Prepare for a Degree in Russian at HSE
HSE’s Preparatory Year at the Faculty of Pre-University Training equips students who have little or no knowledge of Russian language with the necessary skills to enter Russian-taught Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes. Students begin by studying Russian language and then go on to study specific subjects in Russian-taught classes. They receive conditional acceptance to HSE full-degree programmes.
Zerozaki Laforet spoke to the HSE English News Service about his experience of the programme.
— I am from Indonesia, but my father works as a diplomat in the embassy. That means that with my family we travel to different countries and live there for four years and then go back home for three years. We have been to Mexico, Canada and now Russia. It seems that my father has only one year left here so, later on, I either have to stay here in a dorm until I finish my degree, or see if I can transfer my major when we go back to Indonesia. I decided to stay longer than planned so I can continue my Russian studies.
— What is your impression of the programme?
— They chose some good textbooks that correspond to the right level for the student to study, and the class doesn't get bored when the teacher tells us a story. But sometimes they like to repeat the same easy grammar a little bit too often so the pace becomes slow. Also the time management could have been worked on because the appointed time can't be changed but sometimes the teachers change it.
— Why did you decide to choose it?
— I was initially taking a break from my former university for a year, but then as time passed I really wanted to learn Russian in the long run.
— Did the course meet your expectations?
— Yes.
— What has been the most challenging thing in your studies?
— Knowing which words to use and what to talk about.
— What's next? If you stay in Moscow, which faculty would you like to study in?
— I am considering taking management in creative arts in a different university.
— How do you feel in the streets in Moscow after the Russian course?
— Not much different from the streets in other cities. But at least I can help my parents a bit since they know very little Russian.
See also:
Russian Phonetics, Chemistry, and Moscow Studies: Prep Year’s Big Plans for Next Academic Year
On July 3, 2026, the International Preparatory Year programme held its graduation ceremony. This academic year,235 students from 57 countries were enrolled in the programme. Many of the graduates will continue their studies on HSE University bachelor’s and master’s programmes in 29 fields. The HSE News Service talked to the programme supervisors, teachers, and graduates about their impressions and plans.
‘I Left Feeling Really Inspired’: HSE International Students Shine at VI International Conference in Tomsk
On April 19–24 April 2026, Tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU) hosted the VI International Scientific and Practical Conference ‘Scientific Initiative of International Students and Postgraduates.’ Seven students from the HSE International Preparatory Year took part in the event: four attended in person, and three joined online. The delegation was accompanied by two lecturers—Zoya Maslennikova and Maria Grabovskaya.
School Students from 34 Countries Take Part in the First International Software Engineering Olympiad PROD
The award ceremony for the winners and runners-up of the first International Software Engineering Olympiad PROD took place in Moscow. It was attended by over 4,000 high school students from all Russian regions and 33 other countries, including Armenia, Brazil, Germany, Georgia, Denmark, Israel, Indonesia, China, Congo, Laos, Liberia, the USA, South Korea, and Japan.
Tying Knots, Eating Sweets, and Playing Go: HSE University Celebrates Chinese New Year
On February 18, 2026, a celebration of Chinese New Year was held in the central atrium of the Pokrovka building. The festive programme showcased the rich traditions of the holiday, including dance and violin performances, folk games, and a tea ceremony. The event was organised by HSE University's Chinese Culture Club and the Support and Career Centre for International Students and Alumni.
HSE UNITY FEST 2025: Cross-Cultural Communication and the Synthesis of Traditions
HSE UNITY FEST, a large-scale, three-day celebration of national cultures, has taken place at HSE University. The event was an opportunity to make new friends and experience a true sense of unity, and visitors could immerse themselves in the cultures of different nations, explore their traditions and values, and take part in workshops and games. Students shared their impressions of the event with the HSE News Service.
The PROD Software Engineering Olympiad Goes International
The world’s first annual software engineering olympiad for secondary school students—PROD—is expanding internationally. Schoolchildren in grades 8–11 from around the world are invited to participate. For the first time, the competition will be held in both Russian and English. The organisers of the International PROD Olympiad are Central University and T-Technologies Group, the parent company of T-Bank, in partnership with the HSE Faculty of Computer Science.
‘Russians Have a Very Rich Culture and History’
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.
Registration for Russian Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence 2025 Now Open
Registration for the fifth season of the Russian Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence has opened. This year, the competition has gained international status. The event is open to students in the 8–11 grades both in Russia and abroad. The winners will receive benefits when applying to Russian universities.
HSE Launches Training for Future BRICS Experts
From August 20–23, 2025, the Artek International Children’s Centre (Crimea, Russia) hosted an off-site session of HSE University’s educational and outreach project BRICS International School: New Generation. The school was the first event to take place under the cooperation agreement signed this year between HSE University and Artek.
'We Are Interested in Creating Opportunities for Those Who Are Genuinely Passionate about the Russian Language and Culture'
This year marks the 10th anniversary of HSE University's International Prep Year Programme. Over the past 10 years, approximately 2,000 international students have taken courses offered through the programme. At the core of their educational experience is the study of the Russian language, combined with subjects related to their future specialties, such as mathematics, computer science, literature, and history. In addition, students take part in interactive events organised by the programme. Vice Rector Victoria Panova discusses the origins and development of the HSE International Prep Year, as well as its main purpose.