Each year, we hold webinars to help international students prepare for their arrival. The webinar for first-year students was held on July 30, 2025.
STEP 2. CHECKLIST
Make sure to follow our checklist in order to have everything prepared before your arrival.
STEP 3. BUDDY PROGRAMME
If you need assistance from a buddy volunteer, request one here. Read about what a buddy can do to help you here.
STEP 4. ORIENTATION SESSION
Check out the materials about orientation session-2025 for international freshmen held in August.
STEP 5. CHECK OUR WEBSITE
Explore the information on istudents.hse.ru website, where we have collected all the important things about studying and living in Moscow as a foreign student . If you have any questions, feel free to email us istudents.support@hse.ru.
STEP 6. OBTAINING AN ELECTRONIC PASS
Read the instructions for obtaining an HSE electronic pass.
STEP 7. MANDATORY PROCEDURES FOR FOREIGN STUDENTS
All international students are required to undergo medical examination, fingerprinting and photographing within 90 days of entering Russia. Be sure to study the general procedure on the website ivisa.hse.ru, and also read the information about free medical examination at this link.
Have any questions?
CONTACT INTERNATIONAL ADMISSIONS FOR ENROLMENT INFO
Ziyuan Zhu, from Beijing, China, is an international PhD student at the Institute for Public Administration and Governance at HSE University in Moscow. In this interview with the HSE News Service, Ziyuan talks about how studies can influence one’s outlook on life, comparing public service models in different countries, and why being a Chinese student in Russia is advantageous in research.
In October 2025, more than 200 international students began their studies on HSE University’s International Preparatory Year. After a month of rigorous in-class learning, they gathered for a more informal event—the Russian Speaking Club—where they met classmates from other groups. The HSE University News Service spoke with students, teachers, and administrators about the programme’s progress and expansion.
In mid-October, the HSE School of Foreign Languages held the official opening of the International Educational Online Club for Russian as a Foreign Language and Russian Culture, called GLAGOL’. The project brings together participants from 20 countries—international students and lecturers from 10 HSE faculties, as well as representatives of more than 10 Russian and foreign universities.
Andrés Castañón Rincón, from Spain, is a doctoral student at the HSE School of Philosophy and Cultural Studies in Moscow working on the history of Soviet Marxism philosophy. In his interview with the HSE News Service, he explains why studying Soviet Marxism is relevant today, talks about the advantages and challenges of his work in Moscow as an international researcher, and gives some advice to beginner PhD students.
On October 10, 2025, the central atrium of HSE University’s Pokrovka campus hosted the Day of Russian Culture. Students of HSE International Prep Year programme had the opportunity to explore Russia’s traditions, art, and customs, as well as sample national delicacies. As always, the event was organised by HSE University’s Support and Career Centre for International Students and Alumni.
On October 9–10, the first-ever HSE International Alumni Reunion brought together graduates from various cohorts and programmes—now working in Russia and abroad—along with representatives of HSE University and its industry partners. The event included a tour of the campus, a business game, and a cultural festival. The participants exchanged experiences, reflected on their career paths, and discussed labour market challenges.
