How to apply for Master’s programs

Step 1: Learn Russian and prepare for studies if necessary

The language of instruction at Gubkin University is Russian. Therefore, it is important to learn the Russian language before applying for a Master’s degree program.

To enter an academic program at Gubkin University it is required to pass a Russian proficiency test. There are several ways to study Russian language:

• pass the Test of Russian as a Foreign Language (TRFL) in the training and testing language center for foreigners in your country founded by Rossotrudnichestvo or in Moscow).
• take classes offered by the Preparatory Faculty (Department) of Gubkin University;

Gubkin University offers a ten-month Preparatory course for prospective international students.

Prospective international students from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS countries), the Baltics (including Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania), the Ukraine, and Georgia are allowed to take entrance exam for the Russian language without completing the Preparatory course.

Preparatory course for Master’s Program

Taking the Preparatory course enables prospective students to integrate smoothly into life in the University and Russia, find out more information about Gubkin University, attend Open Days and choose the academic program.

Language studies are at the core of the Preparatory course curriculum, but they are complemented by a wide range of electives in several areas of study. The Master’s Program Preparatory course curriculum includes:

• Russian language,
• Advanced Mathematics,
• Computer Science,
• Philosophy,
• Business Economics,
• Continuum Mechanics,
• Engineering and Computer Graphics,
• Political Geography.

To apply for admission to the Preparatory Department prospective international students are requested to contact the International Students Office via email: dis@gubkin.ru and submit the required documents (Step 4).

Step 2: Choose the program

Gubkin University has 10 Faculties which offer training in 47 Master's degree programs.

Attention! International students are not allowed to enroll in the Faculty of Integrated Security of the Fuel and Energy Complex in 2025! You cannot choose educatioal programs to study there.

Step 3: Check the admission deadlines

The application deadlines for 2026 vary by program and should be additionally checked with the International Students Office via email: dis@gubkin.ru.

Individual application and enrollment deadlines are set for prospective students applying through quotas allocated by the Ministry for Education and Science of the Russian Federation.

Step 4: Prepare required documents and submit the application form

The application package contains general and medical components.

List of required documents

General Component

1. The original Education Certificate legalized in a proper way. Often it can be done through the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of your country and in the Russian Consulate. Please advise international students team via dis@gubkin.ru on what type of legalization your documents need according to your country!
   To apply to Gubkin University Master's programs: the Bachelor Degree Certificate (including academic transcript: the list of subjects studied and scores earned) is required.
2. The copy of the legalized Education Certificate/ Diploma (including academic transcript) and the Education Certificate/ Diploma translated into the Russian language and certified by a Russian notary.
3. The copy of national ID (passport) valid for travel to Russia (date of expire at the time of visa application no later than in 18 months).
4. The national passport translated into the Russian language and certified by a Russian notary.
5. Six printed photos in the 3*4 cm format.
6. CV/ Resume.

Medical Component (should be presented on September 1st when you begin studies)

7. Medical Certificate confirming that you have no medical restrictions to study abroad (statement of good health).
8. Medical Certificate with HIV test.
9. Medical Certificate with Tuberculosis test.
10. Medical Certificate with syphilis test.
11. Measles Vaccination Certificate.

While preparing your application package contact the International Students Office via email: dis@gubkin.ru and submit the required documents.

Step 5: Apply for visa and prepare for arrival

To enter the Russian Federation most international students need to have a student visa. The student visa is arranged in the Russian embassy or consulate in your home country. Note that visas cannot be obtained within Russia, because it is an entry document to the country.

Student visa application package

1. The official Invitation Letter by the Federal Migration Service. This document is issued upon successful completion of entrance examinations and recommendations given by the Admissions Office.
2. Invitation Letter by Gubkin University
3. Enrolment Contract. This document is signed upon successful completion of entrance examinations and recommendations given by the Admissions Office.

To request the official Invitation Letter by the Federal Migration Service, submit via e-mail: dis@gubkin.ru the following documents:

• the copy of national ID (passport). Passport validity – not less than 1,5 years,
• postal address in home country,
• for students: the name of educational institution, city / town / residential area where it is located;
• for employed applicants: place of employment, city / town / residential area, telephone number;
• city / town / residential area of the Russian Consulate where visa will be claimed.

For the whole period of studies international students are provided with accommodation.

Step 6: Pass entrance exams

To enter Gubkin University prospective international students require to pass the entrance examination in a majoring subject.

Exam Schedules for academic year 2026

Applicants pass entrance tests on July 10, July 31, or August 21, 2026. The selected date of the entrance test is indicated in the applicant's application.

People applying for places on a fee-paid basis may take a portfolio test instead of online examinations. The portfolio includes a Bachelor’s diploma as well as various individual achievements. It is assessed on a 70-point grade scale (your previous bachelor diploma can be given up to 50 points maximum and the list of personal achievements is up to 20 points maximum.

The portfolio includes a document of higher education as well as various individual achievements.

Step 7: Make payment

Students are responsible for tuition fee, round-trip airfare ticket, dormitory, living expenses, and health insurance.

Check out the tuition fees.

By agreement with the University, tuition fee can be paid only via Russian bank.

After the official enrollment and payment we will begin to resolve the issues with invitation and visa for your arrival. You get your visa on the basis of the paid contract.

Step 8: Join Gubkin University!

The academic year at the University begins on September 1.

Step-by-step Admission Guide: Master's Programs

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