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.
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 (Mathematics) and Shaw Prize winners. Moreover, two presidents of the Russian Federation and six government leaders graduated from the University.
international students
Each year, more than 3,000 international students from 100 countries enroll in the University. They are offered a choice from: 10 double degree programmes; 20 master’s programmes taught in English, German, Spanish, French and Italian; as well as 385 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 2019 the University became the most popular university in Russia among foreign applicants.
International Cooperation
The University maintains strong partnerships with 450 universities in 60 countries worldwide. It is an active member of international academic mobility programmes including Erasmus, Finnish-Russian Cross Border University, Coimbra Group, and European University Foundation (Campus Europae). The University makes it easy to connect with the whole world by offering the opportunity to participate in Alumni clubs in 16 counties. There are representative offices functioning in China, the Republic of Korea, Spain, and the USA; offices will open shortly in Italy and Turkey.
Global careers
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 2,000 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.
Research
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.
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.
The University has cutting-edge research facilities – the 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 the Russian Federation Presidential grant. They can carry out research in numerous laboratories and make use of the University’s vast scientific collections.
Student life
University life is vibrant and diverse. Every year, the University holds over 300 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!
Accommodation
Student Accommodation
SPbU Campus offers you 21 halls of residence, with 12 located in Petrodvortsovy District of St Petersburg, 8 in Vasileostrovsky District and 1 in Nevsky District.
SPbU Halls of Residence on the map
Currently, SPbU provides approximately 12,800 places in its halls of residence.
All accommodation is furnished for living and studying; the halls have laundry facilities, cafes, canteens, shops, gyms and fitness facilities, and ATMs. All rooms have Internet access.
International Cooperation
St Petersburg University is truly global. In 2020-2021, it became home to 4640 international students from 114 countries following degree and non-degree studies. That means, every 6th student is international. Compared to last year, the international student number increased from 3875 by 20% even despite the global pandemic. Also, 11 new countries joined the international student body of SPbU this year.
According to Rossotrudnichestvo, in 2019 SPbU was named the most popular university in Russia among foreign applicants.
In 2020, the University is in even greater demand from applicants from abroad than before. Out of 12,000 applications from foreigners to the universities of St Petersburg, 5,000 were submitted to St Petersburg University. Thus, almost every second international applicant applied to St Petersburg University.