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‘HSE University Is the Perfect University for International Students’

‘HSE University Is the Perfect University for International Students’

Photo courtesy of Sharif Khlal

The Department of Innovation Management at HSE University offers programmes in R&D and innovation management in companies, innovation infrastructure organisations, research and educational institutions. The department’s programmes attract not only Russian students, but also international applicants. For example, in 2020, Stefan Amaximoaie from Romania and Sharif Khlal from Syria graduated from the ‘Corporate Research, Development and Innovation Management’ Master’s programme and, following their graduation, decided to stay in Russia. They told the News Service about enrolling at HSE University and studying here.

Stefan Amaximoaie, Romania

Photo courtesy of Stefan Amaximoaie

Two years before I came to Russia, I had already started to learn Russian in Spain, at a language school in Barcelona. I soon returned to Romania and started working there, but my interest in Russian culture and the country, and my desire to live in Moscow and learn Russian, remained. I really wanted to learn Russian and speak it well, so I started enquiring about the possibility of studying at a Russian university, and was soon able to apply for a scholarship on the basis of the bilateral agreement between Romania and Russia.

After a long and serious study of the Russian higher education market, I noticed that HSE University is placed highly in international university rankings and has a good reputation

I also trusted my intuition, which told me that HSE University was the right university for me. Moreover, I was very interested in management in professional development, so everything came together, and I felt that this University was suitable for my ‘adventure’.

Having now graduated from HSE University, I can say that I am very pleased with the quality and level of the programme I took. I would particularly like to mention the creativity of some of the lecturers, and the philosophical depth of many of them, along with their international experience and commitment to teaching us to think critically and freely. It is always difficult to assess and understand what exactly we have learned, and what superpowers we have gained after graduation. But undoubtedly, we have learned how to interact with each other, became more confident in negotiations, and of course gained an understanding of how business works and how to find different strategies to develop it. In addition, we explored the topic of innovation, which is always delicate and somewhat abstract in its explanation, description and management.

What did I most enjoy about student life at HSE University? First, my classmates, who turned out to be very interesting people: all different, intelligent and with a great desire to develop. Another big plus for me was HSE University’s infrastructure: the location, the design of the buildings, huge access to a wide range of quality services, and the active and warm support for students from the Centre for International Student Support.

Photo courtesy of Stefan Amaximoaie

I am now working as a circuit engineer. Our company is the leading developer and manufacturer of car components in Russia. To be honest, I wasn’t planning to stay in Moscow, mainly because of the bureaucracy: if you are a foreigner and not a student, it can be very difficult to live here. Also, the scholarship I received obliged me to return home and document my graduate status following my studies. But the pandemic changed my plans. The global situation, coupled with new laws in Russia, made it possible for me to stay and also get a residence permit, which made it easier to find a job. Also,  I received enormous support from my girlfriend and her family: she has always helped me to feel at home in Russia, and played a big role in my life here. That’s why I stayed here.

I am sure that HSE University is a good university for international applicants. I am very pleased that my intuition didn’t let me down, and that my expectations were met. For a foreigner taking a preparatory course, it is very pleasant to learn the Russian language with the support of excellent and well-trained lecturers. But if a student happens to want to study in English, they have this opportunity, and the level of tuition is also very high. The community of international students at HSE University is very large and no one need feel bored or lonely, as HSE University’s life is full of all sorts of group activities. I also appreciate the fact that you can get any document in English with absolutely no problem. And just to show you that what I have said is true, I will tell you a little secret- recently, I persuaded a relative of mine from Romania to apply to study at HSE University. Let's wish her good luck!

Sharif Khlal, Syria

I received my first education in 2017 at Damascus University. When I was in my final year, the idea of attending a foreign university came to me, and I started looking at the available options, among which, luckily, was HSE University. For a foreigner who does not know the language, there are always significant doubts about moving to Russia, as Russian is considered to be one of the most difficult languages in the world. But I decided to accept the challenge, and my decision was supported by the memory of a week-long trip to Moscow in 2011. I liked the city then: very big, beautiful, and rich with culture.

Of all the Russian universities, it was HSE University that interested me most, because it was clear how rapidly it was developing. It was founded 25 years ago, and now tops many world rankings with very high scientific performance indicators. I ended up applying to HSE University, and when I received the letter that I had been selected, I was delighted. So, in September 2017, I flew to Russia and started learning Russian. Thanks to HSE University, it turned out to be not as difficult as I first thought.

The Master's programme in Corporate Research, Development and Innovation Management, which I graduated from, has a number of strengths. One of these is that it’s impossible to acquire such a wealth of practical knowledge anywhere else but at HSE University. Experienced specialists in various fields were often invited to our classes so that students could learn things that can’t be found in textbooks.

What I really liked about HSE University was that we had everything that could help a student realise their goals: experienced lecturers, and all the academic resources that might be needed.

It is very nice for a student, especially an international one, to feel looked after: I lived for three years in HSE University’s dormitories, where all the conditions were optimal. There I learned the meaning of the expression ‘feeling at home’

After completing my master's degree, I decided to continue my research and enrolled in postgraduate studies at the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA). I am staying in Russia because I know the language and the city, and, basically, I feel comfortable here. I think HSE University made it easier for me to adapt to my new life and has played an important role in the fact that I still live here.

From my experience, I can say that HSE University is an ideal University for international students. There are many reasons, but the most important one is that HSE University has an excellent reputation internationally, which opens up many opportunities for students (exchange programmes, double degree programmes).

And finally, I would like to thank HSE University for everything. I appreciate the wealth of experience I have gained here, and I hope that in future I will have the opportunity to work at the University and always remain part of the large and welcoming HSE University family.

HSE University welcomes applicants from all over the world and offers not only different levels of study, but also different formats in English and Russian, both online and offline. International applicants can enter Undergraduate and Master's programmes in a separate competition and receive a scholarship with full tuition fee coverage or a grant with partial tuition fee coverage.

For example, international certificates in English and Maths, such as IELTS, TOEFL, A-Level and other international examinations, can be recognised for admission to undergraduate programmes, including the five English-language programmes in Moscow.

Undergraduate programmes applicants can assess their chances of admission now by taking mock tests. Master’s programmes applicants also have the opportunity to get a preliminary assessment of their portfolio and communicate with the programme online.

The staff of the Consultation Centre for International Applicants are ready to advise applicants by email inter@hse.ru, by phone +7 (495) 531 00 59 or on WhatsApp +7 (916) 311 85 21, as well as on social media in Russian and English: VK, Facebook, Telegram and Instagram.