Russia has a large higher-education system, and a small group of universities account for most of its international visibility. Moscow State University and Saint Petersburg State University are the oldest and best known, while HSE University, MIPT, and ITMO University are widely recognized for economics, physics, and technology.
This guide collects the Russian universities in the Best Websites directory with a write-up of each: what it teaches, who it is for, and how it compares, plus the founding year and city so you can see the differences at a glance.
| Name | Category | Based in | Founded |
|---|---|---|---|
| HSE University | Universities | Moscow | 1992 |
| ITMO University | Universities | Saint Petersburg | 1900 |
| Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology | Universities | Dolgoprudny | 1946 |
| Moscow State University | Universities | Moscow | 1755 |
| Saint Petersburg State University | Universities | Saint Petersburg | 1724 |
HSE University
ITMO University
Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology
Moscow State University
Saint Petersburg State UniversityMoscow State University (MSU), Saint Petersburg State University (SPbU), HSE University, the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT), and ITMO University are among the best known, and all five are covered in this guide.
MIPT is the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, often called Phystech. It is a university focused on physics, mathematics, and technology, located near Moscow.
HSE University is the National Research University Higher School of Economics, based in Moscow.
ITMO University is in Saint Petersburg, Russia, and is known for information technology, photonics, and optics.
Many offer some English-language programs for international students, though most degree programs are taught in Russian. Check each university's admissions page for current options.
