Sponsored by Duke Kunshan University

When it’s time to plan for your postgraduate degree, often choosing what to study is the easiest bit. Deciding where to study, however, is the harder part and so it’s not surprising that so many students choose to stay at the same institution. After all, if you liked living and studying somewhere for your undergraduate, doesn’t it make sense to stay put?

However, failing to explore the options available to you can mean missing out on fantastic life-changing experiences, especially if you widen your search to consider studying abroad.

China and the US are two of the most exciting and interesting countries to study in right now, particularly at postgraduate level where the connections between industry and the student population are vital to boosting your career prospects. For example, Master of Electrical and Computer Engineering students at Duke Kunshan University get to experience studying in both of these global superpowers.

This two-year master’s program includes one year in China and one year in the US. Students start their postgraduate study at Duke Kunshan University in Kunshan, China and continue their second year at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, US.

Here are some of the biggest benefits to studying in both China and the US, according to Duke Kunshan.

Work in both the US and China after graduation

The benefits of studying in both the US and China are most notable when it comes to your career. Professor Xin Li at Duke University told us: “A global program is key not only for students wishing to return to China, but also for those who remain abroad.”

The Master of Electrical and Computer Engineering program at Duke Kunshan is a STEM degree which enables international students from outside the US to apply for a 12-month post-completion OPT (optional practical training) after they finish their second year of study at Duke University. They are also able to extend their OPT by up to 24 months.

In the summer of first year, students have the opportunity to participate in an internship with multinational companies based in either China or their home country. While in the US, you’ll also have the opportunity to attend courses focused on business fundamentals and industry management, further burnishing your academic credentials.

China and the US are vital markets for the world’s biggest companies

You might not have thought too much about your future career path just yet, but there are considerable advantages to studying somewhere with strong industry connections. As two of the world’s biggest markets and financial centers, you’d struggle to find a business that won’t see your experience of both China and the US as an advantage.

This is particularly true for Duke Kunshan’s electrical and computer engineering students as many of the world’s largest technology firms, from Alphabet Inc. (Google’s parent company) to Apple have dedicated significant resources to ‘cracking’ the Chinese market. Even if you’re not interested in being based in China after you graduate, the knowledge you’ll gain from living and studying there will be enough to give you the edge in the graduate job market.

Also, students on the Master of Electrical and Computer Engineering program are expected to spend the summer between their first and second year as an intern working in industry, enhancing the knowledge they’ve developed on the program and putting it into practical use.

Duke Kunshan offers a degree that’s internationally well-regarded

As much as the career benefits and cultural highlights mentioned above are important factors when choosing a postgraduate degree, they obviously can’t take as much precedence as the quality of the institution itself. Fortunately, studying at Duke Kunshan University means getting to experience not one but two world-class academic campuses, with your time split between Duke University in the US and Duke Kunshan University in China. At the end, you’ll graduate with a degree from Duke University.

According to data collected by Duke University, 85 percent of master’s graduates from December 2016 and May 2017 who actively pursued employment were hired within six months of graduation, with an average salary of $109,100. Key employers include Airbnb, Amazon, Apple, Cisco, Facebook, Google, IBM, Intel, Microsoft and NVIDIA.

China and the US offer unforgettable cultural experiences

Of course, there’s more to the experience of studying in China and the US than how it will impact your career. Living in both of these countries also means getting to sample the best of Eastern and Western culture, from traditional Chinese customs to American fraternities and sororities.

Duke Kunshan understand that moving to a new country can be daunting and in China in particular there are a range of social events organized throughout the year you’ll be studying there. There’s also the opportunity to take language courses and further develop your understanding of the Chinese language and culture.

If the idea of studying in both China and the US sounds appealing to you, or you’d like to learn more about the Master of Electrical and Computer Engineering program at Duke Kunshan University, click here to find out more.

Sponsored by School of Life Sciences at the University of Warwick

With a positive blend of green countryside, and bustling city life just down the road, the University of Warwick has much to offer the 8,000 international students who come to study at one of the UK’s highest-ranked universities. Although the idea of moving to a new town or city, let alone a new country, for university can be both an exciting and daunting experience, the University of Warwick has a lot to offer its students and student life.

You’ll be a part of a world-leading university 

Ranked 54^th in the QS World University Rankings 2019, the University of Warwick prides itself on its highest academic teaching and research standards, cutting-edge technology and outstanding services. It’s ranked fifth in the UK for bioscience according to The Guardian’s 2019 ranking. It also features in the Global Top 100 for graduate employability in the latest QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019.

You’ll experience research-led teaching

Credit: University of Warwick

At the University of Warwick, the School of Life Sciences is leading the way in research-led teaching, with more than 80 percent of its research rated ‘internationally excellent’. Its three School of Life Sciences undergraduate courses, and five School of Life Sciences postgraduate courses cover a range of subject specialties including: biomedical science, biochemistry, biotechnology, environmental bioscience and plant and crop science, which support various other research programs not just at Warwick, but at other universities and institutes around the world. 

You’ll never be bored

The University of Warwick has over 300 student-run societies. Whether you have a lifelong passion, or want to try something new, you’ll find something for you. One example of a top student society is the Warwick Biology Society (BioSoc), which is run by students of the university who organize social events, trips and talks throughout the year.

You’ll be able to satisfy your wanderlust

Studying at the University of Warwick means you’ll be living in the heart of England, which means great transport links to the north and south of the country are quick, easy and cheap (most of the time). London is only over an hour away by train as well, so you’ll have no excuse to not break out of the campus bubble and be the envy of your friends back home with your Instagram posts.

You can visit all the wonders of Warwickshire

Image: Warwick Castle

It can also be refreshing to discover what’s on your doorstep. If you study at the University of Warwick, you’ll be able to explore the picture-perfect postcard county of Warwickshire in between lectures.

The cozy town of Warwick blends the old and the new, with a historical charm that attracts visitors from all across the world. Explore Warwick Castle, one of the largest medieval castles in the UK, take a boat trip along the winding River Avon at St. Nicholas’ Park, go for a country walk with a picnic in hand, or stop in at a pub along the way for a hearty pub lunch.

Make sure you take a trip to Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of England’s most famous poet and playwright –William Shakespeare. Nearby Royal Leamington Spa and Kenilworth are also rich in history and culture, and are most definitely worth a visit or two.

Finally, you shouldn’t forget to visit the city of Coventry, which is only a 10-minute drive away from the University of Warwick. Much like its neighboring towns, Coventry also has historical tales to tell with medieval monuments dotted across the city. It also oozes a cosmopolitan vibe, where you’ll be able to shop ‘till you drop, and be positively overwhelmed by the endless choices of restaurants and bars to indulge in.

And if that’s still not enough… you’ll also have the chance to win an international scholarship

It’s no secret tuition fees in the UK are some of the highest in the world. To help fund students’ studies, the University of Warwick proudly offers the International Life Sciences Excellence Scholarship for undergraduate students, and the SLS Excellence Scholarship for postgraduate students. Applications are open to all international students.

Sponsored by University of Copenhagen

Three words that can be used to describe the city of Copenhagen are healthy, happy and clean. This cycle-friendly and positively green capital city has so much to offer its students. With five bicycles per car, locally-sourced food on every street corner and four harbor baths, it’s no wonder that Copenhagen is one of the best performing cities in the Healthy Cities initiative of the World Health Organization.

The city of Copenhagen is also ranked 45^th in the QS Best Student Cities 2018. So, it should not come as a surprise either that over 5,000 students from across the globe have moved to the Danish capital to study and experience all it has to offer. 

Reason 1: Copenhagen as a bike city

It’s time to hop on your bike and travel like the locals, as Copenhagen takes the crown from Amsterdam as the world’s leading bike city.

Cycling is considered a way of life in the Danish capital with more than half of Copenhageners dedicating their lives to commuting and traveling around the city on two wheels rather than four. It’s cheap, eco-friendly and, of course, very healthy.

Cycle superhighways in Copenhagen also make it easy and safe to travel by bicycle. In the heart of the city, Dronning Louises Bro is a bridge that’s very popular amongst cyclists and pedestrians, as it was narrowed to reduce car traffic, and increase bicycle traffic, instead.

As well as learning about your degree, you’ll also learn about Copenhagen’s bicycle rush hours, as you’ll never be more than a 30-minute bicycle ride from any of the university’s four campuses, wherever you live in the city.

Reason 2: New Nordic Cuisine

Credit: Knud Winckelmann (Wikimedia Commons)

Dine like a Dane and follow your nose to sample New Nordic Cuisine which puts traditional Scandinavian food at the forefront of its recipes. It’s sustainable, healthy and, most importantly, very delicious.

Take a trip to Torvehallerne, to really get a taste for all things seasonal, organic and authentic on a more student-friendly budget. Torvehallerne boasts over 60 food stalls, where you can try almost anything. From fresh fish, to gourmet chocolates to exotic spices and an abundance of street food, you’ll never be short of choices.

Reason 3: Copenhagen Harbor Baths

Credit: Milgrammer (Wikimedia Commons)

Time to take a dip in one of Copenhagen’s Harbor Baths. An incredible urban take on natural swimming baths, the Copenhagen Harbor Baths are one of the trendiest hotspots in the city.

Islands Brygge is one of Copenhagen’s most iconic landmarks where you can swim alongside the city’s skyline. Copencabana, Svanemølle Beach and Sluseholmen are also popular Harbor Baths. Open from the beginning of June to the end of September, come rain or shine, with free admission, it’s easy to see why the Harbor Baths are a huge hit with everyone who comes to Copenhagen.  

Reason 4: Copenhagen’s ‘clean city’

Credit: Jakob Dall

Within the last 10 years Copenhagen has heavily invested in a number of environmentally-friendly policies. Much of the city’s public transport runs on electricity or hydrogen, and the majority of buses are fitted with technology that can remove 99 percent of chemicals and toxins from their exhausts. 

The University of Copenhagen is also following suit, and is dedicated to green living, as it works towards becoming one of the world’s greenest campuses. Green Campus 2020 is a sustainable strategy, which the university works towards to achieve ambitious goals in reducing energy consumption, CO2 emissions and waste, whilst also working to increase recycling rates.

Reason 5: Healthy brain

Credit: University of Copenhagen

The University of Copenhagen offers its students the opportunity to join one of their UCPH International Summer programs which run throughout the months of July and August. It’s a good incentive if you want to keep your mind active throughout the summer months and further your academic career and experience.

With over 50 courses available in areas of interest including society, politics and economics to biology, chemistry and nature, there should be something for everyone. All courses are taught in English, and the majority of courses are for those studying at a master’s level. There are, however, a number of courses for those studying at bachelors’ level as well.

Reason 6: Culture as a healthy activity

Credit: University of Copenhagen

Sometimes taking some time out for yourself and experiencing a new culture is just as healthy for your mind as cycling is healthy for your body.

Students at the University of Copenhagen won’t need to travel too far to experience authentic Danish culture. Every July, the city comes alive with the sound of jazz around every street corner as it plays host to the Copenhagen Jazz Festival. It attracts more than 250,000 people, making it one of the biggest music events in Europe.

Or, if you prefer the peace and quiet that comes with exploring a new culture, take in the chilled atmosphere of the Botanical Garden, one of Copenhagen’s many green city spaces. The Botanical Garden is a research-based garden in collaboration with University of Copenhagen, and is famous for its historical glasshouses which date back to 1874, and recently opened Butterfly House. Open all year round, the garden is free to explore, but students can get a discounted entrance fee to visit the glasshouse for 40DKK (~US$6).

New research from personal finance comparison site finder.com has revealed that the UK is the fifth most expensive destination for students to study in the world, following Canada in fourth place, Australia in third, New Zealand second, and the United States leading at number one.

While the minimum cost of a year’s tuition at a public university around the world averages £2,536, students in many European countries are paying less than half of this amount for their courses, at £1,000 per year. UK students at UK universities, however, are paying around a staggering four times more than their European counterparts, with yearly fees at the average university costing £9,250 for an undergraduate degree.

Many are questioning UK universities’ value for money, and ahead of Brexit, there have also been warnings that tuition fees may witness an even higher rise, which could send more students abroad to study for less.

So, is it all worth it? Or should you be saving up your pennies to study abroad for a lot less? Read on to find out more.

Overview of the 10 most expensive countries for UK students:

More British students are choosing to study abroad instead

According to a 2018 article by the Independent, research revealed that half of students are considering studying abroad, due to ‘extortionate’ tuition fees at UK universities. The study of 750 students aged 16 and over discovered that seven in 10 of the participants consider the cost of higher education in the UK ‘too high’, while three in five also expressed fears concerning the possible rise in fees due to Brexit. 

Furthermore, the poll commissioned by foreign exchange specialists, Caxton, revealed that four in 10 believe studying abroad is likely to land them higher paid jobs upon graduation – in contrast, a mere 14 percent are confident studying in the UK would provide them with financial success in the long-run.

Following the statistics, however, Edward Gott, head of premier clients at Caxton, said: “It’s clear that an education overseas can offer a wealth of benefits, bringing financial rewards as well as opportunities for significant cultural enrichment.

“Although it might at first appear a daunting investment proposition, Brits can in fact save thousands of pounds by looking overseas to further their studies and reap the rewards as a result.”

Jon Ostler, UK CEO at Finder, also said that “The rise of technology and cheap flights has made the prospects of studying abroad much more realistic and less daunting than it was for previous generations”, adding that “a large amount of international courses are being taught in English, and if British students don’t feel like our universities offer them value for money, then they won’t hesitate to consider alternatives.

“However, something worth keeping an eye on is whether Brexit leads the UK to leave the European Economic Area (EEA) as well as the EU. In this scenario, it is likely that tuition fees for Brits would have to be negotiated with each country, increasing the likelihood that they might shoot up.

“Also bear in mind that traditional student loans aren’t available when studying abroad, although some countries do offer schemes to help foreign students fund their stay.”

Are UK universities good value for all they’re worth?

A survey in a 2018 report by the Independent has suggested that only one in three students think their tuition fees are good value for money, with the research from the Office for Students (OfS) also revealing that students become less confident about repaying their tuition fees and maintenance loans back as they get closer to joining the workforce. It reported that a majority of students (62 percent) don’t believe that their tuition fees are good value for money, although this varied depending on the degree.

The survey, which tested more than 60,000 students including recent graduates and school leavers, was published just weeks following the government’s announcement of its long-awaited review of university funding, with British Prime Minister Theresa May admitting that allowing universities to charge variable tuition fees – up to £9,250 a year – had left Britain with “one of the most expensive systems” in the world.

Some of the students who took part in the survey said they expect to be paying off the fees for the rest of their lives, and many expressed their dissatisfaction with the amount they’ll be required to spend from their own pockets throughout their studies; one student said: “We are required to print a lot of A3 pages, multiple times a year for presentations and hand-ins. We also need to buy our own equipment and materials for model making.

“Furthermore, we have yearly international study trips which are also very overpriced. If we were to pay for the exact same trip ourselves, it usually works out to be roughly half the price that we pay to the university.”

What are the alternatives?

Despite the increasing number of UK students choosing to study abroad in the US – according to an article by The Economist which revealed that the number of British students going to university in the US has witnessed a rise of up to a third since 2010 – the research by Finder found that the US is indeed the most expensive study destination in the world, with minimum tuition fees at public universities starting at a whopping £19,000 per year.

Naturally, higher education – whether it be abroad or at home – doesn’t only cover tuition fees but also living costs, which students are required to pay for via their own personal means; this includes monthly rent, as well as costs of study utilities such as textbooks and stationery. For UK students choosing to study at home, this can often add up to extortionately high costs which many are struggling to keep up with, even leading some to take extreme measures in order to make ends meet.

However, students may be relieved to know that options to study anywhere in Europe and the rest of the world are plentiful, and will save them having to cash out large sums for higher education. To help with this, Finder provides an interactive page which lists all global tuition costs for UK students, including an interactive map which comprises of the world’s most popular study destinations, and provides the cost of living in each country for detailed estimates of what students should expect to pay each year.  

A look into Finder’s interactive page suggests that attractive study destinations which handily charge little or no money, include Denmark (where studying is completely free of charge for EU students and over 700 courses are taught in English), France, with its famous capital Paris coming fifth in the QS Best Student Cities 2018 ranking and courses costing a mere £170, and the Netherlands, where it costs just £1,752 for a year’s study and 60 percent of courses are taught in English.

Other study-abroad options for free tuition and low yearly living costs include Malta (£9,426), Greece (£8,472), Brazil (£6,965), and Argentina (£6,535).

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Sponsored by SOAS University of London

According to the latest Campaign for Social Science report, almost four out of ten graduates have a social science degree. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, considering how social sciences play an integral role in today’s globalized world, and despite these high numbers social science graduates remain in demand around the world.

Equipped with a uniquely transferable skillset, holistic mentality and a genuine interest in global issues, social science graduates are innovative thinkers who are well-placed to understand what makes individuals and society ‘tick’.

Read on to find out how you’ll benefit from graduating with a social science degree.

You’ll get to specialize in a subject, or even combine your interests

Social science is an umbrella term for many different subjects. SOAS University of London has an exciting array of social science degrees for both undergraduates and postgraduates, in subjects ranging from social anthropology, to history of art and archaeology and development studies.

Many social sciences share common topics and this overlap means many universities allow you to combine degrees or customize your learning in some way. So, if you have a profound interest in two particular subjects, you’ll be able to study both. Here’s a closer look at just some of the subjects you could end up studying.

Social anthropology

Considered the ‘science of humanity’, social anthropology covers a wide range of topics and discussions, including sociology, philosophy, linguistics, literature and history. At SOAS, their social anthropology undergraduate degree means you’ll gain a deeper understanding into the complexities of the global world and what it means to be a human.

Politics and international relations

Some social sciences are automatically offered as a joint degree, such as the joint politics and international relations undergraduate degree at SOAS. Studying a politics and international relations degree allows you to engage in a deeper understanding of how governments function, how political policies are made, and how countries interact with each other at a political level.

At SOAS, the joint politics and international relations program offers its students the chance to deeply analyze and evaluate politics and political systems around the world, including countries in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Economics

Economics is considered one of the most popular social sciences, as the skills and knowledge gained from an economics degree can be applied to a range of real-life career opportunities.

Another positive aspect about studying an economics degree is that you can easily combine it with other degree subjects as well. For example, SOAS offers its students the chance to integrate its BA Economics degree with another subject, making it possible for you to study two of your academic interests.

Law

You may choose to study law to kick-start a career in the legal sector. Or, you may just have a genuine interest in studying a degree which offers a unique combination of both human and intellectual elements.

Law degrees vary from university to university. For example, a law degree at SOAS specializes in key areas, such as international law, human rights, environmental law and socio-legal method, meaning you’ll gain a deep comprehension of legal traditions and practices across a range of regions around the world.

You’ll gain a highly valuable and transferable skillset

The set of skills you’ll build and foster by studying a social science degree will help you function and thrive in the modern workplace. Here are some of the skills you can expect to gain, which will make you an attractive hire to global employers: 

• Verbal and written communication skills
• The ability to research, analyze and critically evaluate data
• The ability to formulate, present and argue logical debates effectively
• The ability to understand the processes of change in society
• An awareness and understanding of cross-cultures
• High emotional intelligence

You’ll possess the knowledge required to positively impact the world

Social science degrees offer a fascinating insight into everyday life, while also preparing you for the challenges and opportunities that arise in contemporary society. Given the academic focus on societal issues and the relationships of individuals within society, your degree will be critical to challenging social problems and real-life world issues.

Did you know that business and international studies is a particularly common academic background for politicians? It’s reported that 60 percent of global leaders graduated with a social science degree.

Of course, not everybody wants to rule the world, but the Campaign for Social Sciences report has found that graduates with a social science background end up in a variety of other sectors and occupations. Below are just some careers you could pursue with a social science degree:

• Politics
• Market research
• Public administration and defense
• Accountancy
• Teaching and lecturing
• Linguistic anthropology
• Finance
• Insurance
• Law
• Human resources
• Economics
• History
• Archaeology
• Human health and social work

Start your social science journey at SOAS

Ranked fourth for development studies, 16^th for anthropology, 23^rd for politics and within the top 100 in the world for sociology in the QS World Subject University Rankings by Subject 2018, SOAS is clearly one of the top universities to consider for studying a social science degree.

SOAS provides you with more than just a world-class education though. Because of their non-Eurocentric approach, graduating with a social science degree from the SOAS will also provide you with the critical fundamentals for worldwide opportunities. Find out more about the degree options available at the university by clicking here.

BI Norwegian Business School and QS have joined together to offer an exclusive scholarship, available to all attendees of the QS World Grad School Tour. The scholarship covers 100 percent of tuition fees and is available to two students every year. Based on academic performance, you may also be able to have the scholarship renewed for your second year of study.

To learn more about the scholarship and how you can make your application stand out, we spoke to Shani Pearson, the school’s international recruitment coordinator.

Why has your institution been motivated to offer this scholarship?

By working with QS, BI Norwegian Business School is increasing our brand presence with international students and positioning our master’s programs among the top academic performers. As a triple accredited and highly-ranked business school, we aim to ensure international diversity in our programs and want to attract strong candidates seeking a top-notch business education.

What should all prospective applicants know about your institution before they apply?

BI Norwegian Business School is the top business school in Norway. Our programmes and faculties are highly ranked and our accreditations are a symbol of quality. We know we aren’t the obvious choice (everyone is worried about the cold since we are located in the north) so we’re looking for candidates who want to stand out from the crowd and who will dare to do something different.

What should students demonstrate in their applications?

The ideal candidate for the BI Norwegian Business School/QS Scholarship needs to demonstrate a strong academic record. All our scholarships are awarded based on academic performance. We also want the candidate to have met us at our booth at the QS World Grad Fair or during a QS Connect 1-2-1. They need to know that BI Norwegian Business School is the right school for them.

Why do you feel scholarships are important?

Attracting the best academic performers is a priority at BI Norwegian Business School so our scholarship program is designed to attract top international students to our master’s programs. We have a generous scholarship program which includes the two scholarships available for candidates who meet us at the QS World Grad Fair Tour. These scholarships fund tuition for up to two years.

Aside from this scholarship, why do you feel students should consider applying to your institution? What makes your institution unique?

We’re looking for candidates who dare to do something different. Norway is one of the best countries in the world to live in, has one of the strongest and most stable economies, and is known for its adventurous spirit (think about the Vikings sailing to all ends of the earth and the polar explorers skiing to the North and South Poles).

It’s not the obvious choice for many. But, for those seeking a business degree that will make them stand out from the crowd, BI Norwegian Business School is a good choice.  

If you’re planning to study at one of the top universities in Russia, you’re probably considering Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU) and Saint-Petersburg State University (SPbGU). Just as Moscow and St Petersburg have competed for centuries as Russia’s rival seats of power, culture and urban life, these two universities have emerged as the country’s two leading lights in the world of higher education.

There’s even some friendly rivalry over which of the two is Russia’s oldest university. While Lomonosov Moscow State University was established in 1755, Saint-Petersburg State University claims to have originated in an earlier institution formed in 1724, having operated in its current guise since 1819.

Both of these two top universities in Russia are large institutions, with around 47,000 and 32,000 students respectively, and they both offer a comprehensive selection of courses across undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

They’re also both well-respected internationally, appearing in the top 250 of the latest QS World University Rankings®. Within the five fast-developing BRICS countries, Lomonosov Moscow State University fares particularly well, ranking sixth in the latest QS BRICS University Rankings, while Saint-Petersburg State University is 11^th.

Read on for more details of how these two top universities in Russia perform in the BRICS rankings, and their strongest academic areas according to this year’s QS World University Rankings by Subject.

MSU Vs SPbGU in the BRICS rankings

The latest data from the QS BRICS University Rankings shows Lomonosov Moscow State University ahead on seven of the eight performance indicators used, while both institutions follow a common pattern of strengths and weaknesses shared by many of the leading universities in Russia.

MSU stands out in particular for its strong international reputation. It’s rated among the top 10 universities in the BRICS countries by both academics and employers, comfortably ahead of SPbGU and other leading Russian universities in this domain. It also ranks among the leading BRICS institutions for the international diversity of its student community, having succeeded in attracting high numbers of students from outside Russia.

In general, Russian universities perform well on the faculty/student ratio indicator – and this holds true for MSU and SPbGU. Calculated based on the number of academic staff relative to student enrolments, this indicator seeks to assess institutions’ capacity for providing high-quality teaching and contact time.

Meanwhile, research production and impact levels are a shared weaker point. With a few exceptions – notably the highly cited National Research Nuclear University MEPhI – Russian universities tend to lag behind their BRICS counterparts when it comes to both numbers of papers published, and resulting citations.

Overall, however, the BRICS ranking shows these two leading institutions putting in a strong performance across a range of indicators. But how does the picture look when broken down by specific subjects?

MSU Vs SPbGU in the subject rankings

As illustrated by the table below, Lomonosov Moscow State University claims a much stronger presence in the QS World University Rankings by Subject than Saint-Petersburg State University. The former is featured in the international tables for 28 of the 48 subjects covered, and the latter for 15 subjects.

MSU performs particularly well in the natural sciences, claiming an international ranking for all seven of the natural sciences featured in the subject rankings. It also fares notably well in language-related areas – its four strongest placings are for linguistics (18^th in the world), physics (joint 27^th), mathematics (38^th) and modern languages (joint 26^th). Similarly, SPbGU claims its best positions for linguistics, modern languages and mathematics.

Are you planning to study at one of these two top Russian universities? Are you keen to experience the buzzing crowds, skyscrapers and sheer size of Moscow, or are you attracted by the slower pace, aesthetic appeal and sea air of St Petersburg? Share your own experiences and opinions in the comments below.

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This article was originally published in July 2015 by Laura Bridgestock. It was updated in November 2018 by Sabrina Collier.