Russian as a Foreign Language (RFL) at HSE University and Russian Independent Exam
This section is relevant only for students admitted from 2024 onwards.
Learning Russian is an integral part of education at HSE University. Proficiency in Russian significantly enhances your academic and work prospects in Russia.
General Information
The development of the Russian language communicative competence in order to achieve the level necessary for successful academic and professional activity—specifically from the TROFL-II (B2) to the TROFL-III (C1) proficiency levels[1]—is integral to HSE University's educational standards and is required for all international students enrolled in programmes that are not offered entirely in English.
A limited proficiency in Russian will hinder students’ ability to engage with academic content effectively, as a significant portion of coursework is delivered in this language. Consequently, insufficient language skills may impede the successful completion of their educational programme.
[1] The Test of Russian as a Foreign Language (TROFL) is based on a standardised assessment measuring Russian language proficiency across reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills.
Who is exempt from mandatory Russian language study at HSE University?
International students with documented proof of Russian language proficiency are not obliged to take compulsory Russian language courses. To qualify for this exemption, an electronic application must be submitted to the Student Service Centre. Those whose applications are approved will be exempt from both the placement test and mandatory language courses.
Students who possess the required level of proficiency but are unable to provide official certification may request to take the Independent Russian Language Exam at HSE or, in the event of technical constraints, an equivalent assessment. Depending on the results, they may also become eligible for exemption from compulsory language courses.
Additionally, if a student is not required to attend mandatory language courses but still wishes to enrol in Russian language courses, they may do so by submitting an electronic application to the Student Service Centre.
What documents can verify Russian language proficiency?
The following documents are accepted for the purpose of verifying Russian language proficiency and must be submitted via an electronic application to the Student Service Centre:
- Results of a national Russian language exam.
- A certificate proving proficiency at TROFL-II level (or TROFL-III, if required by the programme) or an equivalent qualification.
- A relevant prior education credential where the instruction was conducted entirely in Russian.
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A score of at least 70% in the HSE University's entrance Russian language exam.
How can students learn Russian while studying at HSE University?
HSE University offers a structured system of mandatory and elective Russian language courses. For undergraduate students, a mandatory course is part of the "General Courses" module, while Master's students complete an obligatory course included in the "Core Seminars" module. Course levels are determined by the HSE University's Placement test results. Students can get enrolled in optional courses during the course selection period.
Mandatory Courses
All international students who have not confirmed their Russian language proficiency at TORFL-II level or higher are required to take mandatory courses that last for one year and account for 6 credits, which count toward the total requirements of the degree programme.
Optional Elective Courses
Elective courses are intended for students willing to study beyond the standard credit requirements of their degree programme. Tuition for these courses may be covered by the university, the faculty, or by the student personally. Each elective course is worth 6 credits and can be taken in the second year or alongside mandatory courses in the first year.
Master’s students have the additional option to select extra courses within their credit limits for MagoLego.
Students independently choose elective courses based on their personal interests and goals. These courses provide an opportunity to focus on specific facets of the Russian language—such as speaking, writing, and grammar—essential for their academic and professional objectives or to prepare for the TROFL-II and TROFL-III exams.
How and when does HSE assess Russian language proficiency?
For bachelor's and specialist students, Russian language proficiency is assessed in three stages, while master's students are assessed in two stages.
1. Placement Test (all students)
It is conducted online without proctoring during the first week of Module 1 in the first year. It is crucial to complete this test with complete honesty, as its results do not affect student rating and are used solely for placement into a group of the most appropriate level. This test cannot be used to certify a student's official language proficiency level.
Detailed information is available on the website of the Centre for Educational Technology Development at the School of Foreign Languages. Participants with questions regarding the test's structure or content may contact the Centre via email at ceat_sofl@hse.ru.
2. Mandatory Courses (all students)
Each course includes an interim assessment, the results of which are included in student rating and carry the same weight as other courses. Receiving an unsatisfactory grade on an interim assessment results in academic failure.
3. Independent Russian Language Exam (only bachelor's and specialist students)
It must be taken in the second year of study, no later than the end of the Module 2 examination period. Students enrolled in 2024 will take the independent exam in the second semester of the 2025-2026 academic year. An unsatisfactory grade on the independent exam results in academic failure.
Detailed information is available on the website of the Centre for Independent English Language Expertise.
Independent Russian Language Exam
The Independent Russian Language Exam is designed to assess proficiency in Russian and is mandatory only for bachelor's and specialist degree students. It must be taken during the second year of study. An unsatisfactory grade on this exam results in academic failure.
Main Examination Period
Exam dates depend on the student’s cohort:
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Undergraduate and specialist students enrolled in 2024 will take the exam in the second semester (Modules 3–4) of the 2025–2026 academic year.
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Undergraduate and specialist students enrolled from 2025 onward will take the exam no later than the end of the Module 2 examination session in their second year.
Registration for the Exam
Students must register independently for the Independent Russian Language Exam using available time slots published on the website of the Centre for Independent English Language Expertise (School of Foreign Languages) no later than 10 days before the start of the academic year. Registration follows rules governing changes to selected time slots, which are published on the Center’s website annually.
Retakes
An unsatisfactory grade on the exam results in academic failure. Exam retakes are held during the winter retake period of the second year, following the same procedure as the initial exam, regardless of when the exam was initially taken. Students must independently register for an available time slot during the retake period.
Crediting Exam Results
If you hold a certificate confirming Russian language proficiency at the required level, you may be exempt from taking the Independent Russian Language Exam.
Accepted Certificates and Validity Periods:
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National Russian Language Exam (no expiration)
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TORFL-II or TORFL-III certificate (valid for two years)
Grade Conversion Scale for Exam Results*
Conditions for Credit Transfer
A certificate is eligible for credit transfer if:
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It is included in the list of certificates accepted by HSE University.
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The average score corresponds to at least a "Good" rating on the conversion scale above.
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The certificate is valid at the time of the credit transfer application.
An electronic application for credit transfer must be submitted no later than 5 business days before the scheduled exam date. Students who fail to apply by the deadline are required to take the exam.
Certificates valid at the time of application may also be used for credit transfer during exam retakes (application must be submitted no later than 5 business days before the retake date).
A passing grade on the Independent Exam can be upgraded to a higher mark using a TORFL-II or TORFL-III certificate until April 30th of the graduation year.
Credit Transfer Periods
Credit transfer is possible:
- Before the exam, by submitting a recognised language certificate.
- After the exam, in case of an unsatisfactory grade (as a retake), by submitting a certificate.
- After the exam, to improve a passing grade with a recognised certificate, but no later than April 30th of the graduation year.
How to Apply for Credit Transfer
Submit an electronic application through the Student Service Centre’s electronic system, attaching a scan of your certificate.
Can I certify my Russian proficiency without taking the courses or the Independent Exam?
Yes. If you have a document from the approved list confirming your proficiency level, you need to submit an electronic application to the Student Service Centre and wait for its approval. You may also enrol in a TROFL preparation programme or take the TORFL exam independently to obtain a certificate.
Is it possible to transfer credits for the mandatory Russian language course?
Yes. The course can be credited before the exam with a TORFL-II certificate (or equivalent). After the exam, an unsatisfactory grade can be replaced (as a retake) by a passing result on the Independent Exam.
How are the course grade and Independent Russian Exam grade recorded in the transcript?
Bachelor's and specialist programme graduates will have the Independent Russian Language Exam listed in their diploma with a "Pass" mark.
Master's students who successfully pass the Independent Exam will receive an HSE University certificate confirming their Russian language proficiency level.
Do students admitted before 2024 need to study Russian and take the Independent Russian Exam?
No, it is not mandatory. However, you may choose to take the Independent Russian Language Exam to obtain a TORFL certificate from HSE University.
Documents
Regulations for Interim and Ongoing Assessments of Students at HSE University
HSE University educational standards (available only in Russian)
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