Saint Petersburg National University, also known as SPBU, enrolls around 3,000 international students annually from over 100 countries worldwide. In 2023, the university offered approximately 505 academic programs, which include: 9 general education programs, 3 secondary vocational education programs, 118 undergraduate programs, 219 master’s programs, 149 doctoral programs, and 27 specialized courses.
In the following sections, we will provide a complete introduction to this university.
History of Saint Petersburg State University
One interesting fact you should know about this university is that two Russian presidents, Vladimir Putin and Dmitry Medvedev, studied there. Both pursued their studies in the Law Faculty of Saint Petersburg National University.
The university was founded in 1724 by Peter the Great, the Tsar and the first Emperor of Russia. Over the years, it underwent several name changes, including Leningrad State University and Andrei Zhdanov University, before finally being renamed Saint Petersburg State University in 1991.
This is one of the most prestigious universities in Russia where international students can apply. It is located in the city of Saint Petersburg, which is the second largest city in Russia after Moscow, with a population of around 5.6 million people. The city lies in northwestern Russia, near Finland.
Ranking and Position of Saint Petersburg State University (SPbU)
Saint Petersburg State University is ranked as the second-best university in Russia in most rankings. Additionally, in international rankings, it is positioned at 365th place.
Overall, considering its ranking both globally and within Russia, this university can be classified as one of the leading academic centers in the world. Moreover, in terms of graduate employability, Saint Petersburg State University has achieved a respectable ranking, making it an excellent destination for pursuing higher education internationally.
What are the faculties and academic programs of Saint Petersburg State University?
First, in reviewing Saint Petersburg State University, we introduce the fields of study offered at this university. In this regard, you should know that more than 11,000 staff members and teachers, as well as 30,000 students, are engaged in this university. This academic institution has 29 faculties, which are listed below:
| Number | Faculty | Number | Faculty |
| 1 | Journalism and Mass Communication | 16 | Mathematics and Computer Science |
| 2 | Management | 17 | International Relations |
| 3 | Earth Sciences | 18 | Political Science |
| 4 | History | 19 | Applied Mathematics and Management Processes |
| 5 | Philosophy | 20 | Psychology |
| 6 | Chemistry | 21 | Liberal Arts and Sciences |
| 7 | Education | 22 | Sociology |
| 8 | Developing competition and regulating antitrust | 23 | Dentistry and medical technologies |
| 9 | Cognitive research | 24 | Physics |
| 10 | Theology | 25 | Linguistics |
| 11 | Biology | 26 | Economy |
| 12 | Orientalism | 27 | law |
| 13 | Mathematics and mechanics | 28 | Art |
| 14 | Pharmacy | 29 | Foreign languages |
| 15 | General medicine | 30 | Dentistry |
In addition to these faculties, there are also a number of research institutes.
Considering the variety of faculties we mentioned, those interested can pursue studies in most fields by paying the tuition fees at Saint Petersburg State University. The categorization of courses and programs offered by this university was outlined at the beginning of the article. In addition to these, 2,000 supplementary educational programs are provided in various fields such as history, management, social sciences, physics, chemistry, and more.
If we were to name some of the academic programs at Saint Petersburg, we could mention:
- Medicine.
- Dentistry.
- Pharmacy.
- Petroleum Engineering.
- Biology.
- Geology.
- Chemistry.
- And others.
Tuition fees at Saint Petersburg State University in medical and engineering fields
One of the most important questions for students is about the cost of studying at Saint Petersburg State University. Overall, there are several types of expenses for studying at this university, the most important of which are tuition fees.
Tuition fees for Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy programs at Saint Petersburg State University in 2025
| Tuition fee | Language | Study Duration | Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| 536,000 RUB | Russian | 6 years | General medicine |
| 546,500 RUB | English | 6 years | General medicine |
| 507,000 RUB | Russian | 5 years | Dentistry |
| 512,000 RUB | English | 5 years | Dentistry |
| 503,700 RUB | Russian | 5 years | Pharmacy |
| 390,000 RUB | Russian | 4 years | Nursing |
| 427,000 RUB | English | 4 years | Nursing |
tuition fees for engineering and other academic programs at Saint Petersburg State University (SPbU)
A wide range of engineering programs at this university are taught in different languages. Below, we present the features of some of these programs. If your desired program is not listed, you can receive free consultation from our experts.
| Tuition fee | Tuition fee | Language | Duration | Program |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3500 $ | 356,000 RUB | Russian | 4 years | Computer Science |
| 4700 $ | 471,000 RUB | Russian | 4 years | law |
| 5500 $ | 550,000 RUB | Russian | 4 years | Music |
| 4600 $ | 460,000 RUB | Russian | 4 years | Design |
| 3700 $ | 372,000 RUB | Russian | 4 years | Graphics |
| 3200 $ | 325,000 RUB | Russian | 4 years | mechanic |
| 4700 $ | 473,000 RUB | Russian | 4 years | Acting |
| 4700 $ | 471,000 RUB | Russian | 4 years | Economy |
Preparatory Course (Padfak) at Saint Petersburg State University
The preparatory course (Foundation/Padfak) at Saint Petersburg State University in the academic year 2024–2025 is offered only in person. This program starts in September and continues until February with intensive Russian language training. Afterwards, Biology and Chemistry are gradually added to the curriculum, and the course continues until June and July.
Tuition fee for the Preparatory Course (Padfak) at Saint Petersburg State University
The preparatory course (Padfak) at Saint Petersburg State University is currently offered only as a 9-month program. The application deadline for the 2024 intake started in June and lasted until September. The tuition fee for the Padfak course at Saint Petersburg State University is 272,000 rubles (approximately 2,700 USD).
Student Dormitory of Saint Petersburg State University, Russia
This university has 23 dormitory buildings designated for all enrolled students. Each of these dormitories is located in different areas of Saint Petersburg, with 10 buildings being the closest to the university compared to the others.
Required Documents for Obtaining Student Dormitory Accommodation
- Passport
- Medical Certificate (Spravka Meditsinskaya – Health Certificate)
- Health Insurance
Dormitory Fees at Saint Petersburg State University
The student dormitories of Saint Petersburg State University are numerous, and the capacity of each room ranges from single to triple occupancy. Accordingly, the monthly cost per person varies slightly. On average, however, the accommodation fee in the dormitories is about 35 USD per month per person.
addresses of student dormitories at Saint Petersburg State University (SPbU)
| Address | Phone number | Dormitory no |
|---|---|---|
| Санкт-Петербург, ул. Кораблестроителей д.20/1, литер А | Under repair | 1 |
| Санкт-Петербург, ул. Кораблестроителей д.20/2, литер А | Under repair | 2 |
| Санкт-Петербург, ул. Кораблестроителей д.20/3, литер А | Under repair | 3 |
| Санкт-Петербург, ул. Шевченко д.25, литер А | +7(812)3636000*1407 | 4 |
Санкт-Петербург, ул. Шевченко д.25/2, литер Б | +7(812)3550096 | 5 |
| Санкт-Петербург, пр. Солидарности 27/1, литер У | +7(812)3636000 доб. 6065 | 6 |
Санкт-Петербург, Старый Петергоф, ул.Халтурина 15/1, литер А | +7(812)4506698 | 8 |
| Санкт-Петербург, Старый Петергоф, ул.Халтурина 15/2, литер А | +7(812)4506720 | 9 |
| Санкт-Петербург, Старый Петергоф, ул.Ботаническая 66/2, литер А | +7(812)3636000*9073 | 10 |
| Санкт-Петербургское шоссе, д.109, лит.Д, корпус 9 | +7(812)3636000*7263 | 11 |
| Санкт-Петербург, Старый Петергоф, ул.Ботаническая 66/3, литер | +7(812)3636000*9087 | 12 |
| Санкт-Петербург, Старый Петергоф, ул.Ботаническая 66/4, литер А | +7(812)3636000*9088 | 13 |
| Санкт-Петербург, Старый Петергоф, ул.Ботаническая 64/2, литер А | +7(812)3636000*9115 | 14 |
| Санкт-Петербург, Старый Петергоф, ул.Ботаническая 64/3, литер А | +7(812)3636000*9117 | 15 |
| Санкт-Петербург, Старый Петергоф, ул.Ботаническая 64/4, литер А | +7(812)3636000*9116 | 16 |
| Санкт-Петербург, 5 линия В.О. 66, литер А | +7(812)3636000 (доб. 5020) | 17 |
| Санкт-Петербург, 8 линия В.О. 77, литер А | +7(812)363-63-10*5987 | 18 |
| Санкт-Петербург, ул.Капитанская 3, литер А | +7 (812) 363-68-31 *6671 | 19 |
| Санкт-Петербург, Старый Петергоф, ул.Ботаническая 70/1, литер А | +7(812)3636000*9092 | 20 |
| Санкт-Петербург, Старый Петергоф, ул.Ботаническая 70/2, литер А | +7(812)3636000*9092 | 21 |
| Санкт-Петербург, Старый Петергоф, ул.Ботаническая 70/3, литер А | +7(812)3636000*9093 | 22 |
| Санкт-Петербург, Старый Петергоф, ул.Ботаническая 70/4, литер А | +7(812)3636000*9093 | 23 |
admission process at Saint Petersburg State University (SPbU), Russia
If you intend to apply for admission to Saint Petersburg State University, your main guide is the official website of the university. You can easily access the site and go to the Admission section, where the application steps are clearly explained. Note that the registration procedure is defined in two ways. The first method is for those who want to apply through the university’s scholarship program.
Method 1 (Scholarship Application):
- First, create a personal account on the website cabinet.spbu.ru.
- Now, you must also sign the corresponding scholarship application form.
- After completing this step, you will attach your documents and portfolio electronically.
- Then, wait until the results are announced. At this point, you can view the list of scholarship winners on the official SPbU website.
Method 2 (Self-financed Application / Regular Admission):
- Just like in the previous method, create a personal account.
- Then, complete and submit your documents for admission to the university through the website.
- Wait until the results are announced.
- Once you are selected, you will sign a student contract. You will also need to go through the student visa process if required.
You can submit your questions online through the Admission section, and the university staff will respond to you directly.
Deadlines for admission to Saint Petersburg State University (SPbU)
The deadline or application period for enrollment at Saint Petersburg State University varies depending on the admission method mentioned above. Below are the dates provided for the 2024/2025 academic year. It is likely that these application periods will remain the same for the 2025/2026 academic year as well.
- The application period for the Russian Government Scholarship is from October 15, 2024, to February 23, 2025. The results for scholarship winners will be announced on March 15, 2025, or earlier.
- The application period for university admission in Russia is from April 15, 2025, to June 21, 2025. The final results will be announced no later than July 15, 2025.
FAQ
At the end of this article about the introduction of Saint Petersburg State University, we can mention a few frequently asked questions from users, which include:
How long are the study programs at Saint Petersburg State University in Russia?
Depending on the degree level, the duration varies. For example, a Bachelor’s program takes 4 years, a Master’s program 2 years, and a PhD program approximately 3–4 years.
Which famous scientific figures studied at Saint Petersburg State University in Russia?
Among these figures are Chebyshev (mathematician), Chernyshev (former Prime Minister of Russia), Kantorovich (Nobel Prize winner in Economics), and others.
