Summer University 2026 wrapped up
On Friday, 17 July, the university hosted a closing ceremony. During the project’s 14 days, young people from 25 countries toured Kazan and its neighboring landmarks, learned about the history of KFU, and made new friends.
This was the first iteration of Summer University to feature HackAtom, a competitive discussion session held by the Russian Atomic Energy Corporation. During the closing ceremony, Vice-Rector for International Affairs Timirkhan Alishev awarded the winners. The awards – this year, as usual, being certificates for enrolment in KFU’s master’s programs – were also given in all other educational tracks.
“I would like to thank all our institutes and university departments for creating such wonderful conditions for the students. I spoke with the participants and can say that the feedback was exceptionally positive. Many expressed a desire to enroll in our master’s programs at KFU. And this is certainly one of our goals. But another, no less important goal is to ensure that the guests form a positive impression of the Russian Federation and make new friends here. These friendships, I am confident, will last for many years and will accompany them throughout their lives. We want each of them to be motivated to return to Russia one day,” said Dr Alishev.
Olga Vershinina, Director of the International Office, praised the project team’s professional work. The coordinators and heads of the educational tracks received letters of gratitude.
“It is gratifying that KFU is a leading Russian university in terms of internationalization. We rank first in Russia in this area. The Summer University is one of the most important projects in our international activities. We devote enormous attention to it and consider it a priority,” said Dr Vershinina.
At the end of the evening, the floor was given to the students themselves. Participants from various countries shared their impressions and thanked the organizers and faculty during an open mic session.
“I can confidently say that I love Russia and Kazan. The track I completed will certainly help me back home. I want to say a huge thank you to Kazan University,” shared Benjamin Gómez (Chile).
The event featured creative performances prepared by the students themselves. Students from China and India delighted the audience with vibrant national dances. The highlight was a performance by the group TEADx.
“I really like the people I surround myself with here. They captivate me with their radiance and openness. I especially enjoyed the Astronomy and Astrophysics track: the lectures, the excursions, and the atmosphere. It was an amazing experience, and I am grateful for this opportunity,” said Darya Ivanova (Belarus).
In the course of the Summer University, the participants visited the University’s museums and dormitory campuses, partook in interactive games, listened to a presentation of KFU’s youth policy priorities, and joined Sabantuy harvest festival celebrations, among other things.