Ogarev Mordovia State University has recorded significant growth in applications during its 2026 admission campaign, with more than 43,000 applications submitted by prospective students.

A press conference summarizing the results of the 2026 admission campaign was held at Ogarev Mordovia State University on September 9. Acting Rector Larisa Balykova, Vice-Rector for International Affairs and Security Dmitry Stolyarov, and Elena Petrova, Director of the Department of Career Guidance, Admission Organization and Career Development, presented the main results of this year’s campaign.

The university received 43,183 applications, an increase of approximately 30% compared with 2025. This included 35,832 applications for bachelor’s and specialist programmes, 3,102 for master’s programmes, and 3,019 for secondary vocational education programmes.

As of September 9, 4,810 students had been admitted to the university, including 3,100 bachelor’s and specialist students, 881 master’s students, 623 secondary vocational students, and 204 medical residency students. Further admissions to postgraduate programmes and paid places are expected.

Growing competition and wider geography

Competition for state-funded places also increased. The overall average competition rose fr om 7 applicants per place in 2025 to 9 applicants per place in 2026.

The geography of applicants expanded as well. Applicants from 87 Russian regions submitted documents to MRSU, compared with 82 regions in 2025.

The university also reported growing use of Russia’s unified public services portal for university applications. Depending on the level of education, between 26% and 95% of applicants used the digital service, with an average share of 63% across the university.

The most popular programmes

Several fields demonstrated particularly high competition. Among the most sought-after programmes were:

• Dentistry — 146 applicants per place;

• Law — 127 applicants per place;

• Information Security — 64.8 applicants per place;

• Economics — 56.5 applicants per place;

• Law Enforcement — 55.3 applicants per place.

Engineering and IT programmes also attracted substantial interest. In particular, Electronics and Nanoelectronics recorded 31 applicants per place, while Information Security remained the most competitive IT-related programme.

The average admission score in 2026 was 69 points, one point higher than in 2025. The figure varied considerably depending on the programme: for example, the average passing score for Law was 93.8 points, while for Zootechnics it was 52 points.

Growing interest among international students

International admissions remained an important part of the campaign. Applicants from 40 countries, including 35 countries outside the CIS, submitted applications to MRSU. As of September 8, 559 international students had been admitted.

The university noted that international applicants are increasingly showing interest not only in medicine, but also in technology-related programmes and fields with a strong language component.

One example is the Joint Russian-Chinese Institute of Ogarev Mordovia State University and Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, wh ere students study under joint programmes and can receive diplomas fr om both universities. The institute currently offers five programmes, including bachelor’s and master’s programmes in photonics, infocommunication technologies and thermal power engineering, with an annual intake of 280 students.

At the same time, Russian language and literature continue to attract international students. Chinese students regularly come to MRSU for year-long internships focused on studying the Russian language.

Supporting international students

MRSU continues to develop a comprehensive system for the adaptation of international students. The University’s Student Adaptation Centre, operating since 2023, organizes language, cultural, sports and educational activities throughout the academic year.

International students are encouraged not only to learn about Russian culture but also to share their own traditions. The university celebrates events such as Nowruz and Diwali, while its Chinese and Indian cultural centres provide platforms for intercultural communication.

The Russian Speaking Club also helps international students overcome language barriers and practice Russian in an informal environment. The Chinese Cultural Centre has become another regular meeting place for Russian and Chinese students.

Developing international recognition of MRSU degrees

The university is also continuing its work to strengthen the international recognition of its educational programmes and degrees.

In 2026, this work has become more systematic, with greater attention being paid to the entire educational pathway of students and the requirements of the countries wh ere graduates may continue their studies or pursue professional careers.

Cooperation with China is one of the key examples. The Joint Russian-Chinese Institute operates on a two-degree model, with students enrolled simultaneously at both universities. Upon completing the agreed educational programme, students receive diplomas from both Jiangsu University of Science and Technology and Ogarev Mordovia State University.

The programmes and their implementation requirements are jointly coordinated by the two universities and designed to meet the requirements of both educational systems.