State Final Attestation
The State Final Attestation for students of the Master’s Programme “Modern Asian and MENA studies” includes the preparation and defence of theGraduation Thesis.
The preparation and defence of the Student Graduation Thesis by the programme’s students are carried out in accordance with the following documents:
Guidelines for Master’s Thesis Preparation (DOCX, 47 Кб)
Assessment of the “Master’s Thesis Preparation” curriculum element
No later than April 9 of the current academic year, the student must submit the complete interim version of the Graduation Thesis to their supervisor via the Electronic Information and Educational Environment of HSE University. The submission must include completed texts of all chapters, as well as the introduction and conclusion.
The submitted text is to be assessed by the Graduation Thesis supervisor using a pass/fail grading system (“pass” / “fail”). If the grade “fail” is assigned, the student retains the right to take the first and second retakes within the retake period established for the final‑year students.
April 9, 2026
No later than April 9, 2026, the student must submit the complete interim version of the Graduation Thesis to their supervisor via the Electronic Information and Educational Environment . The submission must include completed texts of all chapters, the introduction, and the conclusion.
April 19, 2026
First retake for the "Graduatin Thesis Preparation" element in case of a “fail” grade following the submission on April 9.
April 27, 2026
Second retake for the “Graduatin Thesis Preparation” element in case of a “fail” grade following the submission on April 19.
If the student has not submitted the complete interim version of the Graduation Thesis— including completed texts of all chapters, the introduction, the conclusion, and the list of references and sources in accordance with the Methodological Guidelines for Writing a Bachelor’s/Master’s Thesis — by April 27, 2026 (by the end of the second retake period), a “fail” grade will be assigned for the curriculum element “Graduation Thesis Preparation”.
In this case, the student will not be permitted to proceed to the State Final Attestation and will be expelled from HSE University for failing to complete the educational programme in full.
The submission of the Graduation Thesis must be completed no later than 23:59 on 12 May 2026
In order to submit the Graduation Thesis, the student is required to upload, via their personal LMS account, a file containing the full and final version of the thesis. The file must be in DOC or PDF format and must be uploaded by 23:59 on 12 May 2026.
*** Please note that students who miss the Graduatin Thesis submission deadline will be subject to dismissal for failing to complete the State Final Attestation
Students who have successfully completed the theoretical course of study are admitted to the State Final Attestation. The list of students admitted to the State Final Attestation is approved by an official order.
The topic of the Graduation Thesis is approved by an official order based on the student’s application. The same order also appoints the academic supervisor and the reviewer. In some cases, a consultant may also be appointed by order.
Students have the right to appeal the results of the State Final Attestation.
Orders on the State Final Attestation 2026
Order on Admission to the State Final Attestation (DOCX, 32 Kb)
Order on the Conduct of the State Final Attestation (DOCX, 36 Kb)
List of reviewers of the Graduation Thesis 2026 (XLSX, 19 Kb)
Procedure for the Graduation Thesis defense:
* The defense begins with the student’s presentation on the Graduation Thesis topic. The presentation must last at least 20 minutes.
* The student must present the main content of their thesis fluently, without reading from a written text. During the presentation, the following may be used (a computer-based presentation of the Graduation thesis; visual aids (tables, diagrams, etc.); other materials illustrating the key points of the Graduation thesis.
* The student has the right to upload the presentation and/or supporting materials for the defense no later than two calendar days before the Graduation Thesis defense. This should be done via their personal account in the Learning Management System (LMS), in the "Graduation thesis/Term paper» module". These materials will be made available for preliminary review by the members of the State Examination Commission.
* After the student’s presentation is completed, members of the local State Examination Commission ask questions. These may include questions directly related to the Graduation thesis topic; questions closely associated with the topic. During the Q&A session, the student has the right to refer to their Graduation thesis when answering questions.
* The participation of the Graduation thesis supervisor and/or the Graduation thesis reviewer in the local examination commission meeting is not mandatory.
* After the discussion phase, the student is granted a final statement. In this statement, the student should respond to any comments or critiques made by the Graduation thesis supervisor (in their review); address any remarks from the Graduation thesis reviewer (as stated in the official review document), if such comments were provided. Once the student’s final statement is completed, the Graduation thesis defense procedure is considered concluded.
A student who has failed the State Final Attestation due to failure to attend the state attestation examination for a valid reason is entitled to take the State Final Attestation within six months after completing the State Final Attestation, without being expelled from the Higher School of Economics. The procedure for confirming absence due to a valid reason is available on the Educational Programme’s website, in the relevant section.
*** Graduates are awarded a diploma with distinction upon meeting all of the following criteria:
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every grade for courses (modules) and practical components listed in the diploma supplement is either “excellent”, “good”, or “passed”;
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all results of the State Final Attestation (SFA) are graded as “excellent”;
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at least 75 % of all grades listed in the diploma supplement (including SFA results) are “excellent”, with “passed” grades excluded from this calculation. Upon completion of the State Final Attestation (SFA)
A graduate who has successfully passed the SFA receives the following documents:
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1. a state‑accredited Master’s Diploma
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2. a Diploma Supplement
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3. an HSE University Diploma
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4. an HSE University Diploma Supplement (available in electronic format from 2025; a hard copy may also be requested).
- More information about HSE diploma Supplement
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After completing their studies at the University, graduates also receive the original documents of their prior education — usually a Bachelor’s Diploma.
Students who successfully pass the State Final Attestation (SFA) in June have the right to take post‑graduation leave. For the 2025/2026 academic year, this leave is available until August 11. To apply for post‑graduation leave, students should use the “Completion of Studies” online service.
If a student does not apply for post‑graduation leave after passing the SFA, they will be officially withdrawn from the University as their studies are considered complete.
The final date for submitting an application to update personal data is May 20, 2026.
- Optional materials and document templates (to be used in specific cases):
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While working on your Graduation Thesis , you may refine and adjust its topic. Check the programm's website (section “Practical Training”) for deadlines related to topic changes. For a detailed step‑by‑step guide, contact your study office in advance.
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The topic is officially considered changed only after the corresponding order has been issued. The procedure for changing the Graduation Thesis supervisor — or both the supervisor and the topic — follows the same algorithm.
Application form for change of Graduation Thesis topic (DOCX, 17 Kb)
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Application form for change of Graduation Thesis supervisor (DOCX, 18 Kb)
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Supervisor's review for the Master's Thesis (DOC, 44 Kb)
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Review for the Master’s Thesis (DOC, 43 Kb)
