This non-degree mobility programme is offered to foreign students from our Partner Universities who intend to spend 1 or 2 semesters abroad as exchange students in the framework of bilateral cooperation agreements. Incoming mobility in the framework of International Academic Mobility & Students Exchange Programmes is also organized as SEP.

SEP participants choose 1 host faculty at SPbSU to attend lectures, seminars and practical training from the curricula provided for the current exchange period.

SEP at SPbSU is open for both undergraduate and graduate students, and also for postgraduate students who would like to attend lectures and seminars. SEP is not earmarked for conducting any separate research.

Maximal workload for SEP students is 20 academic hours per week (1 academic hour or AH = 45 minutes, duration of a class at SPSU is 2 AH = 90 minutes). It means that SEP students can select up to 10 classes per week at the host faculty.

SEP students can also take a free Russian language course during the whole exchange period. Classes are organized usually 2 times per week in groups (10-12 people) depending on students' current language skills. If chosen, Russian language course is included into the maximal workload for SEP students.

SEP student can choose one of the following options:

1) 20 AH per week (10 classes) at the host faculty, no free Russian language course (or additional language courses for an extra fee)

2) 12 AH per week (6 classes) at the host faculty + 8 AH per week of free Russian language course

At the end of exchange period SEP students get an Exchange Certificate and a Transcript of Records.

SEP DURATION

• 1 semester (minimum 4 months)
• 1 academic year (2 consecutive semesters, maximum 10 months starting from September only)

SEP CONDITIONS

Depending on the provisions of the cooperation agreement between SPbSU and exchange applicant's Home University, SEP participants could be provided with some of following advantages at SPbSU:

• Tuituion fee waiver
• Free accommodation at students' dormitory
• Monthly scholarship

Applicants should consult with their Home International Office or Students Exchange Coordinator regarding the abovementioned possibilities.

Read The Exchange Students Reports to learn about impressions of former exchange students!

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Applicants from Partner Universities should complete their application packages (see below) and submit it to their Home International Office or Students Exchange Coordinator.

We consider a SEP application only if it is delivered to us by a relevant officer of Applicant's Home University as either of following:

• via Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it - as scanned files (*.pdf is preferable format)
• or via Fax +7-812-328-75-62

After sending us any applications, please always check that documents are delivered!

At the present time we DO NOT require original application documents to be sent by post.

APPLICATION DEADLINES:

REQUIRED APPLICATION DOCUMENTS:

Before submitting a SEP Application we advise to use this check-list to make sure that application package is complete.

1. Nomination letter - signed and stamped by Applicant's Home University Exchange Coordinator

2. Student Exchange Programme Application Form

3. Motivation letter

4. Copy of travelling passport - page with photo; the copy should be clear and readable

Applicant's passport should be valid six (6) Months more after the end of planned exchange period! Otherwise Applicant will be unable to get Russian visa.

5. Confirmation of Russian language proficiency

This could be either a Certificate of "Russian as a Foreign Language" Test (TRFL), or a letter signed by Applicant's Home University Russian language teacher indicating Applicant's current language proficiency in accordance with the European Language Level Self Assessment Grid.

6. General health certificate in Russian language

This should be a certificate proving that the Applicant is in a well state of health (absence of infectious and pulmonary diseases, no contra-indications for studying abroad), signed and stamped by your local doctor. HIV test is also required. The certificates should be either performed in Applicant's native language AND in Russian language or officially translated into Russian language (including translation of stamps and signatures).