Centre for Russian Language and Culture

The Centre for Russian Language and Culture prepares foreign citizens for admission and successful study at Higher School of Economics – Saint Petersburg.

Our goal is to ensure our students can participate effectively in both academic and socio-cultural activities throughout their university life. We aim at helping international applicants to adapt in the academic environment, to communicate successfully and to build confidence while interacting with Russian culture.

We provide visa support and accommodation in comfortable dormitories in Saint Petersburg, along with the guidance from Russian students of HSE University.

Centre for Russian Language and Culture is your gateway to a high-level international education in Russia, and the first step towards an academic degree at HSE.

Intensive Training

Russian language from beginner to B1, international certificate preparation (TRFL-1), and other unique modules on Russian History and Culture.

Mentoring programmes

Experienced HSE students helping to adapt in the University.

International applicants' support

Subjects required for further admission (Mathematics/ Information technologies, History, Literature, and Social sciences) depending on the chosen academic track.

Additional Courses

Additional programmes in English, and a special module for emproving academic communication skills.

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Our Programmes

Pre-university programme for international students "Russian as a foreign language and specialized subjects training"

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The programme prepares students for entrance exams at HSE University

Start: October 2026
Duration: 10 months
Study mode: on-campus (St Petersburg) / online

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Russian as a foreign language / intensive course

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The programme prepares students for using Russian as a foreign language at B1 level, sufficient for entering a Russian-taught full-degree programme at HSE University (bachelor’s or master’s degrees)

Start: enrolment is ongoing
Duration: 6 months / 400 classroom hours
Study mode: on-campus (St Petersburg) / online
Preparation levels: A1/A2/B1

Tuition fee 2026/2027

Test of Russian as a Foreign Language (CEFR level B1)

The programme prepares students for successful passing of the TORFL (level B1) exam. We introduce students to the exam structure and requirements, focusing on the aspects of time-management and fostering their conifidence during examinations

Start: enrolment is ongoing
Duration: 1 month / 50 classroom hours
Study mode: online
Preparation level: B1

Tuition fee 2026/2027

Academic study skills (for international students)

The programme reviews and develops skills necessary to enhance students’ confidence withing the academic activities. Moreover, students will work on specific vocabulary, learning how to express their ideas more precisely and appropriately within an academic context.

Start: enrolment is ongoing
Duration: 2 month / 50 classroom hours
Study mode: on-campus (St Petersburg) / online

Tuition fee 2026/2027

Russian culture

The programme helps students to better understand the nature and beauty of Russian language and culture. We focus on both classic and contemporary art, Russian literature, music, and history

Start: enrolment is ongoing
Duration: 6 months / 104 classroom hours
Study mode: on-campus (St Petersburg) / online

Tuition fee 2026/2027

English as a foreign language / intensive course

The programme helps students improve their English proficiency in order to join full-degree programmes at HSE (in English), or even study effectively in an English-speaking environment. B2 (Upper-Intermediate) level is recommended for students aiming to study abroad

Start: enrolment is ongoing
Duration: 6 months / 250 classroom hours
Study mode: on-campus (St Petersburg) / online

Tuition fee 2026/2027

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Facts and Figures

Comprehensive Programme

10 months of intensive training (on-campus in Saint Petersburg / online) for admission and successful study at HSE University – Saint Petersburg in both Russian and English languages.