Herzen University is one of the oldest universities in Russia. Its history dates back to over 200 years ago when, in 1797, Emperor Paul the First issued a decree to establish the St Petersburg Foundling Home.

The University lies in the heart of St Petersburg, the city known as the Northern Capital of Russia. Over the course of its history, Herzen University has established a tradition of teaching excellence, and embraced the dignity of St Petersburg—one of the most beautiful cities in the world, famous for its monuments, its museums, and its vibrant cultural and academic life.

Today, Herzen University is working in partnership with 60 overseas universities and other academic institutions from the USA, the United Kingdom, Austria, Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Finland, China, Korea, Israel, Japan, and many more. The University hosts more than 4,000 international students.

Herzen University enjoys a high international standing: it is the only pedagogical university to have established a UNESCO Chair. Another high-profile international initiative is the International Centre for Innovation in Education. It is a joint project of Russia’s Ministry of Science and Higher Education and the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science of the Netherlands. The Austrian Federal Ministry for Education, Arts and Culture joined the initiative on 1 April 1995, followed by Denmark, Belgium, and the UK.

Herzen University hosts major Russian and international academic events to foster knowledge sharing, cutting-edge innovation and best practices in the academic community and beyond.