For foreign applicants

Admission trajectories

The "Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation" program offers 4 fee-paying places for international students in 2026. A bachelor's or specialist's degree is a mandatory requirement for admission to the program.

A detailed list of required documents and admission rules for the HSE St. Petersburg master's program are available at this link.

Admission pathways include:

1. Take part in the Olympiad

Students completing any higher professional education program, as well as individuals with any higher education background who hold a bachelor's or specialist's degree, are eligible to participate in the "Higher League" Student and Alumni Olympiad.

Winners and runners-up of the "Higher League" Student and Alumni Olympiad will receive preferential admission to master's programs at HSE University that match the Olympiad's profile, as determined by the HSE Academic Council. Participation in the Olympiad is free and open. More information about the benefits for "Higher League" winners and runners-up can be found at the link.

Follow announcements on the Olympiad page.

2. Take part in the "Early Invitation" competition

The "Early Invitation" competition is held in a single stream. Winners will receive personalized invitations to apply. After receiving a personalized invitation, they must submit their application documents to the appropriate master's program by the established deadline.

The number of winners is limited. Applicants who do not receive an early invitation may participate in the general competition within the established admissions deadlines (see section 4).

3. Take part in the Winter School

Applicants to the Master's program, 3- and 4-year students, and graduates from various universities can also participate in the HSE Winter School, which allows them to become familiar with the program's academic format, faculty, and the topic of social entrepreneurship.

4. Pass the entrance examinations

Entrance examinations for the program are a competitive selection process (portfolio). A detailed list of documents evaluated during the portfolio competition can be found at this link. There are no additional admissions procedures for the program.

You can find application deadlines and important up-to-date information about the program on the Admissions Committee page.