English 
Русский 
中文 Dear Marina!
I am from Korea. I have recently developed an interest in learning Russian and am planning to enroll in a language program. I understand that there is a 10-month long-term course, but I would like to know if it’s possible to extend the program and study for a total of 2 years to improve my Russian skills. I plan to start from the beginner level and gradually progress through the stages.
Additionally, I would appreciate any information regarding accommodation options, such as dormitories or nearby housing available for language students. Could you also provide more details about the program and inform me about the required documents and preparations for registration?
Thank you for your time, and I look forward to your response.
The answer of Marina Lavrikova, Senior Vice-Rector for Academic Activities:
Thank you for your interest in the additional educational programs of St. Petersburg State University.
At St. Petersburg State University, for those who wish to study Russian, a number of additional educational programs has been developed and is being implemented, differing in the level of complexity and duration of study.
The most popular additional educational program among foreign students is “Russian as a Foreign Language. General Course”. The program has a modular structure and is used for foreign citizens with any level of Russian proficiency, including those who have not previously studied Russian. The main feature of the program is the opportunity to become involved in the learning process on any day throughout the year. Classes are held in groups of 20 academic hours per week. The minimum duration of training is 4 weeks, the maximum duration of training is 76 weeks (19 months).
In 2024-2025 academic year the cost of study for 1 module (4 weeks) is RUB 43,000, for 1 year — 516,000 rubles. Payment has to be made at once for the entire period of study.
To attend the offline program, you need to apply for the invitation for studying from SPbU and then — a Russian study visa in Korea.
To initiate the invitation process, you should fill in the application form on our website and send us a PDF A4-sized scanned copy of your passport (without white borders around the image). Passport must be valid not less than during 18 months from the date of the entry into the Russian Federation.
Also it is necessary to get acquainted with migration rules.
The address of the place of stay and registration in Saint Petersburg should be indicated in the study application form.
On arrival in St. Petersburg, within 7 days you will have to register at the place of residence. Notification of migration registration should be provided to University employees when concluding a training contract.
Apart from that, it is important to have voluntary medical assistance (VHI) for the entire period of study. It can be purchased from any insurance company in Korea or Russia.
Accommodation of trainees of additional educational programs can be carried out in one of the dormitories of St Petersburg University subject to availability.
For more information about the programs implemented, the terms and cost of study, you can refer to the expert on educational and methodical work of the Center of Additional Educational Programs in the Field of Russian as a Foreign Language Varvara Komarova by phone:
+7 (812) 363-68-95 or e-mail rlci@spbu.ru.