The list of application documents depends on the selected university, but in general the following minimum package should be prepared.
Proof of secondary education. An official English translation, apostille or notarized copy may be required. An apostille can be obtained at the MFC or through the «Gosuslugi» portal.
Proof of proficiency in the language of the chosen program. Usually these are IELTS, TOEFL or equivalents.
Now the only way for Russians to take IELTS is to do it abroad: in Kazakhstan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Azerbaijan or Turkey. You can register for the exam on one of the official websites: British Council or IDP Australia.
Letters of reference in English from two or three faculty members or professionals who can speak about your academic abilities and qualities.
An essay in English explaining your motivation for applying to the chosen program and university. In some universities, academic grades sometimes take a back seat and the essay becomes the most important and valuable document of an applicant.
The university may select applicants based on their high school GPA or on the results of entrance exams. The format of the exams varies from country to country: the exam may be a written paper, a test, or an interview.
Scores from standardized tests such as the TestAS or SAT are often required. Such an exam simultaneously tests the applicant’s foreign language skills and subject knowledge.
Extracurricular achievements, such as diplomas and certificates at the national or international level, may be included in the personal file. Research articles or projects, if published in English, should be listed with a DOI link to the full text and journal. For creative professions, examples of work should also be included.
Before applying, it is necessary to check whether your certificate is recognized in the chosen country. In some countries, a Russian certificate will not allow you to enter university after high school, since school may last 12-13 years, not 11. The last two years of schooling are supposed to prepare students for university. Therefore, Russian high school certificates are often not recognized as equivalent to high school diplomas in countries where the 12-year education system is used.
In this case, the applicant may choose one of the following options:
- study at a Russian university for several years;
- complete a Foundation preparatory course at the foreign university where they intend to apply or at state educational centers (e.g. Studienkolleg in Germany);
- pass the nostrification exam, which certifies that the applicant’s knowledge is equivalent to the country’s school education.
Some universities require international students to complete a Foundation Program to get admitted. This is a specialized educational program designed to prepare applicants for admission, including academic subjects, language training, and the development of key skills.