News

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.

On July 4, 2025, the graduation ceremony for students of the International Preparatory Year Programme took place. The event marked an anniversary for the International Preparatory Year, which has been operating since 2015. The idea of creating a preparatory faculty arose from the need to provide quality training in the Russian language for those who want to study at Russian universities, especially at HSE University.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the HSE International Preparatory Year programme. The programme offers a one-year foundation course for international applicants preparing to enter Russian universities. HSE lecturers help future students acquire the knowledge and skills needed to successfully undertake a degree programme in Russia.

In February and March 2025, four students of the HSE Preparatory Year took part in the Russian Language Olympiad for Students of Preparatory Faculties, which was held online via the website of the Pushkin State Russian Language Institute.

Adila Ulfia Maula Tontowi is a third-year student of the Bachelor’s in Foreign Languages and Intercultural Communication. After moving from her hometown in Indonesia to France for a year, she decided to broaden her horizons even further and study at HSE University in Moscow. In this interview, Maula talks about navigating intercultural interactions, how the International Prep Year helped her adapt to life in Russia, and what she’s learned about traditional Russian celebrations like Maslenitsa—which is taking place this week.

On February 1, 2025, the HSE Cultural Centre hosted its annual celebration of the Lunar New Year. This large-scale event brought together students and teachers with an interest in the cultures of East Asian countries. The celebration was organised by the School of Asian Studies at the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs, the Department of Internationalisation, the HSE Chinese Club, as well as other university clubs—the Musubi Japanese Club and the Hanryang Korean Club.