Over 100 students do their studies at the School of International Relations, most of them choosing BA programs. The academic year is divided into 2 semesters: a fall semester (September 1st - December 25th) and a spring semester (February 15th – May 25th). The summer vacations last for 2 months (July and August) and the winter vacations – for 2 weeks after the end of the winter examination session. At the end of each semester the students account for the work done during exam sessions that include end of term tests, exams, defending a semester or graduation project.

During the semester the students attend 10 or11 six month-long courses, which culminate in 5-6 final tests and 4-5 exams to be taken. In total, during 4 years of study a BA student attends about 40 different courses in the chosen specialization area. Besides, the students can pick up optional courses almost in each semester program.

The students’ research under the supervision of their academic adviser culminates in a graduation project or an MA thesis. In addition, the students take the state exam in a foreign language and a chosen major.

Recently, the entrance competition to the School of International Relations has been the highest among St Petersburg State University departments and one of the highest among other St Petersburg’s universities. Our students are not only secondary school leavers from St Petersburg but also from many other cities across Russia, their share steadily increasing. The foreign and non-local students are provided with a dormitory.

All our students have a good opportunity to apply their knowledge in practice and most of them get their first professional experience while participating in major international forums and conferences held in St Petersburg.