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Higher School of Economics (HSE) - faculties, admission, tuition fees and scholarships in one of the best universities of Moscow. We will help to enroll in HSE
Free consultation Are you a representative of this institution?National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE) is one of the participants in the 5-100 project. The goal is to bring Russian universities to the 100 best educational institutions in the world[1]. Despite the name, the university trains specialists not only in the economic fields. HSE students study in 11 areas, including social, legal, science, computer and other fields of science.
Higher School of Economics was founded in the fall of 1992. A few months later, the first master's degree program in economics was opened in the Russian Federation on the basis of the university. To prepare teachers, the university leadership organized regular internships for employees in foreign universities. The invited foreign professors, who taught part of the lectures for students, helped to adopt international experience in economic theory. In 1994, postgraduate studies opened on the basis of the Higher School, the university began training legal and social specialists.
1997 was marked by signing of an agreement with the London School of Economics and opening of the International College of Economics and Finance (ICEF). From that moment, one of the first double degree programs in the Russian Federation appeared at the HSE. At the very end of the 90s, the university switched to a modular training system: 4 modules per year, 5-6 disciplines in each. As a result, students were able to increase the number of hours for self-study (up to 60%).
In the early 2000s, the HSE expanded significantly. Over the course of several years, 8 new faculties were opened, and the HSE Academic Fund was founded[2]. In 2009, the Higher School of Economics was awarded the prestigious status of a National Research University[3]. From that moment the development of their own standards of educational programs began.
Higher School of Economics has 4 campuses located in Moscow and branches of the university in St. Petersburg, Nizhny Novgorod, Perm. Undergraduate and graduate students are trained at 16 faculties of the university. On the basis of the HSE, there is a lyceum for students in grades 9-11, in which university teachers train students in 10 areas.
| City | Address | Phone | |
| St. Petersburg | Kantemirovskaya st. 3, building 1, lit. A | #+7 (812) 644-62-12 | abitur-spb@hse.ru |
| Nizhny Novgorod | Bolshaya Pecherskaya st. 25/12 | #+7 (831) 432-77-94 | nnov@hse.ru |
| Perm | Studencheskaya st. 38 | #+7 (342) 200-96-96 | abitur.perm@hse.ru |
The complete list of programs with tuition fees is published on the official HSE website: bachelor’s and master’s. Here is the overview of undergraduate programs by direction, minimal cost and seats available.
| Bachelor’s program | Duration of study | Min. cost per year (Moscow / branches) | Seats, state-funded | Seats, fee-paying | Seats, fee-paying international students |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Planning | 5 years | 5,866 USD / - | 35 | 20 | 10 |
| Cell and Molecular Biotechnology | 4 years | 5,268 USD / - | 28 | 10 | 10 |
| Asian and African Studies | 5 years | 4,789 USD / 5,028 USD | 67 / 22 | 105 / 90 | 18 / 10 |
| Arts and Crafts | 4 years | 7,183 USD / 4,789 USD | 37 / 15 | 300 / 80 | 30 / 13 |
| Information Science and Computing Technology | 4 years | 4,669 USD / 2,035 USD | 236 / 80 | 110 / 70 | 45 / 8 |
| Information Security | 4 years 5.5 years | 5,268 USD / - | 85 | 65 | 15 |
| History of Art | 4 years | 5,028 USD / - | 30 | 55 | 6 |
| History and Archeology | 5 years | 4,669 USD / 1,796 USD | 79 / 57 | 30 / 40 | 4 / 5 |
| Cultural Studies | 4 years | 4,669 USD / - | 35 | 20 | 3 |
| Mathematics and Mechanics | 4 years | 4,669 USD / 2,035 USD | 289 / 100 | 215 / 85 | 54 / 26 |
| Geography of Global Transformation and Geoinformation Technology | 4 years | 4,669 USD / - | 20 | 2 | |
| Political Science and Area studies | 4 years | 5,387 USD / 4,669 USD | 100 / 40 | 360 / 70 | 75 / 17 |
| Psychology | 4 years | 5,148 USD / - | 63 | 50 | 15 |
| Sociology and Social Work | 4 years | 4,669 USD / 3,831 USD | 95 / 50 | 70 / 30 | 5 / 2 |
| Media, Information and Library Services | 4 years | 5,866 USD / - | 115 | 425 | 60 |
| Physics | 4 years | 5,268 USD / 3,472 USD | 50 / | 10 / 5 | 10 / 2 |
| Philosophy | 4 years | 4,669 USD / - | 45 | 20 | 3 |
| Chemistry | 4 years | 5,268 USD / - | 21 | 5 | 5 |
| Economics and Management | 4 years | 5,747 USD / 2,035 USD | 785 / 519 | 1230 / 541 | 224 / 144 |
| Information and Communication Technologies and Systems | 4 years | 4,669 USD / - | 60 | 10 | 3 |
| Jurisprudence | 5 years | 5,148 USD / 1,796 USD | 173 / 167 | 120 / 90 | 35 / 16 |
| Linguistics and Literature studies | 4 years | 4,669 USD / 2,035 USD | 137 / 66 | 315 / 150 | 40 / 15 |
| Program | Campus | Duration of study | Tuition per year | Seats, fee-paying / for international students |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Double Degree Programme in Economics (with the University of London) | Moscow | 4 years | 10,535 USD | 220 / 35 |
| Parallel Degree Programme in International Relations (with the University of London) | Moscow | 4 years | 8,620 USD | 170 / 10 |
| Double Degree Programme in Data Science and Business Analytics (with the University of London) | Moscow | 4 years | 8,141 USD | 80 / 12 |
| Parallel Degree Programme in Management and Digital Innovation (with the University of London) | Moscow | 4 years | 8,261 USD | 80 / 12 |
| Double Degree Programme in Economics and Politics in Asia (with the Kyung Hee University) | Moscow | 4 years | 6,585 USD | 80 / 15 |
| International Business and Management Studies | St. Petersburg | 4 years | 5,387 USD | 120 / 35 |
| Political Science and World Politics | St. Petersburg | 4 years | 4,669 USD | 70 / 17 |
| Sociology and Social Informatics | St. Petersburg | 4 years | 3,831 USD | 30 / 2 |
Higher School of Economics offers discounts on tuition to international undergraduate applicants in the following categories:
| Applicants | Requirements | Discount |
| Students who successfully passed entrance exams | 170 points or higher for both exams | 70% |
| Students who successfully passed entrance exams | 150-169 points for both exams | 50% |
| Students who successfully passed entrance exams | 140-149 points for both exams | 25% |
| Graduates of the HSE Preparatory Year program | Successful completion of studies with no unsatisfactory grades | 50% |
| Applicants who cocluded the agreement in the earlier period | Conclusion and payment of the tuition fee agreement no later than June 1 | 5% |
| Graduates of HSE’s partner secondary schools | Being included in a certified list of recommended students signed by the partner school’s director and submitted to HSE before July 30 | 25% |
| Winners and prize-winners of HSE Global Scholarship Competition | The Competition’s subject should correspond to the chosen field of study | 70% |
No discounts are availbale for students applying to the programs with no state-funded places, including double-degree programs with the University of London and Kyung Hee University.
To maintain the discount for the whole period of studies a student should have no reprimands and regularly demonstrate high academic performance[4].
HSE quota international students have the opportunity to receive the same scholarship as state-funded students. The standard state academic scholarship is about 19 USD per month. The decision to provide an increased state academic scholarship is made on the basis of the student’s achievement and the number of applicants (only 10% of the recipients of the standard scholarship are eligible). The monthly amount paid to the students is between 60 USD and 239 USD.
In addition, the university provides an opportunity to participate in independent scholarship programs funded by partners.
| Foundation | Applicants | Requirements | Amount/month |
| Lukoil Fund | 3rd and 4th year bachelor’s (specialist) students and 2nd year master’s students | 9-point and higher grades in the latest semester | 30 USD / 36 USD |
| Potanin Fund | Master’s students | Winning the competition | 299 USD |

For applicants from other countries, the Higher School of Economics has a preparatory department for teaching the Russian language and general thematic disciplines. International students can choose between three programs available at the HSE.
| Program | Duration | Tuition fee | Level of Russian | Subjects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Course | 2 semesters | 2,083 USD | Еlementary (A1-A2) |
|
| Intensive Course | 1 semester | 1,154 USD | Any |
|
| English Preparatory Program in Economics | 1 semester | 2,083 USD | Any |
|

For admission to the HSE, foreign applicants must undergo remote or face-to-face testing in 2 subjects according to the schedule. It is necessary to register for the tests through the personal account no later than 1 week before the test. The exam programs and samples, as well as minimum required scores, can be accessed on the website.
The results of the Global Scholarship Competition can be also considered.
In general, the process is made up of the following steps:
Admission process for graduate students is just a bit different from that of undergraduates:
The portfolio must include the following:
| Stage | Dates |
|---|---|
| Application submission, entrance examinations or interviews | November 1 – August 14 |
| Submission of supporting documents | August 14 – August 28 |
| Deadline for signing agreements and enrollment forms | August 28 |
| Deadline for enrollment | August 31 |
| First day of classes | September 1 / October 1 |
*Check the dates on the official website.
One of the development priorities of the HSE since its inception has been an active exchange of experience with foreign educational institutions. As of 2019, HSE University had 421 cooperation agreements with organizations from 69 countries[7]. The Scientific Research University is a member of 4 university-wide and 10 subject-specific international associations[8]. As a part of the interaction, joint research, conferences are held, double degree and student mobility programs are implemented.
Dual degree programs of the Higher School of Economics and foreign universities are mainly designed for master’s students. An exception refers to several 4-year Bachelor’s programs in economics and politics, implemented jointly with the London School of Economics or Kyung Hee University.
For graduate students at the Higher School of Economics, there are about 60 double-degree programs. Curricula are developed in conjunction with partner universities from the United States, Europe, China and Asia. As a rule, one year of study takes place at the HSE, another – in the territory of the foreign educational institution that participates in the joint program. Graduates receive a master's degree in HSE and a foreign diploma from a partner university. To participate in the program, several conditions must be met:
A catalogue of current DD programs and minimum entry requirements are published on the HSE website.
HSE students actively participate in international exchange programs with partner universities. Each year, the commission considers more than 1000 applications for 370 competitive quota positions. Tuition is paid by partner universities, students cover all other expenses (visa, travel to and from the host country, accommodation, meals, insurance, etc.). Reception of applications opens 2 times a year: for autumn programs it starts in February, for spring in August.
Students can submit an application both on a free and on a paid basis of full-time education. Students without academic debts who have successfully completed 2 years of bachelor’s / specialist training () or 1 year of master's / doctoral studies are allowed to participate in the competition. The Commission gives preference to those who participate in such programs for the first time. The main stages of selection are:

HSE offers 58 full-time, part-time, and remote professional retraining programs lasting from 8 to 24 months. Training is conducted in 11 areas:
Especially popular is the unique program for Russia MBA in Business Analytics, which has been accredited by the National Expert Council for Business and Management Education, NASDOBR[9]. The number of people who want to enroll in training annually exceeds the number of places on the course, which leads to the early closure of registration. The program provides the most relevant knowledge and skills in the field of general and IT management, develops a systematic approach to management. The cost of a 20-month course is 7,662 USD.
A complete list of MBA, EMBA, DBA, and Executive Master programs from the Higher School of Economics is published on the website.
HSE+. The project of the Higher School of Economics for úndergraduate and graduate students, designed to develop additional competencies of students:
Winter schools. Traditional activities during the winter holidays for students who wish to continue their studies at master’s level. Classes are taught in 13 areas, including the School of Law, Social Sciences, and the School of Business Informatics. The format of winter schools is lectures on the subject, presentations of industry leading companies representatives, project activities. HSE provides students with free attendance accommodations and meals. A student needs to pass a selection process to attend.

In addition to studying, students can join a variety of club organizations: sports, music, cinema, travel, charity. The HSE Theater conducts classes in acting and stage speech, regularly puts on plays, and participates in city festivals. There are about 40 HSE championship teams in the university’s football (soccer) league. The project "Muzvyshka" unites student music bands of Moscow. In 2018, it won the European Eventiada IPRA Golden World Awards 2018 in the category "PR project of the year"[10]. Learn about all organizations.
The HSE pays attention to the future career of graduates. The Career Development Center consults on resume writing and successful interviewing. The site publishes vacancies and internships from potential employers. To ensure that graduates feel confident even at the very beginning of their careers, classes on solving business cases are regularly held at the HSE. More than 5000 students learn the trends of modern business, develop team cooperation, decision-making and leadership skills.
The main building of the Higher School of Economics is located in the center of Moscow on the busy Myasnitskaya Street near the metro stations Lubyanka and Chistye Prudy. Here you can fight the main part of the faculties. Several buildings of the university are located separately, in different areas of the city. All university buildings have Wi-Fi access. Some buildings are adapted for people with disabilities. There are ramps at the entrance, toilet rooms on the 1st floors, equipped with handrails and special cabins. Most buildings have their own libraries and canteens.
At the disposal of the Higher School of Economics are 10 dormitories located within Moscow and the Moscow region. Some have gyms, laundromats, and student canteens. The cost of living is set in the range of 800–20 USD per month, depending on the hostel.
"Campus Dubki" is located in the Moscow region, Odintsovo. 3 multistoried buildings can house over 5,000 nonresident and foreign students. Accommodation is provided in 1, 2, 3 and 4-room apartments with balconies and equipped kitchens. The town has a medical center, ATMs, gyms and separate rooms for self-training. The cost of living is 66 USD per month.


Pros. In the educational process, students note a small number of general subjects, sufficient time for self-study and the value of a diploma, which allows you to easily find work after graduation. One of the important advantages, according to students, is the availability of lecture notes prepared by previous students and free attendance at theoretical classes. Many people like the opportunity to participate in creative events, gain additional skills in project work.
Cons. A lot of deadlines that are impossible to postpone, the remote location of the buildings and poor technical equipment of the classrooms are the main complaints in the reviews of most students. A complex training program and problems with the schedule are noted by students of some faculties, for example, law, foreign languages.
| Source | Rate | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Tabiturient | 5.1 | 2349 |
| Professor RatingRating | 4.06 | 31 |
| Study | 3 | 30 |
| VUZ.RU | 4.2 | 39 |
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