'We Are Interested in Creating Opportunities for Those Who Are Genuinely Passionate about the Russian Language and Culture'

© HSE University

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.

— Why did HSE University decide to launch the International Prep Year Programme for international students?

— The Prep Year Programme was launched in 2015 in response to the growing interest among international students in studying in Russia. The idea emerged from the need to provide high-quality Russian language training for those seeking to enrol in Russian universities, particularly in HSE University. The initiative came from HSE International Outreach and the HSE Faculty of Pre-University Studies, who developed proposals to establish a state-funded preparatory department for international students, based on quotas set by the Government of the Russian Federation.

Victoria Panova

© HSE University

— What are the Prep Year’s objectives?

— Initially, the main objective of the programme was to provide pre-university training in the Russian language and academic subjects for international applicants, enabling them to continue their studies in degree programmes at HSE University or other universities in Russia. Over time, we have expanded our goals to include not only language instruction but also cultural adaptation, support for integrating into university life, and the development of intercultural communication skills. Students in the Prep Year follow a rigorous curriculum that combines Russian language study with subjects related to their future fields of specialisation. Courses in mathematics, computer science, literature, and history form the foundation of their educational experience. Students take part in interactive activities, including cultural workshops, community engagement projects, and speaking clubs.

— What achievements would you highlight from the Prep Year’s work over the past 10 years?

— I believe we can confidently highlight significant achievements from the programme’s work over the past 10 years.

The preparatory courses and the quality of instruction provided by the Prep Yearteachers are consistently highly appreciated by the students. The international students of the programme embody a dynamic blend of ambition, curiosity, and adaptability. Their presence not only enriches the academic environment at HSE University but also fosters intercultural dialogue, which is essential in today’s world.

Since 2015, approximately 2,000 international students have completed courses in the International Prep Year. In recent years, the largest groups have come from China and other Southeast Asian countries, as well as Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. Despite the geopolitical situation, international applicants from Europe and North America also continue to show interest in learning Russian.

The analysis also reveals that approximately 67% of Prep Year graduates have successfully continued their bachelor's, master's, or doctoral studies at HSE University across about 30 different fields, with roughly 50% of them completing their studies on a fee-paying basis. International relations, economics, business informatics, management, and political science continue to be popular fields of study. There is a growing interest in training in specialties related to information security, big data, and artificial intelligence. Among Prep Year graduates, some have completed their studies with honours, others have continued working at HSE University, and many hold high-ranking positions in their home countries.

© HSE University

The International Prep Year has provided a platform for students to participate in international conferences and olympiads, facilitating the exchange of experience and networking with partner universities. Prep Year students have attended conferences in Nizhny Novgorod and Tula, presented their research, and received diplomas at the Third International Conference 'Scientific Initiative of Foreign Students and Postgraduates' held at Tomsk Polytechnic University.

— Have you been keeping track of the academic and extracurricular achievements of the International Prep Year graduates?

— Certainly—the achievements of Prep Year students and graduates are always at the forefront of our attention. Among them are finalists and winners of international olympiads in Russian and general education subjects, champions of the HSE Inter Football Cup mini-football tournament, participants in the World Youth Festival, and active members of student self-government bodies at HSE University.

— What recent developments have there been at the International Prep YearProgramme? How is work with applicants and students organised?

— About 50 colleagues teach in the Prep Year, with the core teaching staff consisting of instructors of Russian as a foreign language. One of the requirements for teachers working with international students is to have specialised training, verified qualifications in teaching Russian as a foreign language, and experience working in university preparatory programmes. On average, about 200 students from more than 55 countries enrol in Prep Year courses each year. These students are typically highly motivated to learn the Russian language and explore Russian culture. Many international applicants plan to continue their studies at HSE University, improve their Russian language skills, and ultimately build their professional and personal lives in Russia.

© HSE University

Fee-paying students typically make up 20% or more of the total student body. Learning Russian is one of the main challenges faced by international students coming to Russia. Webinars and consultations are held annually for new applicants to help them gain a better understanding of our programmes. The Prep Year Programme helps students master Russian not only through language classes but also through informal events like the Russian Speaking Club, where they can immerse themselves in the language in a relaxed and supportive environment. This year, the Russian Speaking Club has become an independent project, holding regular monthly meetings. Everyone can view the upcoming meeting topics, brief descriptions, and dates, as well as register to participate.

— What are the plans for developing the International Prep Year? What new initiatives can we expect in the near future?

— This year, the International Prep Year Programme has added the subjects of Cultural Studies, Academic Speaking, and preparation for the TORFL (Test of Russian as a Foreign Language) exam. The Cultural Studies course introduces students to the culture, traditions, and history of Russia, Moscow, and our university. During the TORFL preparation course, students will be able to devise their own strategy for exam preparation and completion. Additionally, we plan to expand the range of educational programmes, including Russian language summer schools aimed at promoting the Russian language abroad to various groups of international learners. To upgrade the teaching system and quality for Russian language instruction and specialised subjects, we are exploring the introduction of LMS and Smart LMS technologies into the educational process. These platforms would be used to share class materials, manage work reports, conduct knowledge tests, oversee intermediate and final assessments, and submit projects and homework.

We aim to attract talented young people who wish to learn Russian on a fee-paying basis. Our goal is not only to increase the number of tuition-paying students but also to create opportunities for those who are genuinely passionate about the Russian language and culture. We recognise that these young people can make a significant contribution to advancing intercultural communication and strengthening ties between our countries.

Our goal is to create an engaging educational environment where students can not only learn the language but also immerse themselves in Russia’s rich culture, traditions, and history.

We are exploring ways to upgrade the qualifications of teachers of specialised subjects, particularly by improving their methods for teaching their subjects in Russian to international students in the preparatory programme. This year, the Prep Year Programme facilitated the participation of five teachers in a professional development programme.

— Who does the International Prep Year collaborate with both within and outside HSE University?

— Within HSE University, the Prep Year actively collaborates with the Faculty of Humanities, the School of Philological Studies, the Department of Mathematics, and HSE MIEM to recruit teachers for general education courses and to develop curricula.

As part of our partnership agreement, the programme offers students the opportunity to take a certified TORFL exam to assess their Russian language proficiency at the Language Testing Centre of St Petersburg State University. Between 2021 and 2025, 109 international students from nearly 40 countries took the test.

The International Prep Year Programme continues to evolve, adapt to new challenges, and uphold high educational standards, remaining a vital part of HSE University’s international academic community.