International Student Graduation Ceremony Held at Lobachevsky University on July 31, 2026
On July 31, 2026, a formal graduation ceremony for international students took place at Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod (UNN). In the year of the University's 110th anniversary, a total of 345 students from 49 countries completed their studies across all academic levels. Among them were 201 bachelor's and specialist degree graduates, 119 master's graduates, four clinical residency graduates, and 21 postgraduate (PhD) graduates.
UNN Rector Oleg Trofimov addressed the former students with a heartfelt speech:
"Honoring our international graduates is a fine tradition of ours. This graduation is particularly special as it takes place during the 110th anniversary year of Lobachevsky University. I hope that the years you spent at our university will be remembered with warmth and gratitude. Russia ranks among the top ten countries in the world for the quality of higher education and is doing everything to ensure that international students feel comfortable here. New technological solutions are being developed and implemented — for example, a digital profile for international students; grants were established last year; and an effective system for employment, internships, and work placements is being formed. UNN has been training international students for over 20 years now. Over this time, we have provided education to thousands of young people from dozens of countries. We are proud that our graduates maintain their connection with the university even after completing their studies — they come back to visit, write letters, and remember and thank their teachers and mentors. For us, that is the greatest reward. The university's doors are always open to new ideas, new projects, and, of course, to your friends."
The top 10 countries by the number of students who completed their studies in 2026 were: Ecuador, Syria, Colombia, Algeria, Nigeria, Iraq, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Egypt.
The largest number of international graduates this year came from the Institute of Clinical Medicine — 138 students. This was followed by the Institute of International Relations and World History — 44 students, the Institute of Economics — 39 students, and the Faculty of Law — 37 students.
A particularly moving moment of the ceremony was the premiere of the International Graduates' Anthem, performed by the vocal and instrumental ensemble UNN Voices, which includes students from various countries.
Akabokoy Niran Sansi Siryu from the Republic of the Congo, a master's graduate in "World Politics and International Law" from the Institute of International Relations and World History, has been living and studying in Russia for seven years and already feels at home. The graduate plans to continue his studies in the PhD program at Lobachevsky University and to get married.
"I am experiencing so many emotions upon completing my studies, and to be honest, I don't want to say goodbye. Here at UNN, so much has been done for international students to make us feel comfortable," the young man remarked.
During the year, students from more than 50 countries studied Russian and basic subjects related to their future fields, preparing to continue their education in Russian universities at bachelor’s, master’s and PhD levels.
On July 29, international students visited the village of Starocherkassk
Russian education has traditionally been valued around the world for its emphasis on foundational knowledge and for helping graduates develop a broad perspective, which enables young professionals to build successful careers upon returning to their home countries.
During the visit of the Foundation for Advanced Studies, Alexey Voronov, Head of the Center for the Development of Advanced Materials Science, and Alexey Razumovsky, Head of the Product Development and Partnership Departments of the Advanced Research Foundation visited SFedU research infrastructure.
A year ago, twenty-five students passed a rigorous selection process to participate in a one-year internship at Central South University in Changsha, China, as part of a joint project between SFU and the company “Polyus.”
