FAQ

What is the difference between master programme, postgraduate studies and the second higher education?

Postgraduate studies are directed on gaining of a scientific degree (the diploma of Candidate of Sciences) by carrying out of scientific researches within the limits of the chosen topic. The second higher education is directed on getting of the second diploma of a Specialist. The urgency of gaining the master’s diploma is connected with participation of the Russian Federation in the Bologna process. This process is directed on harmonization of higher education systems of various countries and, in particular, a mutual recognition of diplomas. In the new system existence of two-level system of higher education is supposed: a bachelor degree and magistracy. The bachelor's degree means gaining basic higher education in the chosen direction. The magistracy, in turn, is the following step in acquiring of higher education and assumes deeper specialization. It is supposed, that the magistracy graduate will not have problems with accreditation of the diploma abroad.

Does your programme provide training abroad?

Various opportunities of training abroad are given to the students of the Faculty of Economics. Competitions for grants are held on a regular basis of the Faculty and its partners. Our students go in for an internship in the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of the Russian Federation in Moscow annually. Besides an agreement with the World Trade Organization in Geneva on an opportunity of training in its office has been reached.

I’m interested in the employment question: where do your graduates work and whether there is a career center existing at your faculty?

The programme «International Trading System» prepares highly skilled experts in the field of commercial policy, demanded by the leading companies which are carrying out foreign trade activities as well as by state structures. A fair of vacancies is carried out annually at the Faculty. Employment is also possible through our graduates.

Is it possible to go in for the master programme «International Trading System» on a budgetary basis?

Yes it is. The right of free-of-charge studying (on a state budgetary basis) in a magistracy is given on a competitive basis to the citizens of the Russian Federation, Republic of Belarus, and the compatriots living on the territory of states-republics of the former USSR, applying for studying in a magistracy for the first time. The competition is determined by the results of the entrance examinations.

What entrance examinations is it necessary to pass to study «International Trading System»?

Those who matriculate to magistracy on our programme have to pass the following entrance examinations: exam in Economics (test) http://www.econ.pu.ru/magister/abitur_mag/main/, English exam in the field of the programme (oral) http://www.econ.pu.ru/magister/abitur_mag/konkurs/2815/. Students matriculating on the commercial basis of studying pass introductory tests in the same subjects (passed/not passed).

I am a student of the St. Petersburg State University. Are there any privileges for me when entering the magistracy on your programme?

The result of the exam in Economics can be counted as the result of entrance examination on the basis of the personal application and petition of the department of the last three years’ graduate of the Faculty of Economics, St. Petersburg State University.

What are the terms of documents submission? When are the examinations held? When is the matriculation to the magistracy carried out?

Reception of documents for students matriculating to the magistracy on the budgetary as well as on the commercial basis is carried out from June, 1st till June, 20th. Introductory tests are carried out till June, 30th. Matriculation occurs from July, 1st till September, 1st. In case there are vacant places left for those matriculating to the magistracy on the commercial basis the terms of reception of documents can be prolonged till September, 15th, and the introductory tests - till September, 25th. In that case matriculation is carried out till October, 1st.

Can master students receive a scholarship?

Yes, those studying on a state budgetary basis, receive a scholarship.

Is it possible to be matriculated to the commercial form of studying if you do not pass the exams for budgetary place and what cost of training is?

Yes it is possible. Students, who have not passed entrance examinations successfully and have not won competition for state budgetary places, can be enlisted in magistracy on the commercial basis. The cost of training for the academic year 2005-2006 was established at a rate of 65000 rubles per semester.

I am a citizen of a foreign state. Can I study «International Trading System»?

Yes. For this purpose it is necessary for you to present a diploma corresponding to Bachelor's or Specialists’ degree and to pass entrance examinations in Economics and the English language in the field of the programme. Because of the educational process is carried out mainly in Russian, it is necessary to pass an additional placement test in Russian for foreign citizens. You can gain more information in the Dean's Office for Working with Foreign Students of the Economic Faculty (phone: 272-07-85; e-mail: fstud@winmail.econ.pu.ru) or in the Department for Working with Foreign Students of St. Petersburg State University http://www.spbu.ru/Education/CIE/.

Is there a hostel provided for foreign students?

Yes, there is a hostel provided to all foreign students.

Is a postponement from the military service possible when studying at the magistracy?

The students of the St. Petersburg State University successfully passed introductory tests and having been matriculated to the budgetary form of studying gain a postponement from the military service for the whole period of training (2 years).