"St Petersburg University is where you enjoy studying": The University hosts Applicant Day

On 8 February 2025, residents of St Petersburg celebrated St Petersburg University Day, established by the city government in 2024 within the framework of the University’s 300^th anniversary celebrations. The event was opened by Aleksandr Babich, Senior Vice-Rector for Youth Policy and Admissions at St Petersburg University. "This is a landmark day for us — a large-scale event. St Petersburg University is actively preserving its historical memory by publishing numerous books on its history, traditions, and notable alumni," said Aleksandr Babich in his address. He also read a congratulatory message from St Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov on the occasion of St Petersburg University Day.

Aleksandr Babich underlined that St Petersburg University is a leading academic and research centre, a renowned higher education institution that offers academic programmes in various fields of knowledge, including physics and mathematics, natural and social sciences, and humanities.

"In line with the decisions made by the President of the Russian Federation, including those announced at the recent Council for Science and Education meeting, we offer our students the opportunity to earn multiple degrees at no extra cost while completing their major academic programme. Currently, St Petersburg University offers 127 double degree programmes," said Aleksandr Babich, Senior Vice-Rector for Youth Policy and Admissions at St Petersburg University. He noted that obtaining multiple higher education qualifications enables students to develop and expand their competencies, adapt to the rapidly changing job market, and participate in interdisciplinary research.

For those unable to attend in person, a live broadcast was organised, attracting over 4,000 viewers.

As part of the presentation of the educational opportunities offered by St Petersburg University, Aleksandr Babich spoke in detail about the social support measures available to students, aimed at fostering the creative and research potential of talented young people. In 2025, St Petersburg University made a very important decision to establish a monthly scholarship of 15,000 roubles for the University applicants who are winners and prize-winners of intellectual competitions and are admitted to bachelor’s, specialist’s or master’s programmes in: mathematics and mechanics; information and computer sciences; physics and astronomy; chemistry; Earth sciences; biology; computer science and engineering; applied geology; mining; petroleum engineering and geodesy; technical systems management; nanotechnology and nanomaterials; clinical medicine; pharmacy; and nursing.

Winners and prize-winners of the All-Russian Olympiad for schoolchildren, as well as other Olympiads recognised by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, including the St Petersburg University Olympiad for School Students, are admitted to the University without entrance examinations for bachelor’s and specialist’s programmes. These students are eligible for this scholarship. Additionally, this scholarship will be awarded to winners and prize-winners of intellectual competitions, eligible for grants from the President of the Russian Federation, when they enrol in master’s programmes.

"Applicants admitted in academic programmes in the areas of study prioritised in Russia’s Scientific and Technological Development Strategy can receive this scholarship throughout their University studies, provided they pass their exam sessions with 'good' and "excellent" marks without resitting," added Aleksandr Babich.

Prospective students of St Petersburg University can also participate in other intellectual competitions organised by the University, such as: the Olympiad for school students in history of engineering; the Olympiad for school students in history of St Petersburg; the Olympiad for school students in Physics "Natural Science"; the Olympiad on technopreneurship for schoolchildren "TechnoOlymp"; the Olympiad for school students in Theology; the Olympiad for school students in Asian and African Studies "Eastern Vector", the International Student Research Paper Competition for school students "Literary Destinies of Belarus and Russia: From Dialogue to Understanding"; and the International Competition "The Republic of Uzbekistan and the Russian Federation in the Context of Transforming the International Relations System". Students can participate in the Open International Olympiad of St Petersburg University for university students and young professionals, Petropolitan Science (Re)Search. Winners and prize-winners of these competitions are awarded additional points for individual achievements during the admissions process.

Aleksandr Khurshudian, Deputy Senior Vice-Rector for Youth Policy and Admissions and Executive Secretary of the Admissions Committee at St Petersburg University, provided detailed insights into the admissions process for the 2025/2026 academic year. He underscored that during the 2025 admissions campaign, Russian applicants will submit their applications exclusively through the Gosuslugi portal, the Russian Federation’s public services platform.

The exhibition showcased all academic programmes implemented at St Petersburg University. It also featured stands dedicated to science and research at the University; scholarship programmes; international admissions; and student Olympiads and competitions organised by St Petersburg University. Visitors could receive advice on obtaining educational loans with state support.

Student life is a vital part of the educational and cultural environment at St Petersburg University. The University actively supports student initiatives and provides opportunities for their realisation through various projects and movements. Students engage in sports, intellectual competitions, research, and volunteering projects. A notable example is the establishment of the St Petersburg University student branch of the "Movement of the First", officially launched in December 2024.