News

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.

In September 2025, Nizhny Novgorod became the centre of the international youth movement, hosting around 2,000 participants from 120 regions of Russia and abroad at the World Youth Festival Assembly. Students of HSE University–Nizhny Novgorod’s Foreign Languages and Intercultural Business Communication, Fundamental and Applied Linguistics, and International Bachelor’s in Business and Economics programmes were involved in the event in a variety of roles, from attachés and volunteers to performers and speakers.

Expert sessions, an introduction to Russian culture, and international networking—on September 17–22, Nizhny Novgorod hosted the World Youth Festival Assembly. It united more than two thousand people from 120 countries and various Russian regions and universities, including HSE University–St Petersburg.

Practicing and teaching yoga, chilling in Moscow parks, writing academic papers, travelling around Russia, and volunteering—these are only a few of the things HSE international students have tried over their summer break. Now, as they are getting back to studies, the students reflect on their summer experiences in academic work, professional development, travel, and leisure.

The International Summer School at HSE University–St Petersburg included the intensive course 'New Economic Drivers for Company.' International students explored the realm of applied finance through case studies of Russian companies.

On September 1, campuses across Russia ring in the new academic year with the traditional ‘first bell’—flowers for teachers and welcomes for first‑years—while international students at HSE University share how studies begin in their home countries, from Ghana’s Akwaba week to China’s student club fair, the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s blue-and-white uniforms, and India’s Teachers’ Day.