Quick Summary
Since 1755, Lomonosov Moscow State University has been one of Russia's prominent public research universitys, based in Moscow. Ranked #94 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 38150 students including 24% from outside Russia. Known for strengths in Natural Sciences, Mathematics, Physics and Astronomy, it maintains an acceptance rate of 12%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
It is Russia's oldest and highest-ranked university, offering world-class fundamental education in natural sciences and mathematics.
Subject Strengths
Natural SciencesMathematicsPhysics and AstronomyLinguisticsModern LanguagesPetroleum Engineering
Founded1755
TypePublic Research University
Total Students38150
Intl Students24%
Faculty Ratio7.2
CampusUrban / Residential
Campus Size1,000 acres
Affiliated HospitalsMSU Medical Scientific and Educational Center
AccreditationMinistry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#94
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#95
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#101-150
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor's, Master's, Specialist, PhD, Post-doctoral research
Programs
Available across 40+ faculties and 300+ departments
PhD Programs
Available through the MSU Distance Learning Center
Online Programs
Sternberg Astronomical Institute, Institute of Nuclear Physics, Institute of Mechanics, Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation
Accreditation
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Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate12%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL80
Min GPANot Available
GRENot required (Internal exams preferred)
GMATNot required
SATNot required
ACTNot required
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · July 10 (International)
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
International students must pass internal university entrance exams (typically Russian language and the profile subject). Strong background in mathematics is essential for STEM faculties.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Russian Ruble
UG Tuition
₽450,000/yr
per year · RUB
Living Cost
₽500,000/yr
per year · RUB
PG Tuition
₽510,000/yr
per year · RUB
Application Fee
$40
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
₽953,500/yr
tuition + living + essentials · RUB
Scholarships AvailableRussian Government Scholarships (Quota), MSU Academic Excellence Scholarships
Avg Scholarship$2,500
Financial AidAvailable for Russian citizens and specific international categories
Work-StudyAvailable for students with valid work permits/visas
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor's, Master's, Specialist, PhD, Post-doctoral research programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Mathematics | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Chemistry | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Geology | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| International Relations | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Journalism | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$18,000
Average Salary After Graduation
88%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with Rosneft, Gazprom, Yandex, and Sberbank
Industry Connections
State-owned enterprisesmajor Russian tech firmsand international research organizations
Notable Alumni
Mikhail Gorbachev, Andrei Sakharov, Anton Chekhov, Vitaly Ginzburg, Ivan Turgenev
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Yes, extensive dormitory system in Sparrow Hills
Sports Facilities
Olympic-sized swimming pools, athletics arena, tennis courts, climbing walls
Student Clubs
Over 100 student organizations including MSU Choir, Theater, and Student Unions
Library Resources
M. Gorky Research Library (one of the largest in Russia, 10M+ volumes)
Exchange Programs
Partnerships with universities in China, Europe, and Latin America
Summer Programs
Russian Language and Culture Summer School