Independent Exam in Russian as a Foreign Language

Developing Russian-language communicative competence among international students at HSE University to the level required for successful academic performance is part of the HSE educational standard. This requirement is mandatory for all international students enrolled in the educational programmes taught in Russian.

Information about the placement test in Russian as a foreign language is available here.

By the second year of study, no later than the end of the examination session in Module 3 of the second year, HSE international students are required to pass the Independent Exam in Russian as a Foreign Language.

Students can prepare for this exam through either the mandatory Russian as a Foreign Language (RFL) course or via elective offerings. For undergraduate and specialist students, the mandatory course is part of the General Cycle Module. Master's students, however, take it within the ‘Key Seminars’ module. Placement test results determine the level of the mandatory course. Students may select additional elective courses during the standard course selection period.

The exam consists of four elements (reading, listening, writing, and speaking) and is conducted on HSE SmartLMS platform in two formats: in-person or online.

Every undergraduate/specialist student will have a record of the Independent Exam in Russian as a Foreign Language with a ‘pass’ grade in their diploma. An unsatisfactory grade will result in an academic debt. Exam retakes take place during the winter retake period of the second year.

All questions related to the Independent Exam in Russian as a Foreign Language can be directed to SOFL Centre for Independent Assessment: ciele@hse.ru.