St Petersburg University is the oldest university in Russia and for nearly 300 years it has been teaching its students up to the highest educational standards, preparing the graduates who are in high demand in the labor market by the leading companies in various industries.

Today, by bringing together traditions and innovations, St Petersburg University sets the pace for the development of science, education, and culture in Russia and worldwide. We are consistently ranked high in the various international university rankings (Times Higher Education World Reputation Rankings, Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings, Academic Ranking of World Universities), which proves the success of our development strategy. The leading universities and major corporations are our academic and business partners.

The University is fully-equipped to provide a diverse range of opportunities for education, research, and creativity.

St Petersburg University Today

  • Over 5 000 academic staff members;
  • 418 main educational programs and more than 800 additional educational programs;
  • More than 2000 internship contracts and partnership agreements;
  • Over 485 partner universities;
  • 9 Nobel Prize winners;
  • 26 resource centers of the University Research Park;
  • More than 7 mln depository items in stock at the M. Gorky Scientific Library of St Petersburg University;
  • Over 11 000 places in the University halls of residence.

Benefits of studying at St Petersburg University

  • The advantages of living and learning in the cultural capital of Russia. St Petersburg was recognized as World's Leading Cultural City Destination 2018 by the World Travel Awards;
  • Interdisciplinary programs, fully meeting the demands of tomorrow;
  • An opportunity to design a personalized curriculum for every student, combining compulsory and elective courses;
  • Guest lectures from politicians, leading culture professionals, Nobel Prize winners, and world-renowned scientists from across the globe;
  • Access to the most advanced technologies of the SPbU Research Park;
  • A wide range of opportunities for entrepreneurship, a chance to obtain a grant through the SPbU Start-Up competition and develop your own project;
  • Graduates of SPbU are highly competitive in the international job market;
  • A chance to get a grant covering your tuition fee in full along with a monthly scholarship;
  • Participation in international exchange and partnership programs;
  • Various support programs for international students: buddy scheme, intro week, SPbU Foreign Students Club;
  • SPbU Alumni Clubs operate in 15 countries of Europe, Asia, North America, and Australia.

We help our graduates to build a successful career

  • dynamic career and employment services;
  • SPbU days of a career with representatives from JTI, SUN InBev Russia, Intel, Unilever, P&G, MARS, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Deloitte Touche, KPMG, Ernst&Young, Toyota, Nokian Tyres, International Paper;
  • Employers input in the development and evaluation of educational programs.
Programmes taught in:
English
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Executive courses

Master in Advanced Mathematics
Saint Petersburg University

The programme offers a completely new curriculum covering a wide range of advanced topics in theoretical mathematics, theoretical computer science, and their applications ... [+]

Level of education: Master programme Type of instruction: Full-time Duration: 2 years Language of instruction: English, Russian Benefits of the programme The programme offers a completely new curriculum covering a wide range of advanced topics in theoretical mathematics, theoretical computer science, and their applications. Lecturing staff will consist of the foremost experts, many of which have previously worked in the world’s leading institution. Courses are taught in English (Russian language skills are not necessary); this is essential for employability of graduates in the international research and job market. The programme operates in a lively framework of Chebyshev Laboratory hosting many research seminars and a continuous flow of guest lecturers who are leading researchers from all over the world. Tight connection with Chebyshev Laboratory and Steklov Institute of Mathematics at St Petersburg makes it possible for students to participate in joint research projects with top researchers whose expertise covers the majority of the areas of modern mathematics and computer science. Small group size implies personalized approach during the whole duration of studies. Travel support for participation in conferences, summer schools and other scientific events. We expect fellowships for top students both from the government and private foundations. Students involved in research grants may also receive extra funding. Some elective educational courses Advanced combinatorics; Abstract Harmonic analysis; Introduction to Bellman function theory; Geometric theory of functions of a complex variable; Interpolation and sampling in spaces of analytic functions; Quasiconformal mappings; Models in operator theory; Theory of harmonic measure; Functions with disconnected spectrum;... [-]
Russia , Saint Petersburg
September 2019
English,Russian
Full time
2 years
Campus
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Master in Business Analytics and Big Data — MiBA
Saint Petersburg University

The programme aims to develop fundamental knowledge in management and up-to-date analytical tools used to inform managerial decisions. Graduates will be equipped with the ... [+]

Level of education: Master programme Type of instruction: Full-time Duration: 2 years Language of instruction: English Benefits of the programme The programme aims to develop fundamental knowledge in management and up-to-date analytical tools used to inform managerial decisions. Graduates will be equipped with the knowledge of big data analytics tools and ability to use them to solve managerial tasks. Academic staff with teaching experience in leading international business schools, including guest lecturers from top-ranking international business schools and seasoned practitioners from leading data-intensive companies. Master thesis is a full-cycle big data research project. It is a case study of an existing private or state-owned company. This unique combination of theory and practical interdisciplinary project work will bring future graduates a broad spectrum of competencies to meet their professional goals. The programme is taught in English in a cross-cultural environment enhancing the employability of graduates in the international job market. Main courses Statistical Data Analysis in Python Machine learning Processing of natural language and images Introduction to Sectoral Analysis Marketing analytics Project Management Contemporary strategic analysis Managerial Economics Design thinking Knowledge Management Enterprise architecture Digital business Data Mining and Visualisation Technology Entrepreneurship Marketing of Innovative Products Key skills Development of business strategy; Identification and minimization of risks; Business efficiency increase and business processes optimization; Customer segmentation and market analysis; Product value increase for customers; New product and service creation. Career opportunities ... [-]
Russia , Saint Petersburg
September 2019
English
Full time
2 years
Campus
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Master in Condensed Matter Physics At MEGA-Science Facilities
Saint Petersburg University

The program focuses on the fundamental principles behind modern-day physicist's picture of nature. Students are introduced to the course material through both classroom e ... [+]

Level of education: Master programme Type of instruction: Full-time ECTS points: 120 Duration: 2 years Language of instruction: English Benefits of the programme The program focuses on the fundamental principles behind modern-day physicist's picture of nature. Students are introduced to the course material through both classroom exploration of theoretical models of condensed matter and observation of the behaviors of condensed matter in a lab environment. The problems being studied by means of converging NBIC technologies deal with neutron and synchrotron radiation. The program aims to provide professional expertise in the field of condensed-matter physics. It will enable graduates to handle research and engineering problems in various areas of physics, chemistry, biology, and material sciences. Students are expected to carry out fundamental research making full use of the MEGA-Science Facilities. Accordingly, a lot of attention in the program is paid to a detailed study of the interaction of neutron and synchrotron radiation with matter. Graduates of the program are experts on: the foundations of interaction of neutron and synchrotron radiation with matter (solid state matter, polymers, nature objects, nano- and heterostructures); as well as physics-mathematical apparatus, which describes the processes of generation, propagation and scattering of coherent radiation. Having qualified in the program, graduates develop the necessary skills to collect, process and analyze data obtained with neutron and synchrotron stations. In addition, they acquire new methods to record and handle images, to detect different bodies and processes, and to study the fundamental properties of matter. The science degree holders are able... [-]
Russia , Saint Petersburg
September 2019
English
Full time
2 years
Campus
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Master in International Commercial Arbitration
Saint Petersburg University

The Programme offers a valuable opportunity to develop an understanding of international commercial arbitration. Students develop their legal knowledge and advanced legal ... [+]

Level of education: Master programme Type of instruction: Full-time Duration: 2 years Language of instruction: English Benefits of the programme The Programme offers a valuable opportunity to develop an understanding of international commercial arbitration. Students develop their legal knowledge and advanced legal skills in practice. The Programme is taught over a period of two academic years and is divided into two parts: theoretical (1 year) and practical (1 year). During the first year, students participate in lectures, seminars, and workshops. The second year is dedicated to the practical application of the acquired knowledge and the writing of an academic paper. This Programme is taught fully through English, thereby assuring alumni readiness to appear as a counsel in arbitration worldwide. The courses are taught by leading arbitration specialists. Interactive and practical classes will enable students to focus on the analysis of case law, conflicts of law, and hone their analytical and practical legal skills by participating in moot courts and debates. The Programme aims to inform participants about modern trends in international commercial arbitration and the opinions of leading practitioners in this field. Main courses Competence and types of international commercial arbitration. Institutional arbitration and ad hoc arbitration: differences in organizational structure, advantages and disadvantages of each type. Overview of main arbitral institutions and jurisdictions. International commercial arbitration and principles of international private law. New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards: practical considerations and role of the Convention in the development of arbitration. International investment arbitration... [-]
Russia , Saint Petersburg
September 2019
English
Full time
2 years
Campus
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Master in International Sociology
Saint Petersburg University

The programme ‘International Sociology’ targets students interested in multidisciplinary study on social, economical, political and cultural changes in modern Western and ... [+]

Level of education: Master programme Type of instruction: Full-time Duration: 2 years Language of instruction: English Benefits of the programme The programme ‘International Sociology’ targets students interested in a multidisciplinary study on social, economic, political and cultural changes in modern Western and Eastern societies. The track ‘Studies in European Societies’ is the outcome of collaboration between SPSU and Bielefeld University (Germany) with the support of German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Centre for German and European Studies. It focuses on modern development trends of European countries, including the Europeanization of politics, transformation of Eur... [-]
Russia , Saint Petersburg
September 2019
English
Full time
2 years
Campus
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Master in Languages and Cultures of Africa
Saint Petersburg University

Extensive experience in teaching African languages combined with a comprehensive set of courses relevant for African studies. ... [+]

Level of education: Master program Type of instruction: Full-time Duration: 2 years Language of instruction: English Benefits of the program Extensive experience in teaching African languages combined with a comprehensive set of courses relevant to African studies. Students have access to unique electronic resources in Russian and foreign languages as well as to a dedicated collection of the M. Gorky Scientific Library of St Petersburg University. The Library holds over 300 copies of fiction, science and education books in all the languages of the program. It boasts a collection of ancient manuscripts and block books common in Oriental cultures as well as rare and antiquarian books and lithographs. Complex approach to African Studies Main courses Introduction to African Studies Historical and typological linguistics of African languages African languages and general linguistics African folklore and oral tradition Ethnopsychology of African peoples Areal linguistics and dialectology of African languages African geography and modern political situation African literature in European languages Literature in African languages Sketch of African history Religions of Africa African arts Amharic, Bambara, Hausa, Swahili Key skills Students acquire skills in working with academic and reference literature as well as its analysis Expert evaluation and analysis of problems related to Africa Knowledge of the ethnolinguistic situation in the region and the ability to understand the multicultural environment Career opportunities ... [-]
Russia , Saint Petersburg
September 2019
English
Full time
2 years
Campus
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Master in Management - MIM
Saint Petersburg University

The programme is practice-based: the majority of lecturers are experienced practitioners; the first year ends with a summer internship, the second year includes a consult ... [+]

Level of education: Master programmes Type of instruction: Full-time Duration: 2 years Language of instruction: English Benefits of the programme The programme is practice-based: the majority of lecturers are experienced practitioners; the first year ends with a summer internship, the second year includes a consulting project for a Saint Petersburg University partner company. Academic staff with teaching experience in leading international business schools, including guest lecturers from top-ranking international business schools and expert practitioners. The programme is taught in English in a cross-cultural environment enhancing the employability of graduates in the international job market. Upon competition, students have an opportunity to spend a semester studying abroad at one of the top universities or business schools from the extensive list of Saint Petersburg University academic partners. Students can participate in the competition for double degree master programmes Master in International Management, Community of European Management Schools - CEMS MIM, and joint programmes with Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU), HEC School of Management, Paris, Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT). Students can join research projects of leading SPbU scholars choosing from a range of management topics. This can be done as part of the preparation of the thesis. Main courses Contemporary Strategic Analysis Managerial Economics Quantitative Methods for Business Research Organisational Behaviour and Human Resource Management Corporate Finance Consulting Project Foreign Language (German, French, Spanish, or Russian) Professional Skills of Managers: Training Key skills Ability to plan and organize the research process and prepare analytical materials Solving administrative problems in various... [-]
Russia , Saint Petersburg
September 2019
English
Full time
2 years
Campus
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Master in Polar and Marine Sciences (POMOR)
Saint Petersburg University

The course offers insights into polar and marine ecology, oceanography, geology and climate change. The students stand a chance to engage with expeditions on board of the ... [+]

Level of education: Master programme Type of instruction: Full-time Duration: 2 years Language of instruction: English Benefits of the programme The course offers insights into polar and marine ecology, oceanography, geology, and climate change. The students stand a chance to engage with expeditions on board of the leading German and Russian research vessels. Upon completion, the students receive a double degree: Master degree of St Petersburg University and Master of Sciences of the University of Hamburg. POMOR is the only educational programme in natural sciences at SPbU, accredited by ASIIN e.V. Main courses

Basic module

Interpersonal communication skills History of polar research Introduction into the use of academic information online Introduction into GIS, interpersonal communication skills, scientific research quality standards. Field trainings, conference presentations (POMOR conference) ... [-]
Russia , Saint Petersburg
September 2019
English
Full time
2 years
Campus
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Master in Political Governance and Public Policy
Saint Petersburg University

The programme aims to equip graduates with leadership skills to successfully implement public strategies of innovative and sustainable development of society. ... [+]

Level of education: Master programme Type of instruction: Full-time Duration: 2 years Language of instruction: English Benefits of the programme The programme aims to equip graduates with leadership skills to successfully implement public strategies of innovative and sustainable development of society. The programme is taught in English which facilitates the exchange of knowledge and educational technologies in the field of global public policy. The programme is based on best international practices and methodology allowing to training highly qualified analysts, public administrators, and political leaders. Students have an opportunity to shape and sharpen their skills of leadership, governance, analysis, and implementation of public policy. The programme includes active teaching and learning tools: business games, round tables, discussions, case studies, and internships. Leadership skills developed in the course of study will allow graduates to successfully implement policies and management strategies in today’s complex and unstable society. Main courses Budget Policy in Russia (Public Budgeting) Business and Interest Groups in Russian Public Policy Collaboration and Political Decision-Making Process Governance Though Communities Inequality and Social Policy in Russia Informatics for Public Policy Macro and Microeconomics for Public Policy Organizational Management and Elaboration of Public Policy Political Development and Change Political Discourse and Public Affairs Political Methodology and Philosophy Political Psychology and Public Policy Qualitative Methods in Public Policy Analysis Quantitative Methods in Public Policy Analysis Russia in the New Emerging World Order Russian Governance and Decision-Making Theories of Public Policy Urban Governance and Policy Key skills Research / Analytical Skills for Public Policy Public... [-]
Russia , Saint Petersburg
September 2019
English
Full time
2 years
Campus
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Master in Russian Culture
Saint Petersburg University

The programme is designed to provide in-depth knowledge about the culture of Russia. It is aimed at foreign students who have a basic understanding of the history, philos ... [+]

Level of education: Master programme Type of instruction: Full-time Duration: 2 years Language of instruction: English Benefits of the programme The programme is designed to provide in-depth knowledge about the culture of Russia. It is aimed at foreign students who have a basic understanding of the history, philosophy, culture, and art of Russia. A unique feature of the programme is the combination of general cultural disciplinary blocks with disciplines aimed at an in-depth study of the foundations of Russian culture. Special attention will be paid to the formation and development of Russian identity, the formation of research methods in the study of Russian culture, and the special character of the Russian mentality. The programme prepares professionals who are fluent in the history of Russian culture and modern cultural processes taking place in Russia. The academic programme is designed according to professional standards and employers' opinion on the correlation of graduates' competencies and functions in the field of professional activity. Main educational courses Analysis and Criticism of Russian Art: Historiographical Review Cultural Research in the Contemporary World Computer Technologies in Cultural Studies Images of Fate in Russian Culture Multiculturalism and Multi-Confessionalism as a Fundamental Principle of Russian Culture Russian and Soviet Everyday Life The Russian Idea and Projects of Russian Culture Russian Culture as an Object of Philosophical Reflection Russian Literature and Literature-Centric Character of Russian Philosophy Russian Musical Culture Russian Regionalism: The Dialectics of the Centre and the Periphery Texts of Russian Culture. Seminar Slavophile Paradigm in Russian Culture Semantic... [-]
Russia , Saint Petersburg
September 2019
English
Full time
2 years
Campus
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SPbU – world-class degree

SPbU: Russian language for international students

SPbU International Students Meet Russian Culture and Russia's First University

Location address
7-9 Universitetskaya Emb
Saint Petersburg, Sankt-Peterburg, 199034 RU