International Relations

The Bachelor's Degree Programme in International Relations at Saint Petersburg State University offers students a comprehensive education in the dynamics of global politics, economics, and diplomacy. Designed to prepare future experts for the complexities of international affairs, the program combines rigorous academic coursework with practical skills development. Students will explore key themes such as international security, global governance, international law, economic development, and cultural diplomacy, gaining a deep understanding of how states and non-state actors interact on the world stage. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and intercultural competence, equipping graduates to navigate and influence the international arena effectively. The programme also provides opportunities for internships, research projects, and participation in international conferences, fostering practical experience and global networking. Taught by leading scholars and practitioners in the field, the programme reflects Saint Petersburg State University’s strong reputation for excellence in humanities and social sciences. Graduates of this programme will be well-prepared for careers in diplomacy, international organizations, governmental agencies, multinational corporations, and non-governmental organizations. They will possess a solid foundation in the theoretical frameworks underpinning international relations, along with the practical skills necessary to analyze global issues, negotiate agreements, and contribute to policy-making processes. The international perspective integrated into the curriculum highlights Russia’s role in the global system while also providing a broader understanding of international trends and challenges. With a diverse student body and a vibrant academic community, the programme encourages cross-cultural dialogue and the development of a global mindset. Overall, the Bachelor's in International Relations at Saint Petersburg State University offers a thorough, multidisciplinary education that prepares students to become informed, responsible, and capable participants in the international community.

Program’s obligatory courses:
• Current Issues of the Theory of International
Relations
• International Organizations and Global Government
• International Security
• International Political Economy
• Russia in the World
• Russia’s Identity

Program’s elective courses:
• EU Policies on the Post-Soviet Space
• Public Diplomacy
• The Energy Dimension of the World Politics
• Ecological Politics
• The Arctic Region in the Modern Political System

Students practice at:
• Nordic Council of Ministers
• Mir, TV Company
• Inter-Parliamentary Assembly of the CIS
• Foreign Consulates in St. Petersburg
and others
Graduates work at:
• Russia Today, TV Channel
• Suzuki Company
• The Hague Chamber of Commerce of Holland
• Foreign Universities and others

Admissions of Russian and foreign citizens are arranged in accordance with the "Rules of admission to St. Petersburg State University for the major educational programs of higher education (undergraduate programs, training programs, graduate programs) in 2014". There are admission quota financed by the federal budget, as well as the fee-paying quota based on contracts with individuals and / or entities.

Admissions of foreign citizens 
International applicants can be admitted to SPbU both to places on a fee-paying (contractual) basis and places funded by the Russian Government (on references from the Russian Federation Ministry of Education).

International applicants can be admitted to SPbU both to places on a fee-paying (contractual) basis and to places funded by the Russian Government (Scholarship includes tuition fee).

Admission procedure on a fee-paying (contractual) basis includes entry examinations for foreign applicants.

List of the required documents for application:

1.application form for an educational programm of the relevant level, stated by an Admission Committee;

2.educational certificate/diploma* (or its notarized copy) and its transcript (in case it is provided bu the legal system of a foreighn state that issued the certificate/diploma);

3.copy of identity document;

4.copy of entry visa to the Russian Federation (if there is one);

5.copy of migration card;

6."Stay Regulations for Foreighn Citizens in Russian Federation" sighned;

7.4 (four) photographs 3z4 sm.

How to apply:

1.To register at the Personal Account on the website of Admission Office;

2.To fill an application form for an educational program;

3.Signed application with other documents submit by one of the following ways:

-          attach at the Personal Account,

-          in person,

-          by post.

Deadline for application in 2015:

• April 01 - August 10: for applicants not requiring an entry visa
• April 01 - July 10: for applicants requiring an entry visa

Periods for the admissions tests in 2015:

• May 5 – 19;
• June 15 – 30;
• July 13 – 24;
• August 03 – 17.

*The educational certificate needs to be

• legalised if required
• recognized in the Russian Federation (to have either a recognition certificate or an equivalence certificate if required)

List and Forms of 2015 Admissions Tests for Main Master Programmes at St. Petersburg State University http://abiturient.spbu.ru/images/2015/VI/mag_ino_2015_EN.htm

FOR APPLICANTS ON GOVERNMENT-FUNDED BASIS 
Requirements for documents 2014 http://abiturient.spbu.ru/images/2014/foreigns/kriterii_en.htm

As specified in the Governmental decree of Russian Federation (October, 8 2013 № 891"On Fixing an Education Quota for Foreign Nationals and Stateless Citizens in the Russian Federation"), foreign citizens are provided an opportunity to take part in an Competition for state-funded educational places at Universities in Russian Federation, including SPbU (funded from the budget of Russian Federation). Information about order of admission will be available on this page in the terms defined by the Government of the Russian Federation. http://abiturient.spbu.ru/index.php/russkij/admissions-of-foreign-citizens/admissions-of-foreign-citizens/m-admission-procedure-gov

Full information on the rules and admission process for undergraduate and graduate programs can be found on the official website of St. Petersburg State University Admissions Commission: http://abiturient.spbu.ru/