Lomonosov Moscow State University Summary
Lomonosov Moscow State University, commonly referred to as Moscow State University or MSU, is one of Russia’s top public research universities and one of the most famous academic institutions in Eastern Europe. Based in Moscow, MSU is famous for natural sciences, mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, economics, law, humanities, social sciences, computer science, journalism, international relations, linguistics, engineering-related study and interdisciplinary research. It is especially good for students who want a historic Russian university with a strong academic reputation, a wide choice of subjects and access to the country’s biggest political, cultural, scientific and business city.
The university was established in 1755 and bears the name of Mikhail Lomonosov, a famous Russian scientist and intellectual. For hundreds of years MSU has been the heart and soul of Russian higher education, scientific development and national research. Its main building on Sparrow Hills is one of the best-known academic monuments of Moscow. The university has a big academic structure with a number of faculties, institutes, research centres, laboratories, museums and specialized departments.
Undergraduate programs at MSU include bachelor’s and specialist degrees in a broad spectrum of academic fields. Areas of studies include Mathematics, Mechanics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Soil Science, Geology, Geography, Medicine, Bioengineering, Computer Science, Economics, Management, Law, Journalism, Political Science, Sociology, History, Philosophy, Psychology, Foreign Languages, Area Studies, International Relations, Public Administration, Arts and Cultural Studies. Many programs are taught in Russian, so international applicants should carefully check the Russian language requirements before applying. Although some programs may offer internationalized options or English-taught programs, Russian still plays a key role in most pathways for undergraduate study.
At postgraduate level, MSU offers master’s programs in science, technology, medicine-related fields, humanities, law, economics, social sciences, linguistics, journalism, management, public policy and international studies. Admission is based on prior education, language proficiency, entrance examinations or program-specific selection. International students may also enroll in preparatory Russian-language study prior to entering degree programs.
MSU supports doctoral-level advanced research in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, geology, medicine, computer science, economics, law, humanities, social sciences, journalism, philosophy, psychology, linguistics, political science, sociology and interdisciplinary fields. Doctoral candidates generally work through the faculty, the research department and the supervisor. MSU is especially suitable for students who wish to pursue careers in academic research, scientific work, the public sector, diplomacy, policy, technology, media, law, economics and higher education.
Tuition at MSU is highly variable by faculty, program, degree level and language of instruction. International bachelor’s and specialist programs usually cost about RUB 300,000 to RUB 600,000 per year. However, medicine, law, economics, international relations and some of the most sought after programs can be higher. Usually master’s degrees are in a comparable range or higher, depending on the specialization. The cost of a doctorate can vary depending on the field and research path. Students are always encouraged to check with the appropriate MSU faculty for the specific program fee prior to applying. The higher cost of living in Moscow is also valid for many Russian cities, especially for housing, food, transport, insurance and personal expenses.
Overall, Lomonosov Moscow State University is best for students who want a highly ranked Russian public university with a long academic tradition, strong research and a wide range of subjects to study. It is particularly suitable for students interested in science, mathematics, medicine, law, economics, diplomacy, international relations, journalism, humanities, computer science, public policy and doctoral research.
The university was established in 1755 and bears the name of Mikhail Lomonosov, a famous Russian scientist and intellectual. For hundreds of years MSU has been the heart and soul of Russian higher education, scientific development and national research. Its main building on Sparrow Hills is one of the best-known academic monuments of Moscow. The university has a big academic structure with a number of faculties, institutes, research centres, laboratories, museums and specialized departments.
Undergraduate programs at MSU include bachelor’s and specialist degrees in a broad spectrum of academic fields. Areas of studies include Mathematics, Mechanics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Soil Science, Geology, Geography, Medicine, Bioengineering, Computer Science, Economics, Management, Law, Journalism, Political Science, Sociology, History, Philosophy, Psychology, Foreign Languages, Area Studies, International Relations, Public Administration, Arts and Cultural Studies. Many programs are taught in Russian, so international applicants should carefully check the Russian language requirements before applying. Although some programs may offer internationalized options or English-taught programs, Russian still plays a key role in most pathways for undergraduate study.
At postgraduate level, MSU offers master’s programs in science, technology, medicine-related fields, humanities, law, economics, social sciences, linguistics, journalism, management, public policy and international studies. Admission is based on prior education, language proficiency, entrance examinations or program-specific selection. International students may also enroll in preparatory Russian-language study prior to entering degree programs.
MSU supports doctoral-level advanced research in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, geology, medicine, computer science, economics, law, humanities, social sciences, journalism, philosophy, psychology, linguistics, political science, sociology and interdisciplinary fields. Doctoral candidates generally work through the faculty, the research department and the supervisor. MSU is especially suitable for students who wish to pursue careers in academic research, scientific work, the public sector, diplomacy, policy, technology, media, law, economics and higher education.
Tuition at MSU is highly variable by faculty, program, degree level and language of instruction. International bachelor’s and specialist programs usually cost about RUB 300,000 to RUB 600,000 per year. However, medicine, law, economics, international relations and some of the most sought after programs can be higher. Usually master’s degrees are in a comparable range or higher, depending on the specialization. The cost of a doctorate can vary depending on the field and research path. Students are always encouraged to check with the appropriate MSU faculty for the specific program fee prior to applying. The higher cost of living in Moscow is also valid for many Russian cities, especially for housing, food, transport, insurance and personal expenses.
Overall, Lomonosov Moscow State University is best for students who want a highly ranked Russian public university with a long academic tradition, strong research and a wide range of subjects to study. It is particularly suitable for students interested in science, mathematics, medicine, law, economics, diplomacy, international relations, journalism, humanities, computer science, public policy and doctoral research.

