm.

Modern Nizhny Novgorod combines a rich historical heritage with a rapidly developing urban infrastructure. The city boasts an extensive transport network, including a two-line metro and a system of surface public transport. Shops, pharmacies, medical centers, cafés, and restaurants are easily accessible in every district. The average cost of living is around $900–1,000 per month, including rent; a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs about $500, while outside the center it is around $350.

For young people, the city offers a variety of leisure activities: strolling along the scenic Volga embankment, visiting theaters, concert halls, and festivals, or enjoying trendy bars and clubs. Rightly considered the cultural capital of the Volga region, Nizhny Novgorod invites visitors to explore its majestic Kremlin, walk down the historic Bolshaya Pokrovskaya Street, and visit museums dedicated to Maxim Gorky and other prominent figures. With more than 800 years of history, the city continues to evolve while preserving its warm atmosphere and openness to new ideas.

Perm is a large, dynamically developing city of over a million residents, located on the picturesque banks of the Kama River at the foothills of the majestic Ural Mountains. As an important industrial, scientific, and cultural center of Russia, Perm plays a significant role in the country’s economy. In 2020, the city was honored with the title “City of Labor Valor” for the contribution of its residents to industrial and defense development during wartime.

The population of Perm is approximately 1.03 million, and its multicultural environment harmoniously blends Russian, Tatar, Udmurt, and other traditions. The climate is moderately continental, with cold, snowy winters and warm, relatively short summers. Average January temperatures are around −15 °C, July averages about +19 °C, and annual precipitation ranges between 500–700 mm.

Perm is rightly called the “cultural capital of the Urals.” The city is famous for its renowned Perm Ballet, numerous theaters, museums, art galleries, and regular festivals. Among its unique attractions are the architectural and ethnographic museum “Khokhlovka,” the Kungur Ice Cave, and the picturesque Ural landscapes that draw tourists year-round.

Modern Perm combines a rich historical heritage with a well-developed urban infrastructure. The city is home to leading universities, research centers, and benefits from convenient transport logistics, providing easy connectivity both within the city and to other regions. The average cost of living is around $800–950 per month, including rent; a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $400, while outside the center it is about $300.

Residents and visitors enjoy modern public spaces, parks, and squares, while the proximity to nature makes Perm an excellent base for outdoor activities and travel. Its vibrant student atmosphere, friendly locals, and harmonious blend of urban life with natural surroundings give the city a unique character, making it a comfortable and inspiring place to live, study, and explore.

Alternative accommodation

Not all students belong to the categories for which dormitory places are provided, but at the same time, the need for housing remains relevant for them. It is for such cases that HSE offers alternative forms of accommodation — from the university-rented facilities (LCD "Level Amurskaya", "The Sevastopol" Hotel, and the Student Accommodation Center) to the rental of apartments from the Samolet and DOM.RF groups of companies and student coliving from "Kolaif" LLC.

New items and expansions

In 2025, HSE continues to develop its partner network, so new facilities are available this academic year:

 "Discovery" Apart-Hotel;

 "Izmailovsky Park" Apart-Hotel;

 "Berlin" Hotel;

 "U Kamina" Hostel;

 and a large number of new rental housing from the Samolet group of companies.

All of them have been checked, offer flexible conditions and a comfortable level of accommodation.

How to book alternative accommodation

The booking system is already open. To do this, you need to:

• Book a place to stay in the resident's personal account.
• Wait for the manager's response (up to 3 business days) and specify the check-in date.
• Receive the contract and pay the invoice on the HSE University's unified payment page or in any bank using the provided details.
• Arrive on the agreed date with the necessary documents.

Monthly dormitory fee for HSE applicants and other people not enrolled at HSE (summer and winter school participants, interns, etc): 7,100.00 roubles/(88,75 USD) month (for all dormitories).