News

Bekzod Karimov, a student from Tashkent State University of Law, Uzbekistan, joined an exchange programme at HSE University in St Petersburg in 2024. In this interview, Bekzod shares his exciting experiences: from studying law to exploring the beautiful city. Read on to find out how the programme helped him grow, inspired his career goals, and changed his view of the world.

Every year, HSE University–St Petersburg welcomes international students from around the world not only for full-time programmes of all levels but also for academic mobility. This year, Michel Young Hernandez, a student from the Mexico Autonomous Institute of Technology, is among them. In this interview, Michel shares his experience of studying at HSE University–St Petersburg as an exchange student, why he decided to participate in the international mobility programme, and what his life in a new cultural landscape has been like.

For the second year in a row, the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry has held the Start a Business with Moscow international business school for students of Moscow Universities. Last year, Wang Yue, an HSE University student from China, became the winner of the project. On June 16, 2025, the finalists defended their projects and business ideas in front of business representatives and potential investors. This year, six students from HSE University made it to the finals. Ekaterina Leibel, second-year student of the master’s programme ‘Science of Learning and Assessment,’ whose project took third place, and Md Yeashin Arafat, first-year student of the master’s programme ‘Business Analytics and Big Data Systems,’ talk about their studies, project presentations, and future plans.

Yousra Demigha, from Algeria, is a student of the Master’s programme ‘Cognitive Sciences and Technologies: From Neuron to Cognition’ and a research assistant at the Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience (ICN HSE). In her interview with the HSE News Service, Yousra talks about her experience of the programme so far, what makes HSE one of the best universities in the country, and why she hasn’t found it difficult to integrate into Russian society.

Le Nhat Truong, from Vietnam, is a first-year student of the HSE Master’s Programme 'Science of Learning and Assessment.' He spoke to the HSE News Service about his motivation for studying in Moscow, how research projects enrich his academic journey, and the role education plays in social transformation.

Moses Oluoke Omopekunola, from Nigeria, is a second-year student of the Science of Learning and Assessment (SOLA) programme. Intent on pursuing a career in psychometrics, he has already joined the PhD programme in Education to deepen his knowledge of the theory and methodology of learning. In this interview with the HSE News Service, Moses explains how his master’s programme aligns with his future plans, recalls the challenges he has faced, and shares the most valuable lessons he has learned so far.

At the end of May, the HSE University Cultural Centre hosted the Day of Azerbaijani Culture, organised by the Azerbaijani Student Club. Festival guests sampled national treats, took part in a quiz with prizes, and immersed themselves in the festive atmosphere of a concert with music and traditional dancing. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Russian Federation Rahman Sahib oglu Mustafayev was the event’s special guest.

Mahmoud Tarayra, from Jordan, is studying on the HSE University and Kyung Hee University Double Degree Programme in Economics and Politics in Asia. In his interview with the HSE News Service, he talks about his studies in Moscow, the difficulties of adjusting in Korea, and how to enjoy both summer and winter in Russia.

On May 18, 2025, HSE University hosted the Inter Football Cup. For the third year in a row HSE students and staff from different countries took part in the event. This tournament has become a real celebration not only for football fans, but also for anyone looking to meet new people and immerse themselves in the atmosphere of friendship and unity.

On April 26, HSE University–St Petersburg held the African Festival. Currently, there are more than 100 students from 20 African countries at the university, most of whom showed up for the first festival of its kind this April. HSE's African students proudly presented their traditions, cultural values, vibrant dances, and unique landmarks of their countries. It was an unforgettable journey into the colourful culture and multifaceted heritage of Africa.