26 Best Public Universities in Saint Petersburg for International Students
Saint Petersburg is one of the cities in Russia you should look into if you want to study in a public university. Besides providing a path towards your academic goals, studying in Saint Petersburg can give you valuable insights into its people and the local culture. You can also enjoy various activities here to make your studies abroad all worth it.
There are 28 universities you can find in Saint Petersburg, and 26 of them are public universities. Having these many choices makes Saint Petersburg a great place for international students.
In this article, you’ll find out the public universities in Saint Petersburg, with some added information on programs, tuition, and how many international students you’ll be studying with. Let’s get started!
Public Universities in Saint Petersburg
1. Saint Petersburg State University
Regarded as the longest-running university in Russia, Saint Petersburg State University is one of the country’s most renowned public universities. Besides delivering quality education in various academic fields, Saint Petersburg State University is known for its student-friendly campus as they are located in one of Russia’s best cities.Â
International students are warmly welcomed on their campus as they foster a diverse atmosphere for these students. Interestingly, these students are provided with various services as they adapt to their new country.
2. ITMO University
ITMO University is one of the most distinguished universities in the region of Saint Petersburg. This university was founded approximately 122 years ago and is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the country. The aim of the university has not changed at all throughout this long period of time, and it still remains to help and support local students in order to create a better and well-educated society.
3. Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University
The Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University is one of the most innovative institutions in the area. This institution is recognized internationally for its innovative teaching techniques that are in cooperation with practical values. It is also worth noting that this university offers reasonable tuition fee prices for both domestic and international students and will provide the most talented and promising students with scholarships in order to help with their academic advancement.
4. Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia
The service of the Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia has lasted for more than 200 years. To this day, the university continues to provide top-quality education through its Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs. Students have a wide variety of choices, amounting to around 1300 programs. Its academic infrastructure is composed of 7 faculties, 16 academic institutes, 5 research institutes, and 98 departments.
5. Saint Petersburg State Electrotechnical University
Saint Petersburg State Electrotechnical University has served the youth since 1886. The university offers Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs. These programs are handled by 7 faculties, which include the Faculty of Electronics and the Faculty of Computer Science and Technology. Research is an integral contribution of the university to the academic community. This is proven through its partner Research Centers and Institutes. Additionally, research projects are regularly conducted and published at Saint Petersburg State Electrotechnical University.
6. Saint-Petersburg Mining University
Saint Petersburg Mining University is a technical university in Saint Petersburg, Russia. It was founded in 1773 as the Mining School, and it was Russia’s first technical university. Later, it was renamed the Leningrad Mining Institute. Outstanding specialists, scientists, geologists, and politicians have graduated from the university, including Russia’s current president, Vladimir Putin.
7. Saint Petersburg State University of Economics
The Saint Petersburg State University of Economics is committed to providing excellent specialized education in economics and finances while prioritizing internationalization. This university is focused on giving students real-world experiences through hands-on learning, which is why it collaborates with local businesses. Actually, many of its graduates are now leaders of major companies like Gazprom. Students are also a central part of the institution and often organize events like research contests and scientific conferences.
8. St. Petersburg State University of Aerospace Instrumentation
Founded during the height of World War II, St. Petersburg State University of Aerospace Instrumentation (SUAI) has proven its resilience and quality education since 1941. SUAI’s mission is to provide integrated educational opportunities, develop research, meet societal needs, train competent scholars, and inspire growth. Aside from this mission, SUAI has a policy dedicated to promising students quality education. Extra-curricular activities are also promoted through theater associations, musical groups, social clubs, and many more.
9. European University at St. Petersburg
The European University at St. Petersburg is an institution of higher education that focuses on postgraduate studies and offers programs mostly centered on Russian history. This university is located in the heart of Saint Petersburg, Russia, and was established in 1994. The students who graduate from this university go on to become successful professionals in their respective fields.
10. Bonch-Bruevich St. Petersburg State University of Telecommunications
The ​​Bonch-Bruevich Saint Petersburg State University of Telecommunications is a public university in Saint Petersburg, Russia. It was founded in 1930 as the Leningrad Institute of Communication Engineers. The university offers degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in communication, humanities, military education, information technologies, economics, computer science, advertising, and management through its eight faculties.
11. Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical Academy
Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University is a public medical university in Saint Petersburg, Russia. It was founded in 1925 as the Institute for Protection of Maternity and Infancy and is the oldest independent pediatric university in the world. The university offers programs in the field of medicine, including medical science, pediatrics, clinical psychology, stomatology, and dentistry.
12. Baltic State Technical University “Voenmeh”
Baltic State Technical University “Voenmeh” is a place where technical creativity prospers, giving students a productive environment to pursue their scientific-related careers. The university is equipped with the resources and tools needed to keep up with the research activities of its future scientists. With constant innovation, the university has become a popular destination for students that are passionate about engineering, robotics, and mechanics, among others.
13. Saint Petersburg State Institute of Technology
The Saint Petersburg State Institute of Technology is a public institution in Saint Petersburg, Russia. It was founded in 1828 as the Imperial Petersburg Institute of Technology and is considered one of the country’s oldest universities. The university currently provides degree programs in natural sciences, medicine, ecology, engineering, and public relations.
14. St. Petersburg State Conservatory
The St. Petersburg State Conservatory is a higher education institute of music that is located in Saint Petersburg, Russia. This university was formerly known as Petrograd Conservatory and Leningrad Conservatory, which started its educational path in the early year of 1862. It offers programs in vocal art, choreographic art, and musical and instrumental art.
15. North-Western State Medical University
Providing quality education for over a century, North-Western State Medical University is one of the oldest universities in Russia. It offers Bachelor’s, Specialist’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs. Preparatory courses, Residency programs, and Summer and Winter School classes are also offered at the university. All programs and courses are specialized in Medical and Health related fields of study.
16. Admiral Makarov State University of Maritime and Inland Shipping
Admiral Makarov State University of Maritime and Inland Shipping is a public university specializing in maritime education. It was established in 2012 by the Russian Federation’s Ministry of Transport. The university has four institutes that offer degree programs: Maritime Academy, Institute of Water Transport, Institute of International Transport Management, and Professional Development Programs Institute.
17. St. Petersburg State University of Industrial Technologies and Design
The St. Petersburg State University of Industrial Technologies and Design is a small university that houses around 6,000 domestic and international students. The university, as it is stated by its name, is located in Saint Petersburg, and it is known for its long history in the educational field. This university is mostly focused on the fields of technology and design and offers a lot of dual degree programs.
18. St. Petersburg State Marine Technical University
The roots of St. Petersburg State Marine Technical University can be traced as far back as 1899 with the founding of St. Petersburg Polytechnic Institute. However, the university’s official founding only happened when only one department survived through wars and opened as Leningrad Shipbuilding Institute in 1930. It eventually became what it is now and continues to provide higher education for over 90 years. The university is currently open for Bachelor’s and Master’s degree students from in and outside of Russia.
19. St. Petersburg State University of Civil Aviation
The Saint Petersburg State University of Civil Aviation is a public aviation school in Saint Petersburg, Russia. The USSR government established it in Leningrad in 1955 as the High School of Civil Aviation. During its half-century of operation, the school has trained 25000 managers and highly qualified specialists for civil aviation, many of whom have made significant contributions to the industry.
20. St. Petersburg State University for Culture and Arts
Saint-Petersburg State Institute of Culture is a public university in Saint-Petersburg, Russia. It was founded in 1918 and is one of the largest institutions in the nation that focuses on the arts and culture. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in subjects including psychology, tourism, design, linguistics, sociology, folk singing, and other related fields. It is the top humanitarian and creative education institution in Russia.
21. St. Petersburg State Agrarian University
St. Petersburg State Agrarian University was established in 1904 and is one of Russia’s oldest agricultural universities. The university is dedicated to training highly knowledgeable and skilled individuals who can penetrate and improve the local and regional agricultural sectors. It offers programs in various specializations related to agriculture such as agri-business, agricultural technology, and agricultural law.Â
22. Russian State Institute of Performing Arts
Russian State Institute of Performing Arts is a public theatre school in Saint Petersburg, Russia. It was founded in 1779 as the Emperor’s Theatre, the oldest theatre school in Russia. The institution has merged with several schools over the years, including the Ostrovsky Leningrad Theatre Institute and the Leningrad Institute of Art History. With over 1550 students, it is currently Europe’s largest professional theatre school.
23. Saint-Petersburg State Chemical Pharmaceutical University
Saint Petersburg State Chemical Pharmaceutical University is a public university in Saint Petersburg, Russia. It was founded in 1919 as the Petrograd State Chemical-Pharmaceutical Institute, which was notorious for its high drop-out rate. Since then, the university has been reinvented, and it now offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in drug technology, pharmacy, and chemistry.
24. Saint-Petersburg State Institute of Film and Television
Saint-Petersburg State Institute of Film and Television has the honor of being Russia’s first cinematography university. With more than a century of experience, it is a premier institute and trailblazer in mass media and communication. The bachelor’s, master’s, and specialist programs it offers encompass mass media’s diversity, from film to television. Even behind-the-scenes courses, like scriptwriting and audiovisual engineering, are taught at the institute, so students get well-rounded and quality training.
25. Nevsky Institute of Language and Culture
Nevsky Institute of Language and Culture is a university in Russia that offers Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs. Aside from this, foreign students can regularly be found in the university taking exchange programs. Some foreign students have the opportunity to take preparatory Foreign Language Courses to help them during their stay in Russia. These preparatory courses are part of the Faculty of Additional Educational Programs’ responsibilities. Other opportunities handled by this faculty are Professional Retraining Programs, Advanced Training Programs, and Summer Programs.
26. International University of Fundamental Studies, St. Petersburg
Home to many students from and out of Russia, the International University of Fundamental Studies in St. Petersburg, or IUFS in short, is an established university that has been around for more than 20 years. IUFS offers Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral programs in different areas of discipline such as Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, and Business Administration.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can International Students Study in Public Universities in Saint Petersburg?
Absolutely! International students in public universities in Saint Petersburg can pursue different program levels, but the most popular ones are bachelor’s and master’s programs.
As for tuition fees, note that these vary across specific disciplines and program levels, with some charging significantly more than others. Specifically, public universities in Saint Petersburg charge up to 496,700 RUB for bachelor’s and 1,381,700 RUB for master’s studies.
I hope this article can help you in your search for public universities in Saint Petersburg. Feel free to check out the Available Programs for International Students to learn more about studying abroad.