Russian Gnessins' Academy of Music vs Lomonosov Moscow State University - MSU vs National Research University Higher School of Economics - HSE vs Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia - RUDN vs Moscow Humanitarian Economic Institute - MGEU

Side-by-side comparison from 60 verified student reviews. Scan one row at a time — winners are highlighted

Quick verdict
Higher overall rating: Moscow State Institute of Culture (5.00)
Russian Gnessins' Academy of Music: wins 0/7 categories
Lomonosov Moscow State University - MSU: wins 0/7 categories
National Research University Higher School of Economics - HSE: wins 2/7 categories
Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia - RUDN: wins 1/7 categories
Moscow Humanitarian Economic Institute - MGEU: wins 2/7 categories
Moscow State Institute of Culture: wins 2/7 categories
Université Russe de l’amitié des peuples - Rudn: wins 0/7 categories
Comparing
Best programme: Bachelor of International Studies
Best programme: Economics and Finance
Best programme: BA Political Science
Best programme: Advanced Management
Best programme: Professional Musicianship - Vocals
Category ratings
Facilities
Not rated
3.75
4.14
Win
3.83
4.00
3.00
Not rated
Location
Not rated
3.73
4.67
4.33
5.00
Win
4.00
Not rated
Professors
Not rated
3.92
4.33
3.83
4.50
5.00
Win
Not rated
Internationality
Not rated
4.25
4.18
4.33
4.00
5.00
Win
Not rated
Student life
Not rated
3.92
4.10
4.60
Win
4.50
4.00
Not rated
Value
Not rated
3.83
4.48
Win
4.17
4.00
3.00
Not rated
Accommodation
Not rated
3.75
3.99
3.33
4.50
Win
4.00
Not rated
Pros & Cons
Pros

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  • +Supportive and knowledgeable professors.
  • +High-quality teaching and academic programs.
  • +Excellent campus facilities and amenities.
  • +High academic quality & skilled faculty
  • +Global outlook & diverse programs
  • +Career opportunities & strong network
  • +Engaging academics, practical skill development, and career support
  • +Vibrant, multicultural atmosphere with global connections and cultural exchange
  • +Diverse program options and research opportunities
  • +Strong faculty and teaching quality
  • +Convenient location and accessibility
  • +Comprehensive programs with practical experience
  • +Inspiring and dream-fulfilling education
  • +Excellent professors
  • +Suitable for diverse student backgrounds
  • +Welcoming international students
  • +Rigorous and comprehensive training
  • +Warm atmosphere
Cons

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  • -Administrative and management issues cause constant problems.
  • -Outdated facilities and poor maintenance are a recurring concern.
  • -Lack of clear communication and support from staff is frustrating.
  • -Administrative and management issues hinder student support.
  • -Inconsistent teaching quality and subjective academic processes are problematic.
  • -Unrealistic exam difficulty and demanding workloads cause frustration.
  • -Administrative and management issues, including allegations of corruption and biased treatment.
  • -Administrative and management issues cause significant frustration.
  • -Outdated facilities and insufficient resources hinder learning.
  • -Lack of engaging teaching methods and poor curriculum quality are common complaints.
  • -Administrative and management issues cause frustration.
  • -Outdated facilities and poor maintenance are common complaints.
  • -Lack of responsiveness and poor communication are significant problems.
  • -Administrative and management issues cause frustration.
  • -Outdated facilities and resources are a major drawback.
  • -Lack of clear communication and support is prevalent.
Rating summary
What students say

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This university presents a well-rounded academic experience, excelling in Internationality with a score of 4.25. Professors and Student Life also received commendably high marks at 3.916. Areas for potential improvement include Facilities and Accommodation, both rated at 3.75, and Location at 3.727. Overall value is strong at 3.833.

This institution demonstrates a particularly strong showing in its **Location**, receiving the highest rating. Value and Professors are also highly regarded. Conversely, the **Accomodation** received the lowest score among the evaluated aspects. The university also scores well in Internationality, Facilities, and Student Life, indicating a generally positive overall perception with a few areas for potential improvement.

This institution demonstrates a robust student life, scoring a 4.5, and excellent internationality and location at 4.2. However, accommodation presents the lowest score at 3.2, with facilities and professors also receiving moderate ratings of 3.8. Value is rated a solid 4.0, suggesting a generally positive experience balanced by some areas for improvement.

Overall, this institution garners favorable ratings across multiple aspects. Its location stands out as a significant strength, receiving a perfect score. Professors and student life are also highly regarded, both earning 4.5 stars. While most areas are strong, facilities and internationality are rated slightly lower at 4 stars, representing the weakest points in this assessment.

This institution garners excellent scores in key areas such as **Professors** and **Internationality**, both receiving perfect marks. **Location**, **Student Life**, and **Accomodation** also stand out with strong ratings. Conversely, **Facilities** and **Value** present as the weakest points, with average scores. Overall, the university demonstrates a robust academic and social environment, though improvements could be considered in its physical resources and perceived affordability.

The university showcases an excellent overall profile. Its strongest aspects are location, student life, internationality, and value, all receiving perfect scores. Facilities, professors, and accommodation are also highly rated at 4 out of 5. There are no distinctly weak areas, with all metrics scoring well.

Reviews summary
Highlights

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The university receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with ~100% of 25 reviews being 4–5 stars and an average rating of 4.52. Students highlight dedicated professors and a supportive academic environment.

Around 96% of reviews are positive, highlighting high-quality education, excellent faculty, and valuable connections. A small portion of feedback mentions issues with some professors and the grading system.

With a 4/5 average rating from 8 reviews, ~75% are positive. Students praise academic exploration, diverse cultures, and career preparation. A small portion (~12.5%) mention administrative delays and corruption allegations.

With an average rating of 4/5 based on 2 reviews, feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Students highlight excellent teaching staff, strong Economics program, and convenient city center location. Opportunities for internships and vibrant student events are also praised.

With a perfect 5/5 average rating from one review, this university is highly praised. The single review highlighted professors as great, helpful, and experienced, fulfilling a dream to study music.

With a perfect 5/5 average rating and no negative feedback, this university receives overwhelmingly positive reviews. Students highlight rigorous training, a welcoming atmosphere for foreign students, and comprehensive education across various fields.

Rating distribution
5★
0%
56%
65%
56%
0%
100%
0%
4★
0%
40%
22%
22%
100%
0%
0%
3★
0%
4%
9%
11%
0%
0%
0%
2★
0%
0%
4%
0%
0%
0%
0%
1★
0%
0%
0%
11%
0%
0%
0%
Most useful review
Most liked

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Summer Courses for Foreign Students

I attended a summer semester at Lomonosov Moscow State University in the heart of Moscow, the beautiful capital of Russia, during the summer of 2017. The program is great for those looking to perfect their use of the Russian language and immerse themselves in Russian culture. Students are given an entry test (both written and oral) so that they may be placed in the class that best fits their academic needs. Other than the mandatory language course, students can pick between a variety of elective courses, including but not limited to Russian Art, Russian Culture through Field Trips, Phonetics, Russian Economy, etc. All professors are extremely kind and qualified. The same goes for the staff as well, except for the head of the department and his secretary. I had the unfortunate experience of running into a payment issue at the beginning of the semester, and I had to sit through a disturbingly passive-aggressive meeting with both of them. I hope they have since been replaced. As for the bureaucracy, it is, unfortunately, a typical example of Russian bureaucracy at its worst: people are very reluctant to do whatever task, no matter how simple, you'd ask them to do, including making copies of documents. Yes, you read that right. Students get the option of residing at the MGU dorm, which was built under Stalin and is a landmark of the city itself. Several food courts are also present within the "citadel" of the dorm, and all entrances are guarded by security 24/7. Overall, my experience at Moscow State University was great, even considering the unfortunate incidents that I have mentioned. If you love Russian culture and are looking forward to learning more about the country and perfecting the use of the language, I would highly recommend this experience! Keep in mind, however, that very few Russians speak English: therefore, it would be much more practical if you already had a basic understanding of the Russian language before embarking on this trip.

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Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia

RUDN provides a vibrant, multicultural atmosphere ideal for students seeking global connections. However, administrative processes (visa support, registration) can be slow and bureaucratic. The language programs ( Russian/English-taught courses) are excellent for non-native speakers. Campus facilities like libraries and dormitories are decent, though some buildings need renovation. Student clubs and events foster cultural exchange.

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