5 Russian universities that train future ARCHITECTS

To enroll in these institutes, in addition to exams in the Russian language and mathematics (applicants can provide Russian Unified State Exam results), you will need to pass additional entrance exams. Specifically, you will need to complete creative and professional work: drawings from plaster casts, compositions of simple geometric shapes and a design for an architectural structure. At some universities, you can upload your creative assignment online.

1 Moscow Architectural Institute (MARCHI), Moscow

The is considered to be the main training ground for future architects. MARCHI considers itself the heir and successor to the traditions of the Moscow architectural school, founded in 1749 by Prince Dmitry Ukhtomsky. It trains specialists in the fields of residential, public and industrial buildings, as well as urban and natural landscapes and religious architecture.

There is a preparatory department: to enroll, you must pass an entrance exam – a ‘chiaroscuro’ drawing of plaster geometric figures.

2 Institute of Architecture and Urban Planning, Moscow State University of Civil Engineering (MGSU), Moscow

The university offers four academic tracks: architecture, reconstruction and restoration of architectural heritage, urban planning and highways. The master's program also offers a program in architectural environment design.

MGSU collaborates with more than 60 international universities, enabling students to participate in international internships and academic mobility programs.

3 HSE School of Design, Moscow/St. Petersburg

The Moscow School of Design trains architects, creators of exhibition spaces and virtual environments and landscape architects. Since 2025, the ‘Architecture’ program has been offered at the St. Petersburg branch, training future urbanists, landscape and exhibition space designers and urban planners. The architecture program partners with the largest architectural bureaus in the two capitals, museums and construction companies. From their first year, students work on their portfolios, including projects for real clients.

4 Ilya Glazunov Academy of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture, Moscow

The Faculty of Architecture has been operating at the academy since 1989. It trains specialists in the design of residential and public buildings, as well as church construction. The educational program adheres to classical architectural traditions. Every summer, students undertake internships.

5 St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering (SPbGASU), St. Petersburg

This university, heir to the traditions of the Institute of Mining Engineers, trains specialists in the fields of building and structural architecture, urban planning, architectural environmental design, landscape design and the restoration and reconstruction of architectural heritage. Students have access to workshops, including a lithography and modeling studio, drawing rooms and a computer center with the necessary graphics packages for design.