English 
Русский 
中文 Question: To whom it may concern,
I am a United States citizen who is looking to eventually apply to Saint Petersburg with hopes of getting a masters and potentially a PHD at the university. I was wondering if it is possible to go to SPBU full-time instead of just a study-abroad program. I was also wondering whether or not the degrees I earn will have international credibility in case I decide not to remain in Russia. Finally, I was wondering whether or not courses in Russian are offered at SPBU for foreigners, since I know very little russian
The answer of Acting for Head of Admission Directorate Alexandr V. Babich:
Dear Applicant!
Thank you for your letter.
International applicants can be admitted to SPbU both to places on a fee-paying (contractual) basis and to places funded by the Russian Government (Scholarship includes tuition fee and academic scholarship).
Saint-Petersburg State University offers various Masters programs, please find list of programs offered here.
Admission information for the coming academic year about places funded by the Russian Government will be published at the web-site of the University assoon as it will be stated on the web-site. Information for the admission procedure of last year you may find here.
Information about places on a fee-paying (contractual) basis is available here.
Here you may find information about exams. You exams depends on your specialty.
Here you may find information about tuition fees for last year (tuition fees for 2015-2016 academic year will be publish before the 1st of June).
You also need to submit Diploma of your previous education with legalization with diploma's notarized transcript (it should be notarized in Russia or in Russian embassy). You also should have an application for Admission to an educational program, copy of an identity document with the indication of nationality and photographs 3 x 4 (4 pieces), made during the calendar year.A list of full requirement you may find here.
If you want to join Russian language courses first in order to improve your language skills, please, see information here.
Diplomas of Saint-Petersburg State University are normally recognized all over the world. Please, note that in order to recognize your diploma in other country your diploma must be legalized in the stated order, and you will have to pass procedure of recognition of documents of education which may vary in different countries, if other is not stated by international agreements of the Russian Federation signed between the Russian Federation and foreign states aimed at equal opportunities for holders of educational credentials issued in the respective countries concerning their admittance to educational programmes of a certain level (academic rights) and labor market (professional rights).