
‘A Chance to See the World’: HSE University–St Petersburg to Open Call for Academic Mobility in September
From September 1 to October 1, HSE University–St Petersburg students will be able to apply for exchange studies at international universities in the 2026 spring semester. There are more than 40 universities available in 20 countries, from Armenia to Mexico.

HSE University–St Petersburg Student Presents Papers at Largest International Conference on Network Analysis
Apollinaria Ermolaeva, student of the Master's programme 'Data Analytics for Politics and Society' and research assistant at the Laboratory of Sociology in Education and Science, studies teenagers' behaviour and interpersonal relationships in this age group. She presented the results of her work at Sunbelt, the world’s largest conference on network analysis.

‘I Have Found My Second Family Here’: Waiz Siddiqui on His Studies at HSE University–St Petersburg
Waiz Siddiqui is a second-year student of the Master's programme 'Data Analytics for Business and Economics.' Having completed a bachelor's degree in business management in Pakistan, he decided to continue his studies abroad. He opted for HSE University–St Petersburg, and the Open Doors international scholarship programme helped him to carry out his plans. Read on to find out more about his adaptation to HSE University–St Petersburg and studying the Russian language.

'No Rush and No Skyscrapers': HSE University–St Petersburg Master's Student on Her Studies in Oman
Vlada Bondarenko is a first-year student of the Master's programme 'Cross-Cultural Studies of Asia and Africa in the Context of International Relations' of the Institute of Asian and African Studies at HSE University–St Petersburg. This year, she spent the spring semester at the University of Nizwa in Oman. Read on to find out how the HSE University–St Petersburg academic mobility programme helped the student immerse herself in Middle Eastern culture and why studying in the country is unique.
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‘In My Life, There is Before and After HSE University–St Petersburg’
HSE University–St Petersburg is proud of its graduates. Our alumni pursue careers in a wide variety of fields—from academia and public policy to creative industries and international development. Each story is unique, filled with ambition, perseverance, and meaningful change. Today, we are excited to share the story of Giovanny Simon Machado—a graduate of the Master’s programme 'Applied and Interdisciplinary History "Usable Pasts"'. Now, he is a professor at the Department of Social Work at the Federal University of Pernambuco, Brazil. This May, Prof. Machado came back to Russia as a participant of the HSE University–St Petersburg International Partners’ Week 2025. Read on to learn more about his experience of studying and living in Russia and how it has changed his life.

Showcasing the Diversity of African Heritage at HSE University–St Petersburg
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.
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Surviving as a Korean International Student in Russia: Cultural Differences to Watch Out For
Studying abroad in Russia can be an exciting adventure, especially at HSE University–St Petersburg. As an international student, you might already expect challenges like language barriers and the freezing winter. However, cultural differences often require the biggest adjustments. Navigating through everyday Russian customs and social norms can be overwhelming at first. The good news is that understanding these differences will not only help you adapt more smoothly but also make your experience more rewarding. In this article, we’ll explore specific cultural contrasts between Korea and Russia—from communication style to classroom etiquette—and share friendly tips on how to cope.
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HSE University-St Petersburg Launches Centre for Russian Language and Culture
In 2025, HSE University-St Petersburg opened the Centre for Russian Language and Culture at the School of Arts and Humanities. The centre offers various courses for international applicants, the largest of which is the 'Pre-University Programme', a Russian preparatory course for those intending to enrol in full-time bachelor's and master's programmes. Read on to find out more about the centre's activities, courses, and study conditions.
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From Korea to Russia: Junseo Lee on His Master’s Studies at HSE University-St Petersburg
Every year, HSE University welcomes more than a thousand students from all over the world. In 2024, Junseo Lee, a student from South Korea, came to HSE University-St Petersburg as a master’s student of the programme ‘Comparative Politics of Eurasia’. In the article, Junseo shares the story of why he chose St Petersburg and HSE University in particular and his personal experience of living and studying in Russia as a foreign student.

An Unforgettable Year: What International Students of HSE University-St Petersburg Experience Outside of Studies
Each year, hundreds of students from all over the world decide to pursue knowledge at HSE University- St Petersburg. This journey is filled with excitement, hopes, and discoveries: from choosing a programme, submitting documents, attending interviews, and passing entrance exams to receiving that coveted acceptance letter and finally arriving in Russia.
And once they take those first steps in a new country, an entire world of opportunities opens up, far beyond classrooms and lecture halls. Extracurricular life becomes an integral part of students’ experience, allowing them to delve deeper into the culture of the host country, make new friends, and uncover their talents. This article takes a closer look at all of these extracurricular activities.