«Sustainable small-scale cruising/yachting»

In 2021, Sochi State University became a member of the International Project "Sustainable small-scale cruising / yachting" which is part of the Action "Support to the Implementation of the Eastern Partnership Multilateral Dimension and the Implementation of the Northern Dimension and the Black Sea Synergy - BSEC PERMIS (ENI/2020/421-957)" under the coordination of the Organisation of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Permanent International Secretariat (BSEC PERMIS).

Project name: "Sustainable small-scale cruising/yachting"

Project Leader: The International Centre for Black Sea Studies (ICBSS), Athens, Greece.
Project dates: 2021-2022.

SSU partners in the Project are: Stratégies Mer et Littoral (SML), Digosville, France; CLIMAZUL E.E., Athens, Greece; Ovidius University of Constanta, Constanta, Romania; Burgas Free University (BFU), Burgas, Bulgaria; National University "Odessa Maritime Academy", Odessa, Ukraine; Batumi State Maritime Academy (BSMA), Batumi, Georgia; Karadeniz Technical University (KTU), Trabzon, Turkey.

The project aims to assess the state of play and environmental and socio-economic potential for new small-scale cruising/ yachting models and identify potential bottlenecks.

EurDiQ Project - "European Dimension in Qualifications for the Tourist Sector"

With the support of the ERASMUS+ programme of the European Union. The consortium of 17 European and CIS higher education institutions established EurDiQ project in 2015 as a part of Erasmus+ Program managed by European Commission.
Project Name: European Dimension in Qualifications for the Tourist Sector (EurDiQ)
Project Dates: October 2015 - October 2018
Program Name: ERASMUS+
Erasmus + Project Number: 561832-EPP-1-2015-1-LV-EPPKA2-CBHE-SP
Grant holder HEI: Baltic International Academy, Latvia
The main objective of the project is to ensure sustainable development of Russian higher education through quality assurance structure for degree programmes in line with Bologna and EU 2020 strategic objective:
-to harmonize qualifications and competences in the tourism sector
-to improve the consortium academic staff qualification
-design of pilot Master programmes in tourism
-establishment of the quality control and monitoring procedures at PCIs
-to disseminate project outcomes and best practices in HEIs of Russia and Kyrgyzstan
-to implement learning outcomes in real tourism sector
EurDiQ aims at strengthening of the European dimension in qualifications of the tourist sector to enhance employability of graduates in the field of tourism in Russia and Kyrgyzstan.
More information about the project here..

NETOUR Project - "Network for Excellence in Tourism through Organizations and Universities in Russia"

With the support of the TEMPUS programme of the European Union. The purpose of NETOUR is to work with Russian universities and businesses to help improve: university products (curricula & student expertise) and, tourism organizations' efficiency through a qualified workforce, in order to develop and sustain the tourism sector in Russia. Both industry and universities work together to respond to the growing needs of the Russian tourism sector. To fulfill these main objectives, a situation analysis of tourism in Russia will be conducted with two aims:

-to perform an analysis of the tourism sector in the areas of influence of the Russian university partners (current demand and supply, main competitors at destination level) in order to identify the actual needs of the sector.
- to review the tourism curricula currently delivered by Russian University partners in order to identify their level of matching with EU standards, and the 'fit' between sector needs (previously identified) and the curricula.

After that, several strategies implemented to improve the present situation, to foster a positive change and to increase international cooperation between universities for the long term:
- to update knowledge course for tourism professionals (in the framework of lifelong learning);
- to create a mentoring programme for tourism management students (to improve school-business relations and to increase student skills and employability);
- to organize workshops with policy makers and other stakeholders (to enhance the cooperation between university and society);
- to organize an International Conference (to reinforce the network created between the universities in the consortium, NETOUR, and to open this network to other universities in and beyond Russia);
- to establish a Data Centre to continue the data collection process initiated by NETOUR to help universities respond to society's changing needs.
More information about the project here..

TEMPUS Project - "Development of new curricula in sustainable rural tourism"

The present TEMPUS project aims to develop and strengthen rural tourism through designing, testing, implementing and evaluating a programme of special modules for rural tourism to be included in new Bachelor and Master Curricula in the field of Tourism. These new developed modules will correspond in full to the Bologna principles and Tuning recommendations and be based on the experience of the European partners of the project. Russian universities are increasingly aware of the need to modernize their curricula and to change their curricula into modern two level Bachelor / Master courses. The modules of the rural tourism will be elaborated in such a way that they fit into the respective Bachelor and Master courses of the Russian Universities, thus enhancing the European dimension and comparability of qualifications.
Project Name: TEMPUS Project - "Development of new curricula in sustainable rural tourism"
Project Dates: 2010-2013
Project Agreement Number: №159312-TEMPUS-FR-TEMPUS-JPCR
The main aims of the project:
- to prepare the ground for sustainable rural tourism in Russia
- to modernize Bachelor and Master curricula in the sphere of tourism in Russia
- to develop specialization modules in rural tourism for the 2 cycle curricula
- to intense of the participating teaching staff
- to create teaching and learning materials for new modules
- to pilot new study programmes in Pskov region (ground for practical placements for students)

E-URAL Project – "European Union and RussiA Link for S&T co-operation in the area of the environment"

The concept of the E-URAL Project is a consortium of partners from Europe and Russia, funded by FP7 support actions, that aims at improving quantity and quality of participation of Russian researchers and SMEs in the "Environment (including climate change)" thematic priority of the 7th Framework Programme (FP7).
Project Name: European Union and RussiA Link for S&T co-operation in the area of the environment (E-URAL)
Project Dates: 2009-2012
Project Grant Agreement Number: 226517 E-URAL CSA-SA
The objectives of the Project are:
- to improve the knowledge among Russian researchers and multipliers on the thematic priority "Environment (including climate change)"of FP7
- to support the Russian National Information Points (NIPs) for the Environment theme in order to improve skills that will boost the quality of services offered to FP7 proposers
- to improve capacity building and know-how on submission procedures under EU-FP projects in Russia
- to raise awareness in Europe of skilled potential partners from Russia to be involved in EU-FPs in the "Environment (including climate change)" theme.
More information about the project here..

NON-DEGREE STUDIES

Non-Degree Studies include short- and medium-term programs like students exchange, summer schools, language courses etc.

Keystone of any NDS program is that it does not result in any graduation of participant. Usually, non-degree students get a certificate and a transcript of records, but not a degree from the host university.

The duration of NDS program may vary from several weeks till 1-2 semesters (for students exchange and language courses).

For students from our Partner Universities we offer the following programs:

• Study Exchange Program
• Internship Exchange Program

These Programs are only available within the frames of bilateral cooperation agreements signed at "University-University" level and within some International Academic Mobility & Students Exchange Programs.

Exchange programs are being managed by CENTER OF INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION:
Tel.: 8 (862) 268-29-49
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

TO GET THE DEGREE AT SSU you can apply for one of the main academic programs. Please, contact ADMISSION BOARD:
The address: 354000, Sochi 94, Plastunskaya St., Office 154/2.

DEGREE PROGRAMS more details here

Read The Stories of Success by Exchange Students to learn about exchange period details and impressions!

Application Process

Once decided which program you would like to study at SSU, you should complete the application, following the instructions below. The complete application package should be sent primarily per e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Exchange students, firstly, should be nominated by their academic advisor at their home institution.  Once approved, they should provide the complete application package.

Academic year at SSU starts September, 1

             Fall Semester: September, 1 – January, 31
             Spring Semester: February, 1 – June, 30

Application Deadlines:

             For Fall Semester: March 30
             For Spring Semester: October 31

Application Requirements
Applicants should submit the following documents:

1. Application form + 1 photo (attached to the form)

NOTE: Please indicate the information of the city where you’re going to get your visa. There should be an Embassy or Consulate of  Russian Federation in this city. Also please inform us about your full address, including  postal code and contact phone number.

2. CV

3. Letter of motivation (in English or Russian) explaining your primary reasons for studying at SSU and what you hope to gain from this experience.

4. Recommendation letter from the departmental coordinator.

5. Transcript of Records from the home university.

6. A clear scan copy of your passport.

7.  Expenses compensation agreement is an essential part of a student’s application. (Print out the form, fill it in, sign, scan and send to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ).

8. Academic program selection (Learning Agreement ) signed by the home university academic advisor.

9. Application form for the Official Invitation (you will need these documents for Visa application and appointment at the RF Embassy or Consulate).

10. A clear scan copy of your student's card (or any confirmation that you are student of home University)

11. A clear scan copy of International health insurance with a signature and a stamp.

Language Requirements      Students must be proficient in Russian and receive confirmation from their home university academic advisor that they are able to take courses in Russian. In case you need to take a Russian language course log on to

Academic programs              For the list of academic programs visit

Health Insurance                  All exchange students are required to have international health insurance during their stay in Russia.

Мandatory state fingerprint registration photographing and medical examination.
On the basis of Federal Law No. 274-FL of 01.07.2021, foreign citizens who have arrived in the Russian Federation for study purposes for a period exceeding 90 (ninety) calendar days must undergo mandatory state fingerprint registration, photographing and medical examination within 90 (ninety) calendar days from the date of entry into the Russian Federation. These procedures are performed at the regional migration center in the city of Krasnodar. The procedure for passing the state fingerprint registration, photographing and medical examination is paid (by students at their own expense). Detailed information is available on the website: https://kkmc23.ru/

Visa                                        All Students must have a Student Visa. Students must complete the Application form for an Official Invitation (see Application form for the Official Invitation above).  

As soon as we get all documents mentioned above we apply to Federal Migration Office for official invitations.

NOTE: this process (including delivery) can take up to 40 days

The electronic Official Invitation will be sent via e-mail to apply for the Student visa at the RF Embassy or Consulate.

Estimated Expenses 

The personal expenses include minimal expenses and do not include costs associated with travel to/from Sochi or within Russia during vacation periods.

Exchange students pay NO tuition fee at SSU.

Students who will study at SSU not within the exchange program, will have to pay the appropriate tuition fee according to the academic program.

Maintaining Lawful Student Status in the Russian Federation

In order to be eligible for and receive all the benefits that the SSU provides to International Students it is necessary to maintain lawful status in the Russian Federation. To maintain lawful “International Student” status you must:

♦   Keep your passport valid.

♦   Have a valid registration form.

♦   Maintain full time enrollment during Fall and Spring Semesters

♦   Demonstrate normal progress toward completion of your degree or educational objective.

♦   Accept no employment of any kind during his/her stay in Russia.

♦   Make sure that you inform the International Student Advisor at SSU of any changes to you physical address. These changes must be reported to the International Student Advisor within three days subsequent to the change.

IMPORTANT TIPS

♦   Make a photocopy of all documents that you send to the SSU.

♦   Never send cash through the mail.

♦   Make sure that you inform the International Student Advisor at your institution of any legal changes to your name or any changes to you physical address. These changes must be reported to the International Student Advisor within three days upon the change.

♦   Set up a file for all of your SSU related paperwork, and keep this file in a safe place.

♦   Keep your passport and all other important documents in a safe place.

♦   Never mail your passport! ALWAYS make a copy to mail.

Academic year:

Fall Semester: September, 1 – January, 31
Spring Semester: February, 1 – June, 30