About SPbU

With a history dating back to 1724, St Petersburg University (or SPbU) is the oldest institution of higher education in Russia. Today, the University successfully combines tradition and innovation, being one of the leading international centers of education, science and culture. For over 20 years, St Petersburg University has been one of the leaders in testing foreign citizens in Russian language proficiency.

By the order of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation № 471 from 6 July 2019, St Petersburg University was included in the list of educational organizations that are granted the right to conduct the state-approved testing in Russian as a foreign language (TORFL), and issue a state-approved certificate. The TORFL certificate is an official document certifying the level of Russian as a foreign language in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

The TORFL certificate is recognized at state level in a number of countries other than Russia. It increases the chances of finding a good job and boosts the academic career of the certificate holder. It is also required for admission to Russian higher education institutions.

Find out more about TORFL exams