Saint Petersburg, Russia
Fall semester 2021 and Academic Year 2021-22
Application due to OIA by March 1, 2021
Higher School of Economics Fact sheet
University: National Research University - Higher School of Economics (HSE)
Main campus is in Moscow; this exchange program is with the Saint Petersburg campus.
Student body: 6,200 undergraduate and graduate students
International students at university: 680
Website:
Course load: IU students are expected to take 15 credits. This is the equivalent of 30 ECTS credits.
Course catalog: View course catalog (Select the Saint Petersburg campus in upper right of the webpage)
Language of instruction: English and Russian (3 undergraduate programs and 30-50% of other programs are taught in English)
Grades + Transcripts: HSE uses a ten-point grading system which is equivalent to the 5 point ECTS grading system. HSE will provide transcripts detailing the courses taken and the grades obtained. At the student’s request, IU departments will review courses to determine how they will apply to your degree. Please note that IU does not accept Pass/Fail.
Academic calendar:
Autumn semester: September 1 – December 31, 2021
[Academic Year: September 1 – June 30]
Alternative Assessments:
Students who do not want to stay until the end of December will need to discuss the early completion of graded assignments and tests with the professor of each course.
Traveling to & living in Russia
Student visa information: The International Office will apply for an electronic invitation letter for the student. Students will receive a 90-day visa which will then be extended to a year upon arrival and enrollment at HSE. Information about the visa process can be found here:
Learn about immigration + travel
Air travel: Exchange students will be responsible for arranging and purchasing their own round-trip international airline tickets for dates appropriate for the term at the host university. Exchange students should only purchase tickets once HSE has confirmed the dates of arrival. Students who are nominated for the exchange are eligible to apply for a travel grant from OIA.
Nearest international airport: Pulkovo Airport (LED), Saint Petersburg
Housing: Housing is available at the new HSE Student Dormitory. Places at the dormitory are offered first come, first served. More information available here:
Pre-departure orientation: The College OIA staff will provide an orientation the prior semester to help students prepare for their programs.
Departure preparation + arrival details: Visit: https://spb.hse.ru/en/io/prearrival to learn more about departure and pre-arrival preparation. ESN (Erasmus Student Network) has a volunteer/buddy system: https://spb.hse.ru/en/io/esn
Estimated costs per semester:
- Tuition: IU Tuition
- Food: $1,305
- Housing: $100
- Transportation: $80
- OVST administrative fee: $238
- Plus insurance, visa, airfare, and any extra course fees
Application information
Student eligibility requirements:
- Must be pursuing a degree within the College of Arts and Sciences
- Have completed a minimum of one year at IUB prior to enrolling abroad, and not be in your final semester
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above
- Have a passport by the time applications are due at the host university, valid at least 6 months after the anticipated return date
For this exchange program, students must be nominated by the College Office of International Affairs (OIA).
Deadline for student applications to OIA:
- March 1, 2021
Application process:
- If you would like to apply for this exchange, please visit http://go.iu.edu/ASPIREexchanges.
- Complete the application form and upload a statement of intent.
- Send the recommendation form link to the person who will supply a reference for you. It must be submitted by the application deadline.
- OIA staff will conduct interviews with select students (semi-finalists) to determine their suitability and preparedness for the exchange. Students must come to the interview prepared with a list of prospective courses they might like to take abroad.
- OIA will nominate finalists to HSE. Upon acceptance, HSE will contact students to invite them to apply for admission. An academic transcript and copy of your passport will be required at this point.