Exchange programs
We are glad that you have chosen Kazan Federal University for your semester or academic year abroad.
In the following, you will find a guideline to help you prepare for your stay at Kazan Federal University in the framework of student exchange.
The students’ exchange program is a visiting student program for international students from universities that have partner agreements on student exchange with Kazan University, as well as those arriving at KFU as a part of the state scholarship program.
How to apply
All applicants must be officially nominated by the home university. This may either be done with an official nomination letter or an e-mail from the home university.
To start the admission process students must send the following application documents through the International Office of their home university:
Documents are accepted by email: exchange@kpfu.ru
Application deadline:
Fall semester or full-year: April 1
Spring semester: November 1
Exchange Fact Sheet 2026-2027
ACADEMIC CALENDER
Fall semester: September: – January
Examination period: end of December – end of January
Spring semester: February – June
Examination Period: end of May – end of June
Exact dates of each semester will be given when the official KFU academic calendar is confirmed.
COURSES AVAILABLE
Information on all programs in Russian language offered during the current semester can be accessed via course catalogue.
The course catalogue will be published at the beginning of the semester. If you need information earlier we recommend that you use the course catalogue of the previous year as a guideline for your course choice and then finalize your courses after arrival in Kazan.
An overview of Bachelor programs taught in English language is available here.
An overview of Master programs taught in English language is available here.
We expect that you list your home university courses in the Learning Agreement (see How to apply). Then we will forward your individual study plan with the host KFU institute, which will identify equivalent courses aligned with your field of study.
Language requirements
Since most of the courses are held in Russian you must have sufficient knowledge of Russian. We recommend Russian language skills equivalent to level B 2 of CEFR. A language certificate is not necessary, but we need the confirmation from Russian language teacher who guarantees the required language skills (see Application form).
Grading System
In Russian Federation (RF) the study workload is evaluated in academic hours. One academic hour equals to 45 minutes. One RF credit (36 academic hours) is equal to 1 ECTS credit.
Local KFU grading system is the following:
5 – “excellent”, the highest grade.
4 – “good”,
3 – “satisfactory”, the lowest satisfactory grade
2 – “fail”, the lowest grade
Some courses according to academic plan are graded using Pass/Fail system. Under this system, students earning a grade from “3” to “5” in a course will have “Passed” recorded on the transcript for that course; a grade of “2” will be recorded as “Fail”. “Passed” and “Fail” grades shall not be used in computing grade point averages.
Table on converting ECTS marks into KFU system
| Numerical system |
Numerical system (descriptively) |
Merit-based system | Pass/Fail system | Converted to ECTS grades |
| 5 | Excellent (отлично) |
86 – 100% | Passed | A |
| 4 | Good (хорошо) |
71 – 85% | Passed | B |
| 3 | Satisfactory (удовлетворительно) | 55 – 70% | Passed | C-D |
| 2 | Fail (неудовлетворительно) | 0 – 54% | Failed | F |
PREPARATION BEFORE ARRIVAL
Visa application
All students are required to apply for Student Visa at the Russian Embassy or Consulate in your country with your passport. Students applying for a visa need the original letter of acceptance (invitation letter) from KFU.The embassy or consulate will advise you on what other documents you need to enclose in your visa application and when your visa will be ready.
Medical Insurance
Students can apply for a Russian medical insurance policy upon arrival in Kazan.
Policies can be purchased at the KFU Student Polyclinic.
Accommodation
All exchange students are guaranteed a campus accommodation. As a rule, for our exchange students is provided the dormitory “Universiade Village” (Derevnya Universiady). Cost of living in this dormitory is about 1200 RUB per month. Living conditions are comfortable: room for 3-4 persons,1 kitchen, 1WC and shower.
Students do not need to book in advance on the website. The Department of External Affairs of KFU will arrange accommodations for them.
Estimated Costs
Dormitory fee about 1500 RUB per month
Medical Insurance 6000 RUB
Visa extension about 2000 RUB
Medical Examination about 7000 RUB
The average monthly expenses in Kazan are approximately 30 000 RUB.
GETTING TO KAZAN
The nearest airports to Kazan are Kazan and Moscow. The trip from Moscow to Kazan can either be made by plane (from Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo and Vnukovo airports) or by train (to Kazan Railway Station).
Kazan International Airport is located 26 kilometers from the city center. You can reach the city center (Kazan Railway Station) by train departing from the airport.
We kindly ask incoming students to inform us about the arrival at least 2 weeks in advance.
If possible, please arrange the arrival on working days and hours.
Upon arrival in Kazan, please come and visit immediately our office to complete your dormitory check-in. If you are unable to arrive on working days during office hours, you must arrange accommodation in a hostel in advance.
Department of External Affairs
Kazan Federal University,
9 Gvardeyskaya St., 420073 Kazan
+7 (843) 206 52 89 ext. 8140
Office hours: MO-FR 9.00-12.00 a.m. and 13.00-16.00