St. Petersburg State University

About

St. Petersburg State University (SPbU) is Russia's oldest university, renowned for its strong traditions in fundamental research and education across a wide range of disciplines, particularly in the humanities, natural sciences, and law. It offers a vibrant international environment with a significant number of English-taught programs, preparatory courses for Russian language, and extensive exchange opportunities. The university provides dedicated support for international students through its International Admissions Office, assisting with visas, accommodation, and cultural adaptation. SPbU actively promotes international collaboration, hosting numerous international conferences and research projects. A distinctive characteristic is its historical legacy as the first university in Russia, deeply embedded in the nation's intellectual and cultural heritage.

Background

Saint Petersburg State University (SPbU; Russian: Санкт-Петербургский государственный университет, romanized: Sankt-Peterburgskiy gosudarstvennyy universitet) is a public research university in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Founded in 1724 by a decree of Peter the Great, it is one of the oldest universities in Russia and has had a focus on fundamental research in science and engineering since its creation. It is made up of 24 distinct departments and institutes, the Academic Gymnasium, the Medical College, the College of Physical Culture and Sports, Economics and Technology. The university has two primary campuses: one on Vasilievsky Island and the other one in Peterhof. During the Soviet period, it was known as Leningrad State University (Russian: Ленинградский государственный университет). It was renamed after Andrei Zhdanov in 1948 and was officially called "Leningrad State University, named after A. A. Zhdanov and decorated with the Order of Lenin and the Order of the Red Banner of Labour....

Location

Quick facts

Nearby universities