How to Apply
The Programme’s entry requirements are stipulated in the Regulations for Entrance Examinations Held Independently by the National Research University Higher School of Economics for Selection to Degree Programmes – Bachelor’s, Specialist and Master’s Programmes. The Programme’s structure, content and teaching strategy correspond to qualification level of students entering it.
Pursuant to the Russian legislation and internal HSE regulations, the prerequisite for admission to HSE Master’s programmes is bachelor’s or specialist level education confirmed by the relevant certificate.
To be accepted on a Master’s programme, applicants must take a special Entrance Exam (Portfolio Competition). The scope and arrangements for the Programme’s entrance exams are stipulated in the Regulations for Entrance Examinations Held Independently by the National Research University Higher School of Economics for Selection to Degree Programmes – Bachelor’s, Specialist and Master’s Programmes.
There are no special allowances for applicants working in the civil service.
Students whose previous education was not in public administration or economics/management can take up the following bridging courses in modules 1-2 of Year 1: Public Administration and Economics.
Prospective foreign students may enroll in the programme under the governmental Quota Scheme for candidates to state-funded places. The Quota Scheme is regulated by the Decree No. 819 dated October 8, 2013 “On the Education Quota for Foreign Nationals and Stateless Persons in the Russian Federation”.
Applicants may enroll in the MPA programme based on the results of the following examinations:
1. HSE Olympiad Competition for Students and Graduates,
2. Entrance Exam in:
Students may be admitted both to state-funded places and fee-paying places.
Student Olympiad competition available to all applicants to HSE Master’s programmes is offered in February and/or March every year. Final year undergraduate/specialist students and graduates holding a Bachelor’s or Specialist degree are eligible to participate in the competition. Participants may be citizens of any country.
Pursuant to a decision of HSE Academic Council winners and laureates of student competition may be entitled to tuition fee discounts, if they apply to educational programmes in a respective field of study. HSE’s student competition has no participations fee. The competition assignment for specialization “Public Administration" includes four sections with various assignments:
1. Section A – test (entirely in Russian)
2. Section B – analyzing an English article and answering related questions (answers presented in Russian)
3. Sections C and D – writing two mini essays around a given topic
HSE student Olympiad competition helps to identify the most talented prospective students, however entrance examinations still remain the key method for getting admitted to HSE.
Special admission procedures are in place for disabled applicants and those with health restrictions, as well as for foreign nationals and stateless persons.
Students who don’t reside in Moscow are offered accommodation at HSE Dormitory.
Students admitted to state-funded places under the federal admission programme are awarded scholarships. Please refer to the website of the Scholarship and Charity Programmes Centre for more details.