What is Podfak?

Understanding Study Migration to Russia: An Introduction to the Preparatory Faculty (Podfak)

Why Choose Russia for Education?

What is the Podfak Program?

Key Features of the Podfak Program:

1. Language Preparation:
2. The program enables international students to achieve the necessary proficiency in Russian to begin their studies alongside local and global peers.
3. Universality:
4. Podfak is available for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students in any field. Completing this program significantly enhances your ability to study, find a job, and gain residency in Russia.
5. No Prior Language Proficiency Required:
6. Unlike other countries, Russia does not require you to submit a language certificate at the time of university admission. After receiving your acceptance letter, you can learn the language by enrolling in Podfak.
7. Certification:
8. After completing the program, you’ll receive a certificate confirming your Russian language proficiency, which you can present to universities to continue your education.

Duration and Structure of Podfak

Important Notes:

• If you have some prior knowledge of Russian, your program duration may be shorter.
• Regular attendance is mandatory, and the course concludes with an exam. Passing this exam is essential to receive your certificate.
• If you fail, you must retake the course and the exam.

Specializations in Podfak

• Engineering
• Medicine
• Humanities
• Sciences

Why is Podfak Important?

• Ease of Admission: No Russian language proficiency is required during the university application.
• Job and Residency Opportunities: Proficiency in Russian gained through Podfak enhances your employability and helps you secure residency in Russia.
• Diverse Academic Options: Russian universities offer programs in almost every discipline, making finding a path aligned with your interests easier.

Conclusion

Cost and Details of the Podfak Program in Russia

Cost of the Podfak Program

1. Tuition Fees:
   • The cost ranges between $1,500 to $6,000, depending on the university, program type, and duration.
   • Factors affecting costs include course level, program format (full-time or part-time), and the hosting university.
2. Average Costs for Popular Universities:
   • • Lobachevsky University: Biomedical Sciences: 210,000 RUB
     • Natural Sciences, Engineering, Economics, Humanities: 200,000 RUB
   • Lomonosov Moscow State University (Medical Podfak): $6,000
   • S.M. Kirov Military Medical Academy (Smeshko): 300,000 RUB
     • Saint Petersburg State University:On-Campus: 272,000 RUB
     • Online: 220,000 RUB
   • Kazan Federal University: 210,000 RUB
   • Higher School of Economics (HSE): 135,000 RUB
   • Novosibirsk State Medical University: 4,500 RUB
   • Pirogov Medical University: 3,500 RUB
   • Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University: 2,000 RUB
   • Bauman Moscow State Technical University: 215,000 RUB
3. Additional Costs:
   • Accommodation in Dormitories:
   • Monthly cost: 4,500 RUB
   • Medical Insurance:
   • Annual cost: 7,000 RUB

Educational Structure and Duration

1. Duration:
   • Typically 8 to 12 months (120 hours), running from September/October to June.
   • Some universities offer online Podfak courses, which are often more affordable.
2. Core Focus:
   • Initial Phase: Learning basic Russian language skills (reading, writing, speaking).
   • Specialized Subjects: Focus on discipline-specific vocabulary and concepts related to your field.
3. Field-Specific Curricula:
   • Engineering: Russian language, mathematics, physics, computer science, chemistry.
   • Biomedical Sciences: Russian language, chemistry, biology, physics, computer science.
   • Economics: Russian language, social studies, mathematics, history, computer science.
   • Natural Sciences: Russian language, chemistry, physics, biology, computer science.
   • Humanities: Russian language, history, literature, social studies, computer science.

Benefits of Podfak

1. Language Proficiency:
2. Enables students to interact effectively with professors and peers in Russian.
3. No Language Requirement at Admission:
4. Eliminates the need for prior Russian language certification.
5. Improved Career Prospects:
6. Facilitates job opportunities and residency in Russia after graduation.

How to Enroll in the Podfak Program

Standard Documents Required for Enrollment:

1. Online Application Form: Complete the application form on the university’s website.
2. Valid Passport: A copy of all pages, valid for at least 1.5 years from your arrival date.
   • Educational Certificates: High school or higher education certificates (translated into Russian).
3. Health Insurance: A scanned copy of medical insurance.
4. Photographs: Recent passport-sized photo.
5. Proof of Payment: Evidence of tuition fee payment.
6. University Acceptance Letter: Confirmation of your enrollment.

Final Thoughts

Registration and Schedule for the Podfak Program in Russia

Registration Timeline

• Registration Period: Typically runs from March to early August.
• Submission Deadline: Applications are only accepted within the specified timeframe.
• Important Note: Always check the university’s official website for accurate and up-to-date information.

Program Schedule

• Start Date: Classes generally begin in September.
• Duration: The program lasts 8 months to 1 year, depending on the curriculum and field of study.
• Completion Date: Courses typically conclude in June or July.

Educational Centers Offering Podfak

1. St. Petersburg University
2. European School Centre of the Russian Language
3. Institute of Russian Language and Culture, Lomonosov Moscow State University
4. RUDN University (Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia)

Educational Resources Used in the Podfak Program

1. Practical Russian Language Coursebooks
2. Russian Conversation Textbooks
3. Russian Script and Writing Practice Books
4. Russian Verb Conjugation Guides
5. Vocabulary and Terminology Books
   • Introductory Science Textbooks (specific to the field of study): Biology and Chemistry for medical fields.
   • Physics and Mathematics for Engineering.

Advantages of Enrolling in the Podfak Program

1. Russian Language Proficiency:
   • It is essential for daily life, even if studying in English.
   • Necessary for communication with professors, peers, and future employers.
2. Cultural Immersion:
   • Learn about Russian customs and culture, easing your transition to life in a foreign country.
3. Reduced Tuition Costs:
   • Studying in Russian is significantly cheaper than English-taught programs.
   • Many programs and universities do not offer all fields in English, making Russian proficiency an advantage.
4. International Recognition:
   • The Podfak certificate is recognized in other Russian-speaking countries, including Ukraine, Belarus, and Kazakhstan.
5. Preparation for Academic Success:
   • Covers foundational subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and more.
   • Ensures you are well-prepared for your chosen academic field.

How to Register for the Podfak Program

1. Online Application:
   • Fill out the application form on the university’s website.
2. Required Documents:
   • Copy of a valid passport (with at least 1.5 years of validity from the entry date).
   • Scanned copies of academic certificates (high school or university transcripts).
   • Translated and notarized educational documents in Russian.
   • Medical insurance certificate.
   • Passport-sized photographs.
   • Proof of payment for the application fee.
   • Confirmation of university admission.
3. Additional Considerations:
   • Check for the duration, class schedules, tuition fees, and services the institution offers.

Final Thoughts

Summary

Why Choose Elme Vira for Your Educational Migration to Russia?