About the Faculty
The Pre-University Faculty is the oldest faculty of the university, established within its structure in 1960. On October 1, 1960, 539 students from 59 countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, along with 57 Soviet students, began studying Russian and foreign languages.
Over the years, the faculty has changed its name several times. By decision of the University Academic Council on April 26, 2021, the Pre-University Faculty restored its historical name and became part of the Institute of Russian Language.
At the Pre-University Faculty, foreign students receive year-round instruction in the Russian language and academic subjects to prepare for higher education in Russian.
At the Pre-University Faculty, students have a unique opportunity to learn the Russian language from scratch up to any required level (A1 to B2), as well as to complete professionally-oriented Russian as a Foreign Language (RFL) programs.
Over the years, the faculty has developed a solid teaching and methodological base, consisting of more than 3,000 textbooks and teaching aids, including ethnically-oriented educational materials. The faculty employs over 150 highly qualified instructors.
The Pre-University Faculty is the heir of the classical methodological school for teaching Russian as a foreign language, which has developed over more than half a century at RUDN.
Today, the faculty not only carefully preserves the traditions of university education but is also actively involved in the digital transformation of the university’s educational ecosystem.
Drawing on many years of experience with foreign applicants and the latest digitalization methods, the faculty team combines classical teaching approaches with modern solutions. Building on the classical teaching model, it has developed contemporary digital tools within the educational information environment – the Digital Pre-University Faculty.
Guided by the civilizational mission of the Russian language, the Pre-University Faculty plays an important role as an agent of socio-cultural adaptation for foreign students in the Russian Federation.
The faculty has created a unique system of extracurricular support for learning Russian through a wide range of cultural, social, and educational activities, including:
- Thematic discussions in study groups
- Russian Language Clubs
- Festivals
- Lesson-concerts
- Lecture series
- Excursions
- Meetings, round tables, and master classes
- Communicative games, quests, business games, and more
The wide range of activities allows foreign students to adapt not only within the walls of the university but also in Russia as a whole, providing them with the opportunity to become familiar with the culture, history, traditions, and peoples of Russia. Furthermore, the Russian language serves as a tool for immersing students in the heritage of world civilization.
An important advantage of the Pre-University Faculty is that foreign students gain a unique opportunity to study in an international environment, which allows them to learn about the cultures and traditions of countries around the world. Graduates of our faculty develop essential skills for working in international teams, highly valued in today’s global society.
Since 2018, the Pre-University Faculty has operated the ‘OHANA’ Volunteer Department. Its main purpose is to assist foreign students at the faculty. The volunteers work according to the ‘buddy for foreigners’ system – a friend for a foreign student. Each foreign student is assigned a volunteer-curator who, throughout the course of study, not only helps with various questions but also becomes a true friend!