Preparatory programmes

Preparatory Programs for International Students

At North-Western State Medical University named after I.I. Mechnikov we offer specialized programs designed to help international applicants successfully transition into Russian medical education. Whether you are preparing for undergraduate studies or postgraduate research, our courses provide the language skills and academic foundation you need to thrive.

Admission of international students to the Preparatory Department for studies is carried out both under contracts for paid educational services and in accordance with international treaties and intergovernmental agreements of the Russian Federation at the expense of budget allocations from the federal budget.

Our Department provides the following education programs:

1. University Entrance Preparation Program

Build a Strong Foundation for Your Medical Studies in Russia

This program is tailored for international students who want to:

  • Learn Russian from scratch and develop essential communication skills for academic, social, and professional settings.
  • Prepare for entrance exams by mastering key subjects like Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Mathematics—all taught in Russian (during these classes, students will learn natural science terminology in Russian; systematize knowledge acquired in their home countries; fill gaps in their foundational education; deepen knowledge required for studying related disciplines; and acquire skills in conducting laboratory work).
  • Gain confidence in scientific terminology, note-taking and independent study techniques to excel in medical education.

Who Can Apply?

This program is ideal for non-Russian-speaking applicants who plan to study at NWSMU named after I. I. Mechnikov or other medical and natural science universities in Russia.

 

  • Full-time study
  • Class Size: Small groups (up to 10 students) for personalized learning
  • Study Period: November 1 – August 31 (including holidays), with a total of 2160 academic hours

Contract signing period: October 1 – November 1 (Check required documents here) 


 

2. Russian Language Program for Foreign Postgraduate Applicants

Master Academic Russian for Your Medical Career

Designed for postgraduate students, this program goes beyond basic language skills to focus on scientific and academic Russian. Participants will:

  • Develop their ability and readiness for written and oral communication in Russian, and to satisfy basic communicative needs when interacting with native speakers in social and professional spheres of communication.
  • Understand the structure of scientific articles, proper referencing, and academic writing techniques,
  • Expand their medical vocabulary in Russian, ensuring they can communicate effectively in a professional healthcare setting.

Who Can Apply?

This course is for foreign postgraduate applicants who do not speak Russian and intend to pursue medical studies at NWSMU named after I. I. Mechnikov or other medical universities in Russia.

 

  • Full-time study
  • Class Size: Small groups (up to 10 students) for personalized learning
  • Study Period: November 1 – August 31 (including holidays), with a total of 2160 academic hours

Contract signing period: October 1 – November 1 (Check required documents here) 

 

Document submission for invitations in 2026 will be open via email to ovir@szgmu.ru

starting from June 1.

 

Certificate Upon Completion

All students who successfully complete the program and pass the final certification exam will receive an official certificate, confirming their proficiency in Russian and readiness for academic studies.
Please note that the final exams at the preparatory department are not entrance examinations for the I.I. Mechnikov North-Western State Medical University.
Foreign citizens studying at the preparatory department on a full-time basis are provided with dormitory accommodation.
Students of the preparatory department will have the opportunity, together with the Center for International Education and the Department of Russian as a Foreign Language, to get to know St. Petersburg and its history by visiting museums and participating in national and city holiday celebrations.

Dear applicants! We wish you to make the right choice of profession, prepare well, and successfully pass the entrance examinations! By studying at the preparatory department, you will not only prepare for admission to your chosen specialty but also become part of the multinational academic community of St. Petersburg.

 

Join Us!

Get ready for an exciting academic journey in Russia!

For more details, reach out to our Preparatory Department:

Address: 195067, Saint Petersburg, Piskarevskiy pr. 47, Building 32, 2nd floor, Office 3 (Monday-Friday, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM)

Phone: 8(812) 303-50-00 ext. 8256
Email: prepdepartment@szgmu.ru

For admission to the University, please contact the Admissions Committee.

 

Let us help you take the first step toward your medical career in Russia!