
Dancing, Drums, and African Languages: HSE University Holds First Afro Festival
On April 23, 2026 the first large-scale Afro Festival was held in the central atrium of the HSE University Pokrovka building. The event was organised by the African Students Association together with the Support and Career Centre for International Students and Alumni. During the festival, HSE students and staff explored the cultures of African countries by listening to music, dancing, and getting to know one another.

‘From Buryatia to the Caucasus in One Evening’: HSE University–St Petersburg Students Hold Fair of Nationalities of Russia
Where does the Mistress of the Copper Mountain live? How can the national cuisine of Tatarstan surprise you? What does the Stone Town near Perm look like? HSE University–St Petersburg hosted a fair which brought together representatives of various nationalities of Russia. Komi-Permyaks and Urals, Pomors, Karachais and Balkarians, Buryats and Tatars shared unique features of their cultures, presented their national dishes, and took international students on an interactive journey around Russian regions.

Celebrating Nowruz at HSE University–St Petersburg: Spring Festival Unites Cultures
On March 20, HSE University–St Petersburg hosted a vibrant event dedicated to the ancient Eastern holiday of Nowruz. Uniting the traditions of many peoples, this holiday symbolises the start of the new year and the renewal of nature.

Tying Knots, Eating Sweets, and Playing Go: HSE University Celebrates Chinese New Year
On February 18, 2026, a celebration of Chinese New Year was held in the central atrium of the Pokrovka building. The festive programme showcased the rich traditions of the holiday, including dance and violin performances, folk games, and a tea ceremony. The event was organised by HSE University's Chinese Culture Club and the Support and Career Centre for International Students and Alumni.
HSE Takes Part in Finals of the 5th International Olympiad on Financial Security
The final stage of the 5th International Olympiad on Financial Security took place at the Siberian Federal University in Krasnoyarsk from September 29 to October 3. The event brought together 600 students from schools and universities from 40 different countries. The Higher School of Economics was represented at all three levels of the Olympiad: competition, expert, and career guidance.

‘We Will Develop the Sports That Staff and Students Are Fond of’
The HSE Corporate Academy has established the Sports Community Support Centre, headed by Olympic rowing champion Sergey Fedorovtsev. He spoke with the HSE News Service about his career, university sports, and the centre’s work.

HSE University–St Petersburg Graduate from Mexico Launches Podcast about Russian History
Rainer Matos Franco, HSE University–St Petersburg graduate and candidate of historical sciences, has launched the podcast Russia Aloud (Rusia en Voz Alta). The goal of the project is to dispel myths, prejudices, and distortions in the perception of the country.

Viva o Brasil!: HSE University–St Petersburg Hosts Festival of Brazilian Culture
HSE University–St Petersburg wrapped up International Partners' Week with a lesson on Portuguese, a workshop on the dances of various Brazilian regions, a lecture about one of the most popular Brazilian musicians and a live performance by his devotees. Organised by the Bachelor’s programme in Media Communications, the 'Viva o Brasil!' festival invited students to explore the culture of one of the largest countries in Latin America.

Showcasing the Diversity of African Heritage at HSE University–St Petersburg
On April 26, HSE University–St Petersburg held the African Festival. Currently, there are more than 100 students from 20 African countries at the university, most of whom showed up for the first festival of its kind this April. HSE's African students proudly presented their traditions, cultural values, vibrant dances, and unique landmarks of their countries. It was an unforgettable journey into the colourful culture and multifaceted heritage of Africa.

Habits Stem from Childhood: School Years Found to Shape Leisure Preferences in Adulthood
Moving to a big city does not necessarily lead to dramatic changes in daily habits. A study conducted at HSE University found that leisure preferences in adulthood are largely shaped during childhood and are influenced by where individuals spent their school years. This conclusion was drawn by Sergey Korotaev, Research Fellow at the HSE Faculty of Economic Sciences, from analysing the leisure habits of more than 5,000 Russians.


Registration Deadline: May 20, 2026