Lomonosov Moscow State University | How to study there?

Lomonosov Moscow State University is the first Russian University, which operates since 1755. Therefore, it's the most prestigious academic institution in Russia, as here is where Russia started its academic experience. 

In addition to its popularity in Russia, Lomonosov State University also finds a place in international rankings. It's regularly included in the list of the Best Global Universities according to the US News. That's why you can confidently choose Lomonosov Moscow State University for gaining quality education that can also later help you succeed in international job markets. 

We have collected all the most critical aspects of studying at LMSU in this article. Read on if studying here meets your academic interests. 

What is best to study at MSU?

One of the strongest sides of Moscow State University is applied sciences. The university actively promotes its programs in genetics, biomedicine, cognitive sciences, ecology, information technologies, and similar. 

More than 30 faculties and over 15 research institutions and centers where students and scholars of different interests can find appropriate matching programs. For your better navigation among the available academic programs, here are the four main academic subdivisions of the university: 

• Department of Physical Education

• Interfaculty Department of Information Technology

• UNESCO International Hydraulic School at MSU

• Interfaculty Department of High-Performance Computing

Find the whole list of the university faculties and research institutions.

Should I know Russian for studying at LSU?

Yes. 

The majority of the programs at Moscow State University are taught in Russian. Therefore, you should prove your knowledge of the language as an essential admission criterion. LMSU Institute of Russian Language and Culture can help you with that. 

How to organize the application?

All applications, regarding whether you are applying for Bachelor's or graduate programs, are open since June 15 every year. 

For undergraduate applicants, the application is closed from July 7-10, and for graduates, the deadline is July 20. 

For applying to MSU, you need to submit the necessary application documents and pass all the entry exams. Within the above-mentioned deadlines, you can submit your application electronically via the MSU online portal, take physical documents to the university, or send them by the postal service. 

Anyway, all the documentation should be translated into Russian. If the translation was made in a country other than Russia, it must be notarized or certified by the Russian Embassy on Consulate.

Which documents are needed for applying to MSU?

• Application for admission

• Documents of the previous education qualifications (either original or certified translation)

• Transcripts from your previously attended educational institutions (original)

• Passport (copy of the first two pages)

• 3x4 photos

Which exams are needed for applying to MSU?

The examinations start on June 16 every year. The applicants have the opportunity to be notified about the needed exams and their exact dates no later than June 1 every year. For tracking this part, you should contact or follow the announcements of the Central Admissions Office. 

Are there additional requirements for international applicants?

The application procedure is usually standard for domestic and international students. In the case of applicants from foreign countries, the emphasis is more on the online completion of application steps, such as submitting the documents paying for the first semester of studies electronically. 

More insights on international applications for the year you apply can be found during the virtual open day for international students. 

Is MSU only accessible in Moscow?

Moscow State University has international branches in different countries, predominantly in the CIS area. Depending on your country of residence, you can choose one of the below-presented branches:

• Yerevan, Armenia

• Astana, Kazakhstan

• Tashkent, Uzbekistan

• Baku, Azerbaijan

• Dushanbe, Tajikistan

• Koper, Slovenia

Where can international students live while studying at MSU?

In case there are vacant places at dormitories provided by university campuses, all the international students are provided with living spaces. Student dormitories are equipped with the necessary convenience, including a housekeeping complex, dining room, sports ground, gym, libraries, WiFi spots, etc. 

Check the below main dormitories to check available places upon your arrival:

• Student Residence Hall on Leninskie Gory;

• Affiliate of the Student Residence Hall;

• Student Residence Hall on Lomonosovsky Prospect;

• Student Residence Hall on Vernadsky Avenue;

• Student Residence Hall at Kravchenko Street;

• Residence Hall for Postgraduate Students and Trainee.

Historical overview of the Moscow State University

As mentioned above, Moscow State University was founded in 1755, and it stays on the roots of the academic infrastructure in Russia. It was not initially named after Academician Mikhail Lomonosov. The university was renamed long after its establishment, in 1940, as an honor to the large investments and contribution that Lomonosov had for the university. 

Initially, the university provided education across only three faculties: 

• Faculty of Philosophy

• Faculty of Law

• Faculty of Medicine

Unlike other European universities of that time, MSU didn't have a faculty of theology as the country had its own standards of theological establishments. 

Not only establishment of the university has contributed to the popularity of higher education in the country, but it also gave birth to Russian academic publishing and brought the works of Russian scholars open to the public. A year after the university was found, in 1756, the university opened its first printing house and bookshop. This allowed the regular publication of many academic materials, including Moscow's first literary periodical, "Poleznoe Uveselenie" (Useful Entertainment). Also, at the start of the 20th century, many professors of the university contributed to the materials for secondary education in Russia. 

With the continuous improvements and steps taken toward the internationalization of the university, it grew to one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the country. Today's Lomonosov Moscow State University collaborations with more than 60 universities, educational institutions, and centers, and it welcomes more than 10,000 international scholars and interns every year.