# Preparatory Course for International Students
**Source**: https://english.spbu.ru/admission/preparatory-course-international-students
**Parent**: https://english.spbu.ru/
Address
Lieutenant Schmidt's Nab., 11/2, office 210 (2nd floor)
Telephone
+7 (812) 325-11-24
E-mail
[precourses@spbu.ru](mailto:precourses@spbu.ru)
[Ask question](https://guestbook.spbu.ru/en/)
St. Petersburg State University has been offering preparatory courses for international applicants since 2018, helping them gain the necessary skills to pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees entirely in Russian. Students enrolled in the programme benefit from a structured curriculum, experienced faculty, and access to modern facilities, including well-equipped classrooms and an extensive library. Additionally, participants receive a voucher for the Test of Russian as a Foreign Language (TORFL) and opportunities to engage in student life at the University.
The SPbU Preparatory Course for international students offers a structured programme to develop the language and academic skills required for undergraduate or graduate studies at any university in Russia.
- Course duration: 10 months
- Study hours: 1,152 hours
- Format: Full-time or online
- Schedule: 1 September to 30 June (2 semesters)
St. Petersburg State University offers the following specialisation tracks:
- Natural Sciences
- Engineering and Technology
- Humanities
- Economics
- Medicine and Biology
The first semester is dedicated entirely to the study of the Russian language, with regular assessment tests to track progress. Starting from the second semester, students take the Introduction to the Language of the Specialisation course, which covers the basic terminology and grammatical structures of the academic language in their chosen field.
At the end of the course, students are required to take a final exam in Russian, as well as tests in their specialisation subjects. Additionally, they can opt to take the Test of Russian as a Foreign Language (TORFL-I) free of charge. Achieving a TORFL-I certificate awards the maximum number of points for admission to St. Petersburg State University. Upon successful completion of the preparatory course, students will receive a certificate from St. Petersburg State University, confirming their participation and achievement.
[Regulations for admission to the non-degree programme Preparatory Department (for International Applicants)](https://precourses.spbu.ru/en/programs/pravila-priema.php)
### Application process:
- Register a [personal account](https://prep.spbu.ru/Account/Register) at the SPbU Preparatory Course website
- Fill in, print and sign the application form
- Upload the required documents together with your application
### Documents required:
- a copy of the applicant’s identity document with a notarized translation into Russian, valid for at least 18 months from the visa application date
- an application for admission to the non-degree programme 'Preparatory Course (for Foreign Citizens)' in the established format
- a standard education credential of secondary general education or secondary vocational education with a supplement, or higher education with a supplement
- four applicant’s photographs (3×4 cm, taken during the current calendar year)
- medical certificate from a medical institution in the applicant’s country of residence confirming the absence of health conditions that could interfere with studies (must include certificates from a psychiatrist and and a narcologist)
- consent to the processing of personal data
The University accept documents from foreign citizens in the period from **February 3 to August 25, 2026**. The lists of the applicants recommended for enrolment to the non-degree programme 'Preparatory Course (for Foreign Citizens)' will be published on the official website of St. Petersburg State University not later than August 29, 2026.
[APPLY](https://precourses.spbu.ru/en/)
### [News and Events](https://english.spbu.ru/topics/para_28845)
[#### Preparatory Course student Sheusia on going from ‘completely lost’ to B1 in Russian in one semester](https://english.spbu.ru/news-events/student-reviews/preparatory-course-student-sheusia-going-completely-lost-b1-russian-one)
24 February 2026
[Student Reviews](https://english.spbu.ru/news-events/student-reviews)
[#### SPbU Preparatory Department opens 2026 admissions](https://english.spbu.ru/news-events/news/spbu-preparatory-department-opens-2026-admissions)
13 February 2026
[News](https://english.spbu.ru/news-events/news)
[#### SPbU Preparatory Course student Cui Xinyu: ‘I want to live where my favourite writers lived’](https://english.spbu.ru/news-events/student-reviews/spbu-preparatory-course-student-cui-xinyu-i-want-live-where-my)
21 January 2026
[Student Reviews](https://english.spbu.ru/news-events/student-reviews)
[#### A mathematical dream takes flight: from Bolivia to St. Petersburg State University](https://english.spbu.ru/news-events/student-reviews/mathematical-dream-takes-flight-bolivia-st-petersburg-state-university)
15 December 2025
[Student Reviews](https://english.spbu.ru/news-events/student-reviews)
[Read more](https://english.spbu.ru/topics/para_28845)
### SUBSCRIBE TO SPbU NEWSLETTER!
All news
Admission news: don’t miss important deadlines and new programmes
Monthly updates on SPbU research, milestones and inspiring people
All news