HSE University Classes to Be Held On Site for All Students

Classes in the new academic year will take place on site for students of all HSE University campuses. Existing COVID safety precautions will remain in effect.

Order "On the specifics of organizing the educational process with the participation of HSE students and postgraduates in the 2021-2022 academic year" (in Russian) (DOCX, 29 Кб)

In light of the pandemic situation in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Nizhny Novgorod and Perm and in the absence of new directives from Rospotrebnadzor, classes will be held on site for all students regardless of their vaccination status.

Students can also move into dormitories and rented accommodation without vaccination confirmation certificates.

Existing hygiene and safety measures will remain in place, including mask-wearing, social distancing, limiting students to 50 per classroom, and with at least one quarter of classes held online in a remote synchronous format. It is recommended that timetables allocate no more than three days a week to on-site classes. Minors, MAGOLEGO electives, and optional courses will continue to be held online.

International students who haven't received their Russian visa yet or are currently unable to enter Russia for some other reason should contact their programme manager to arrange remote learning.

Nikita Anisimov
HSE University Rector

The university may change its attendance policy in the event that the situation worsens. This will primarily depend on whether new directives or guidelines are issued by Rospotrebnadzor and the COVID Task Force. Our internal analytics show that students are well prepared and satisfied with the online format. A survey conducted between November 2020 and January 2021 by the Centre for Institutional Studies shows that 60–70% of HSE University students are satisfied with their online learning experience. We are keeping our finger on the pulse and listening to feedback from the student community, and we are ready to respond to any new developments.

I would also like to ask that any unvaccinated students please get vaccinated for the sake of their own health and that of others. I myself was vaccinated on my first day at HSE University. Vaccination is the only way to minimize the risk of serious illness and reduce the risk of infection not only for yourself, but for your colleagues, classmates, and teachers. Vaccination is the only route to ending this pandemic. For convenience, the university has set up a vaccination point at the on-campus first-aid station on Pokrovka. If you have any questions, please see the university website for more information — Coronavirus Live is a good starting point.