Studies

The academic year at HSE starts on September 1 and ends on June 30 (including classes, graduations, examinations, breaks and holidays). It is divided into four segments called “Modules”:

Academic calendar 25/26

Module 1: 01.09.2025 — 24.10.2025, exam week: 25.10.2025 — 31.10.2025

Module 2: 01.11.2025 — 19.12.2025, exam week: 20.12.2025 — 30.12.2025

Module 3: 09.01.2026 — 24.03.2026, exam week: 25.03.2026 — 31.03.2026

Module 4: 01.04.2026 — 19.06.2026, exam week: 20.06.2026 — 30.06.2026

Winter break: 31.12.2025 — 08.01.2026

Spring break: 01.05.2026 — 09.05.2026

Summer break: 01.07.2026 — 31.08.2026

Academic calendar 26/27

Module 1: 01.09.2026 — 25.10.2026, exam week: 26.10.2026 — 31.10.2026

Module 2: 01.11.2026 — 20.12.2026, exam week: 21.12.2026 — 30.12.2026

Module 3: 11.01.2027 — 24.03.2027, exam week: 25.03.2027 — 31.03.2027

Module 4: 01.04.2027 — 20.06.2027, exam week: 21.06.2027 — 30.06.2027

Winter break: 31.12.2026 — 10.01.2027

Spring break: 01.05.2027 — 09.05.2027

Summer break: 01.07.2027 — 31.08.2027

Daily classes are held in double periods of two academic hours: 1 double period = 2 academic hours = 80 minutes.

You can find the schedule in RUZ system and in HSE App X (available as a mobile app for iOS and Android). 

1^st class: 8:00 — 09:20

2^nd class: 09:30 — 10:50

3^rd class: 11:10 — 12:30

4^th class: 13:00 — 14:20

5^th class: 14:40 — 16:00

6^th class: 16:20 — 17:40

7^th class: 18:10 — 19:30

8^th class: 19:40 — 21:00

HSE uses a 10-point scale for studies assessment. Points are awarded based on the results of the ongoing assessment (tests, essays, homework, exams, etc.), as well as on active participation in lectures and seminars. More information can be found by the link. 

Points for the ongoing assessment are accumulated during the module and are added according to a special formula into a single score for the course. The formula for this assessment is indicated in the course syllabus. The texts of all syllabi are published on each programme's website. All grades are recorded in the electronic grade book in the SmartLMS.

Here's how school and university grades compare:

Dates:

In September - for Modules 1 - 2 (Autumn semester and full year applicants)

In January - for Modules 3 - 4 (Spring semester applicants) 

The first two weeks of the semester are called "Shopping period". During this time you can attend your previously chosen courses to find out if they're applicable to your study plan, choose new courses or drop the ones you are no longer find suitable for your studies. While selecting the courses, make sure that they don’t overlap with each other. Please bear in mind that different courses are performed in different buildings of HSE University - Saint Petersburg.  

In order to change your study plan, contact Incoming coordinator.

Please note that the number of places in each course is limited and disseminated on first come - first served basis. 

Russian as a Foreign Language course is provided for all students. The course is validated as 8 ECTS and is free of charge for the students from the partner universities and charged as the 8 ECTS course for the free movers.

During the first two weeks of the semester all students receive the information about the time and the place of the placement test. After that you will be able to choose between morning or evening groups for your level. We have groups for the following levels: A1, A2, B1, B2. Please find the syllabuses below.

Course Descriptor_ Russian_ A1

Course Descriptor_ Russian_ A2

Course Descriptor_ Russian_ B1

Course Descriptor_ Russian_ B2

As an international exchange or free mover student, you get a free of charge access to the library and electronic resources of HSE University. All information about available services can be found here.

You will also be capable to use multifunction printers which are located in each building. To use them, you need to upload money to your HSE electronic pass. Here is the instruction on how to do that.

Student ID Card

• necessary for all students
• issued by your mobility coordinator (this usually takes between three to seven working days)
• confirms student’s status in order to receive student transport card in metro and student discounts

Electronic pass

• allows you to enter all HSE University study buildings and your dormitory
• issued by your mobility coordinator

Student transport card (BSK)

• issued by Saint Petersburg metro
• allows you to use public transport with a student discount
• you have to apply for a card yourself in any metro station or at BSK Issuing Center after we inform you that your personal information has been transferred to the metro database

Student Evaluation of Teaching (SET) is one of the measures that allows students to express their opinion on the organization of the teaching process and suggest ways of improving or changing it.

Students of all HSE campuses and education programmes who have exams in subjects that imply contact hours are involved in the process. SET runs four times a year before an exam session. The assessment form is available in a student’s personal LMS account (‘Course evaluation’ option).

For more information about the procedure of assessment please see the instruction.