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
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
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
♦ 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
♦ 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.