Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU)

Admission to Bachelor's and specialty programs is granted on the basis of the Unified State Exam to applicants with a senior secondary (high school) diploma. Some MSU departments also hold additional admission exams, mostly for artistic specialties. Most MSU departments have 3 to 6 applicants competing for each available seat. Some departments, however - such as medicine, philosophy, and global processes - are significantly more popular. The most competition (upwards of 30 applicants per seat) is reported by the departments of foreign languages and regional sciences, state government and world politics. The MSU has in recent years transitioned to the "Bachelor's + Master's" system, which is the reason why Master's programs have yet to grow in popularity. In a few years' time, when the current crop of Bachelor's students graduate, the situation is expected to change, with a significant rise in applications for Master's programs. As of today, competition for Master's degrees is 1-2 applicants per seat. To join a Master's program, applicants must submit documents attesting a higher professional education degree, and pass admission exams specific to the particular department.

There are three ways to apply for admission to the MSU: by submitting your documents in person to the admissions board, by mailing them, or via the admissions board website. Applications are accepted starting from the end of June over the course of roughly 20 days. The first wave of admissions occurs at the end of July, and the final lists of admitted students are published in mid August. A candidate may apply to no more than 5 universities and no more than 3 specialties at once.

Foreign applicants may need a visa in order to take the admission exams. To obtain a visa you will have to submit an application to the foreign section of your department of choice. The paperwork for obtaining an invitation letter and visa may take around 2.5 months, so be sure to make your preparations in advance.