Lomonosov Moscow State University Summary
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.
About Lomonosov Moscow State University
MSU is a comprehensive university so that means it has very wide academic disciplines. It is particularly strong in the natural sciences, mathematics and physics, chemistry, biology, geology and geography, economics, law, journalism, international relations, humanities and social sciences. MSU is a great fit for students who desire a broad academic environment with a plethora of subject options.
It has a vibrant research culture and a strong tradition of scientific and intellectual achievement. Libraries, laboratories, academic institutes, research groups and cultural resources are available for students. Moscow’s location also means students are close to government bodies, embassies, media outlets, technology companies, cultural institutions and major employers.
Language planning for international students matters. Many programs are taught in Russian and students may need to prepare their Russian language skills before starting a degree. Some programmes with an international orientation may be English or bilingual, but applicants should check this at the faculty level. Fees also vary strongly by faculty and program, so students should check exact costs directly before applying.
This is a good option for students who are academically prepared and want to experience Russia’s flagship public university. Ideal for students interested in science, research, medicine, economics, law, international affairs, media, the humanities, policy, and doctoral study.
Lomonosov Moscow State University History
- Lomonosov Moscow State University was founded in 1755.
- It was established through the efforts of Russian intellectual and scientific leaders.
- The university was later named after Mikhail Lomonosov.
- MSU became one of the most important centers of Russian higher education.
- Natural sciences became major academic strengths of the university.
- Mathematics and physics developed into globally recognized fields at MSU.
- Chemistry, biology, geology and geography became important scientific areas.
- Humanities, history, philosophy and language studies developed strong traditions.
- Law, economics and public administration became key professional fields.
- Journalism and international relations expanded the university’s modern academic profile.
- The main campus on Sparrow Hills became one of Moscow’s academic landmarks.
- The university expanded into many faculties, institutes and research centers.
- International education and preparatory programs supported global student enrollment.
- Doctoral research became central to MSU’s scientific and academic identity.
- Today, MSU is recognized as one of Russia’s leading public research universities.
Lomonosov Moscow State University Highlights
- Public research university in Russia
- Established in 1755
- Located in Moscow
- One of Russia’s most prestigious universities
- Main campus located on Sparrow Hills
- Strong for mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, law, economics, humanities and international relations
- Many undergraduate programs are Russian-taught
- Preparatory Russian-language study may be available for international students
- Tuition varies strongly by faculty and program
- Bachelor’s and specialist programs commonly range around RUB 300,000 to RUB 600,000 per year
- High-demand programs may cost more
- Moscow living costs are higher than many Russian cities
- Strong fit for students targeting research, science, medicine, law, diplomacy, economics, journalism and academic careers
Lomonosov Moscow State University Courses Offered
UG Courses
- Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanics
- Bachelor of Science in Physics
- Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
- Bachelor of Science in Biology
- Bachelor of Science in Geology
- Bachelor of Science in Geography
- Bachelor of Science in Soil Science
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering and Bioinformatics
- Specialist Degree in Medicine
- Bachelor of Science in Economics
- Bachelor of Management
- Bachelor of Laws
- Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
- Bachelor of Arts in History
- Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
- Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
- Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages and Area Studies
- Bachelor-level Study in International Relations
- Bachelor-level Study in Public Administration
- Bachelor-level Study in Arts and Cultural Studies
PG Courses
- Master of Science in Mathematics
- Master of Science in Physics
- Master of Science in Chemistry
- Master of Science in Biology
- Master of Science in Geology
- Master of Science in Geography
- Master of Science in Computer Science
- Master of Science in Bioengineering and Bioinformatics
- Master of Economics
- Master of Management
- Master of Laws
- Master of Arts in International Relations
- Master of Arts in Journalism
- Master of Arts in Political Science
- Master of Arts in Sociology
- Master of Arts in Psychology
- Master of Arts in History
- Master of Arts in Philosophy
- Master of Arts in Linguistics
- Master-level Study in Public Administration
PhD Courses
- PhD in Mathematics
- PhD in Mechanics
- PhD in Physics
- PhD in Chemistry
- PhD in Biology
- PhD in Geology
- PhD in Geography
- PhD in Computer Science
- PhD in Bioengineering
- PhD in Medicine
- PhD in Economics
- PhD in Management
- PhD in Law
- PhD in International Relations
- PhD in Journalism
- PhD in Political Science
- PhD in Sociology
- PhD in Psychology
- PhD in History
- PhD in Philosophy
- PhD in Linguistics
- PhD in Interdisciplinary Research
Lomonosov Moscow State University Specializations Offered
UG Specializations
- Mathematics
- Mechanics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Geology
- Geography
- Soil Science
- Computer Science
- Bioengineering
- Bioinformatics
- Medicine
- Economics
- Management
- Law
- Journalism
- History
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Foreign Languages
- Area Studies
- International Relations
- Public Administration
- Cultural Studies
- Bachelor Thesis
PG Specializations
- Mathematics
- Applied Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Geology
- Geography
- Computer Science
- Bioengineering
- Bioinformatics
- Economics
- Management
- Law
- International Relations
- Journalism
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Psychology
- History
- Philosophy
- Linguistics
- Public Administration
- Master’s Thesis Research
PhD Specializations
- Mathematical Research
- Mechanics Research
- Physics Research
- Chemistry Research
- Biology Research
- Geological Research
- Geography Research
- Computer Science Research
- Bioengineering Research
- Medical Research
- Economics Research
- Management Research
- Legal Research
- International Relations Research
- Journalism Research
- Political Research
- Sociology Research
- Psychology Research
- Historical Research
- Philosophy Research
- Linguistics Research
- Doctoral Thesis Research
Lomonosov Moscow State University Admission Process
Admission to Lomonosov Moscow State University begins with selecting the correct bachelor’s, specialist, master’s, doctoral or preparatory study route. Applicants must check the language of instruction, faculty rules, entrance examination requirements and exact tuition fee for the selected program. Since many programs are Russian-taught, international students may need preparatory Russian-language study before entering a degree program.
Bachelor’s and specialist applicants must submit recognized secondary school documents, passport details, translated documents, language proof and any faculty-specific materials. Master’s applicants need a relevant bachelor’s or specialist degree and may need entrance examinations or interviews. Doctoral applicants need a relevant previous degree, research direction and faculty approval. After admission, students must complete enrollment, arrange visa documents, pay tuition where applicable and plan housing, insurance and living costs.
Admission Details
- MSU is a public research university.
- It is located in Moscow, Russia.
- It was established in 1755.
- It is one of Russia’s most prestigious universities.
- Many programs are Russian-taught.
- Some internationally oriented options may be available by faculty.
- Preparatory Russian-language study may be required for international students.
- Tuition varies strongly by faculty and program.
- Many international bachelor’s and specialist programs cost around RUB 300,000 to RUB 600,000 per year.
- Many master’s programs cost around RUB 350,000 to RUB 650,000 per year.
- High-demand programs may cost more.
- Estimated monthly living cost in Moscow is around RUB 55,000 to RUB 90,000 or more.
- Admission may include entrance exams or interviews.
- Doctoral admission requires research fit and faculty approval.
Lomonosov Moscow State University Eligibility Criteria
UG Eligibility
- Applicants need a recognized secondary school qualification.
- Russian language proficiency is required for many programs.
- Some applicants may need preparatory Russian-language training.
- Science applicants need strong mathematics and science preparation.
- Medicine applicants need strong biology and chemistry background.
- Economics and management applicants need analytical and quantitative readiness.
- Law and international relations applicants need strong reading, writing and reasoning skills.
- Some programs may require entrance examinations.
- International applicants must follow visa, document legalization and translation requirements.
PG Eligibility
- Applicants need a relevant bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification.
- Academic match with the selected master’s program is required.
- Russian language proficiency is required for Russian-taught programs.
- English proficiency may be required for English-taught programs.
- Science and technology applicants need subject-specific academic preparation.
- Economics, law and management applicants need relevant academic background.
- Some programs may require entrance examinations or interviews.
- International applicants must prepare translated and legalized academic documents.
- Admission is program-specific and competitive.
PhD Eligibility
- Applicants normally need a relevant master’s or specialist degree.
- A suitable research topic is required.
- Supervisor or faculty approval may be required.
- Strong academic record and research potential are expected.
- Russian or English language ability depends on the research route.
- Publications or research experience may strengthen the application.
- Some doctoral routes may require entrance examinations.
- Funding or scholarship route should be clarified before enrollment.
- Doctoral admission is research-focused and competitive.
Lomonosov Moscow State University Courses Fees
UG Fees
- International Students: Commonly around RUB 300,000 to RUB 600,000 per year depending on faculty and program.
- High-demand Programs: Medicine, economics, law, international relations and selected specialist programs may cost more.
- Preparatory Russian-language Programs: Fees may be charged separately.
- Dormitory Fees: Charged separately and depend on room type and availability.
- Estimated Monthly Living Budget in Moscow: Around RUB 55,000 to RUB 90,000 or more depending on accommodation and lifestyle.
- Additional Costs: Housing, medical insurance, food, transport, books, study materials, visa extension, migration registration and personal expenses are separate.
PG Fees
- International Students: Commonly around RUB 350,000 to RUB 650,000 per year depending on faculty and program.
- High-demand Master’s Programs: Economics, law, international relations, management and selected science programs may cost more.
- Preparatory or Language Study: May be charged separately if required.
- Research or Laboratory Costs: May vary depending on program and faculty.
- Estimated Monthly Living Budget in Moscow: Around RUB 55,000 to RUB 90,000 or more.
- Additional Costs: Accommodation, medical insurance, food, transport, learning materials, visa-related costs and personal expenses are separate.
PhD Fees
- International Students: Fees vary by faculty, research field and doctoral route.
- Estimated PhD Tuition Range: Around RUB 350,000 to RUB 650,000 per year for many routes, with variation by specialization.
- Funding: Some doctoral candidates may receive support through scholarships, research positions or government quota routes.
- Research Costs: May depend on laboratory, fieldwork or project requirements.
- Additional Costs: Housing, insurance, research expenses, transport, visa extension, migration registration and personal costs are separate.
Lomonosov Moscow State University Scholarships
- Russian Government quota scholarships may support selected international students.
- Faculty-level support may be available in limited cases.
- Research-based funding may support some doctoral candidates.
- External national or bilateral scholarships may support international students.
- Some students may receive hostel access depending on availability.
- Merit-based funding may be competitive.
- Scholarship places are limited and not automatic.
- Some scholarships may cover tuition but not all living expenses.
- Some funding routes require Russian language preparation.
- Scholarship deadlines may differ from regular admission deadlines.
- Students should confirm funding rules before applying.
Lomonosov Moscow State University Career Outcomes
- Mathematics graduates can work in research, analytics, finance, education, data science and technology roles.
- Physics and Chemistry graduates can work in research institutes, laboratories, energy, materials and education.
- Biology and Bioengineering graduates can work in biotechnology, medicine-related research, laboratories and academia.
- Medicine graduates can pursue clinical, research and healthcare-related pathways depending on licensing requirements.
- Economics graduates can work in banking, consulting, policy, analytics and research.
- Law graduates can work in legal practice, compliance, public administration and policy roles.
- International Relations graduates can work in diplomacy, international organizations, policy research and public institutions.
- Journalism graduates can work in media, communication, publishing and digital content.
- Humanities graduates can work in education, culture, museums, translation, research and publishing.
- PhD graduates can pursue academic research, teaching, postdoctoral study and specialist research careers.
Lomonosov Moscow State University FAQs
Q1. Is Lomonosov Moscow State University a public university?
Yes, Lomonosov Moscow State University is a public research university in Russia.
Q2. When was MSU established?
MSU was established in 1755.
Q3. Where is Lomonosov Moscow State University located?
It is located at Leninskie Gory 1, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
Q4. What is MSU best known for?
MSU is known for mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, law, economics, humanities, journalism and international relations.
Q5. Are MSU programs taught in English?
Many programs are Russian-taught. Some internationally oriented options may be available, but applicants must verify language at faculty level.
Q6. What is the tuition fee at MSU for international students?
Fees vary by faculty and program. Many bachelor’s and specialist programs commonly range around RUB 300,000 to RUB 600,000 per year.
Q7. Is Moscow expensive for students?
Yes, Moscow is one of Russia’s more expensive student cities, especially for housing and daily living costs.
Q8. Is MSU good for international students?
Yes, MSU can be a strong option for international students who want a prestigious Russian public university and are prepared for language, admission and living-cost requirements.



















