About the University
St. Petersburg State University is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Russia. Founded on February 8, 1724, by decree of Emperor Peter the Great, the university has grown into one of the largest scientific and educational centres in Europe and the world. It is also the only university in Russia to have celebrated its 300th anniversary.
SPbU offers a wide range of specialisations across natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, physics and mathematics, computer science, information technology, medicine, law, management, journalism, and international relations. In 2025, the university offers more than 530 core educational programmes at all levels of study and over 800 additional programmes.
The university holds strong positions in national and international rankings. It ranked second in the RAEX-100 ranking for conditions supporting quality education, entered the top 5 Russian universities according to Forbes Education, and took second place in the international "Three University Missions - 2025" ranking.
University Facts
- SPbU is the only university in Russia to celebrate its 300th anniversary.
- The university was founded in 1724 by Emperor Peter the Great.
- Vladimir Putin, Dmitry Medvedev, and Vladimir Lenin studied at SPbU.
- The great chemist Dmitri Mendeleev lived and worked at the university.
- Alexander Popov received the first radiogram inside an SPbU building.
- Nine alumni of St. Petersburg State University became Nobel Prize winners.
- SPbU offers 530+ core educational programmes across all study levels.
- The university provides 800+ additional programmes for academic and professional development.
Faculties & Institutes
- Graduate School of Journalism and Mass Communication
- Graduate School of Management
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Foreign Languages
- Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science
- Institute of Medicine
- Institute of Chemistry
- Faculty of International Relations
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