Created by Роман Тузов (hutsonr.ru, vk.com/roma_hutson)

Tomsk, a city of students

Siberian Oxford

Tomsk was home to the first university in the vast expanse of Asian Russia, between the Urals and the Pacific Ocean.


Entrepreneurs from all over the country donated generously to support the creation of the first university in Siberia, and public and cultural leaders contributed rare books to the collection of the university library.


Dmitri Mendeleev, the famous creator of the periodic table of elements, was one of the great minds behind the creation of the university.


Becoming home to a university forever changed the infrastructure of Tomsk and determined its future.


Soon after, it would welcome other institutes and universities.


Tomsk would transform into a major center of culture and education, with unique architecture, earning the nickname Siberian Athens.


Scientists from Tomsk have made many discoveries that stand in a league of their own. For example, in 2017, the following inventions were created in Tomsk:


  • — device for the treatment of cancer,
  • — device for detection of small defects in aircraft,
  • — water drone for lake exploration.

A diploma from a Tomsk university guarantees a high level of knowledge and cometence, this standard of education is recognized globally and ensures a high employability of graduates.


Year after year, universities of Tomsk expand their range of international programs and perfect their teaching methods.


Dmitri Mendeleev, one of creators of the first university in Tomsk

6

universities

8

research institutes

3rd best student city in Russia, according to the QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2019

10%

of Tomsk population are students

93

countries are represented by students in Tomsk

Top-500

World's Top 500 Innovative Cities

Siberian Oxford

Tomsk was home to the first university in the vast expanse of Asian Russia, between the Urals and the Pacific Ocean. Entrepreneurs from all over the country donated generously to support the creation of the first university in Siberia, and public and cultural leaders contributed rare books to the collection of the university library. Dmitri Mendeleev, the famous creator of the periodic table of elements, was one of the great minds behind the creation of the university.


Dmitri Mendeleev, one of creators of the first university in Tomsk

Becoming home to a university forever changed the infrastructure of Tomsk and determined its future. Soon after, it would welcome other institutes and universities. Tomsk would transform into a major center of culture and education, with unique architecture, earning the nickname Siberian Athens.


6

universities

8

research institutes

3rd best student city in Russia, according to the QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2019

10%

10% of Tomsk population are students

93

93 countries are represented by students in Tomsk

Scientists from Tomsk have made many discoveries that stand in a league of their own. For example, in 2017, the following inventions were created in Tomsk:


  • — device for the treatment of cancer,
  • — device for detection of small defects in aircraft,
  • — water drone for lake exploration.

A diploma from a Tomsk university guarantees a high level of knowledge and cometence, this standard of education is recognized globally and ensures a high employability of graduates.


Top-500

World's Top 500 Innovative Cities

Year after year, universities of Tomsk expand their range of international programs and perfect their teaching methods.


Comfort and access for learning and living

Language access

Tomsk universities offer a variety of opportunities to learn or improve your knowledge of Russian:


Pre-university courses


The course is two semesters (one year) long and is designed to provide in-depth study of the Russian language and help students overcome the language barrier. After completing a pre-university course, international students are ready to pursue a degree program of their choice


Russian as a foreign language This course employs a unique method that allows students to learn Russian without using any other foregin language, not even English. The interactive learning process makes use of special textbooks created by educators from Tomsk.


Russian language summer schoolsAn opportunity for international students to travel, experience the Russian culture and improve their language skills for a small fee (28,000 rubles). A 2 to 3 week intensive course of the Russian language with a strong cultural component where students visit museums, travel to historic villages in Tomsk region, go to the traditional Russian banya, ride dog sleds and even learn to hand-craft a kokoshnik.


Preparation for language testingRussian as a foreign language and for pre-intermediate, I, and II certification levels. In addition, while studying in Tomsk, students may take a naturalization test.


Affordability


Affordability of living is one of the most frequently cited factors that drive students' choice of Tomsk as a place of study.


Tomsk universities partner with universities from other countries, offer internship opportunities, student exchanges and other programs, and in some cases, international students may benefit from a tuition fee waiver.


In general, tuition in Tomsk is more affordable than in Moscow or Saint Petersburg. Add to that the lower cost of food, rent and transport.


Accessible environment

Starting in 2015, Tomsk is running an accessibility program for people with disabilities.


Public spaces are being adjusted to remove all barriers and potential dangers so that all people, regardless of their physical capacity, could access all services and facilities, transport, information and communications.


Street Vision, a contemporary art exhibition in Tomsk

The program aims to create an accessible environment for all: for the visually impaired and the blind, for the hard of hearing and the deaf, for people with low-mobility and other disabilities

3000+

dormitory accommodation per year

2600

Average tuition per yea

1st among Russian cities by share of international student

2nd place among Russian cities in terms of the share of foreign students

Every year, Tomsk universities hold 20+ summer and winter schools in English.

Invited teachers and lecturers from different countries, including Nobel laureates

Tomsk universities offer more than 100 programs and courses in English

Comfort and access for learning and living

Language access

Tomsk universities offer a variety of opportunities to learn or improve your knowledge of Russian:


Pre-university courses

The course is two semesters (one year) long and is designed to provide in-depth study of the Russian language and help students overcome the language barrier. After completing a pre-university course, international students are ready to pursue a degree program of their choice


Russian as a foreign language

This course employs a unique method that allows students to learn Russian without using any other foregin language, not even English. The interactive learning process makes use of special textbooks created by educators from Tomsk.


Russian language summer schools

An opportunity for international students to travel, experience the Russian culture and improve their language skills for a small fee (28,000 rubles). A 2 to 3 week intensive course of the Russian language with a strong cultural component where students visit museums, travel to historic villages in Tomsk region, go to the traditional Russian banya, ride dog sleds and even learn to hand-craft a kokoshnik.


Preparation for language testing

Russian as a foreign language and for pre-intermediate, I, and II certification levels. In addition, while studying in Tomsk, students may take a naturalization test.


Every year, Tomsk universities hold 20+ summer and winter schools in English.

Invited teachers and lecturers from different countries, including Nobel laureates

Tomsk universities offer more than 100 programs and courses in English

Affordability

Affordability of living is one of the most frequently cited factors that drive students' choice of Tomsk as a place of study.

3000+

dormitory accommodation per year

2600

Average tuition per year

Tomsk universities partner with universities from other countries, offer internship opportunities, student exchanges and other programs, and in some cases, international students may benefit from a tuition fee waiver.


In general, tuition in Tomsk is more affordable than in Moscow or Saint Petersburg. Add to that the lower cost of food, rent and transport.

Accessible environment

Starting in 2015, Tomsk is running an accessibility program for people with disabilities.

Street Vision, a contemporary art exhibition in Tomsk

The program aims to create an accessible environment for all: for the visually impaired and the blind, for the hard of hearing and the deaf, for people with low-mobility and other disabilities.


1st among Russian cities by share of international students

2nd place among Russian cities in terms of the share of foreign students

Comfortable and safe environment for international students

Tomsk is a city of educated people; many of its residents have a university degree, making it a safe, low-crime place where respect for people of any nationality and religious belief is treated as the norm. The people of Tomsk are open to communication, Russian students are easy to make friends with, and they happily assist their international peers in exploring the city and learning the language through friendly communication.


International students on a guided tour around Tomsk


The city administration is making the infrastructure of Tomsk better adapted for foreigners. Tomsk universities have comfortable dormitories for accommodation of international students.


TUSUR dormitory for international students


TSU dormitory Parus for international students


With so many people in the city, Tomsk is always bristling with energy. Street musicians, dancers, and exhibitions are something you can see on every corner.


Tomsk hosts numerous festivals where students from different countries celebrate their national culture, cook national dishes and display folk costumes. You can make friends with people from all over the world, experience new cultures and even study new languages. In addition, you can meet students from your own country and not feel lonely in a foreign city.


All infrastructure for sports can be found in Tomsk:


Dozens of various sports clubs


Hundreds of sports facilities


Tomsk is a city of students, and cafes here are welcoming of students who need a place to study. Many of them have bookshelves, sockes to plug in your laptop, and free Wi-Fi. And some even have special venues for public lectures, for example, the cafe Kafedra.


Lecture on industrial design in Kafedra


190

registered religious organizations

8

main religious denominations

Buddy System

A project that facilitates communication between Russian and international students. Within this project, international students in Tomsk are assigned buddies who are Russian students that provide them with tutorship and support during their stay in Tomsk.

12,000

international students from 93 countries

100

bars for any taste

292

various cafes

Sports facilities

2 bowling alleys

11 stadiums

19 sports complexes

More than 120 gyms and fitness clubs

4 equestrian clubs

3 tennis courts

8 swimming pools

5 skiing centers

11 ice rinks

Comfortable and safe environment for international students

Tomsk is a city of educated people; many of its residents have a university degree, making it a safe, low-crime place where respect for people of any nationality and religious belief is treated as the norm. The people of Tomsk are open to communication, Russian students are easy to make friends with, and they happily assist their international peers in exploring the city and learning the language through friendly communication.


190

registered religious organizations

8

main religious denominations

International students on a guided tour around Tomsk


The city administration is making the infrastructure of Tomsk better adapted for foreigners. Tomsk universities have comfortable dormitories for accommodation of international students.


TUSUR dormitory for international students


TSU dormitory Parus for international students


With so many people in the city, Tomsk is always bristling with energy. Street musicians, dancers, and exhibitions are something you can see on every corner.


Tomsk hosts numerous festivals where students from different countries celebrate their national culture, cook national dishes and display folk costumes. You can make friends with people from all over the world, experience new cultures and even study new languages. In addition, you can meet students from your own country and not feel lonely in a foreign city.


Buddy System

A project that facilitates communication between Russian and international students. Within this project, international students in Tomsk are assigned buddies who are Russian students that provide them with tutorship and support during their stay in Tomsk.

12,000

international students from 93 countrie

All infrastructure for sports can be found in Tomsk:


Dozens of various sports clubs


Hundreds of sports facilities


Sports facilities

2 bowling alleys

11 stadiums

19 sports complexes

More than 120 gyms and fitness clubs

4 equestrian clubs

3 tennis courts

8 swimming pools

5 skiing centers

11 ice rinks

Tomsk is a city of students, and cafes here are welcoming of students who need a place to study. Many of them have bookshelves, sockes to plug in your laptop, and free Wi-Fi.


100

bars for any taste

292

various cafes

And some even have special venues for public lectures, for example, the cafe Kafedra.

Lecture on industrial design in Kafedra


Career in Tomsk

Students who come to Tomsk to study often stay here after graduation.


Tomsk universities have their own business incubators where students can take advantage of consulting services from experienced instructors and entrepreneurs to develop and launch their own startup projects.


There are more than 100 IT companies in Tomsk, whose technologies are successfully marketed in the West. For example, Tomsk-developed software is used by Google, Facebook, and the UN.


IT companies in Tomsk are welcoming to students, offering them internship opportunities with potential employment in the future. As a result, Tomsk ranks first in Russia by the per capita number of IT professionals and researchers.


42%

The highest share of young researchers under the age of 39 (36.6 average age)

500+

IT companies in the region, including more than 100

6

business incubators

Work permit

Students pursuing degree programs may work without a permit in their free time

Career in Tomsk

Students who come to Tomsk to study often stay here after graduation.


Tomsk universities have their own business incubators where students can take advantage of consulting services from experienced instructors and entrepreneurs to develop and launch their own startup projects.


6

business incubators

There are more than 100 IT companies in Tomsk, whose technologies are successfully marketed in the West. For example, Tomsk-developed software is used by Google, Facebook, and the UN.


500+

IT companies in the region, including more than 100 exporters

IT companies in Tomsk are welcoming to students, offering them internship opportunities with potential employment in the future. As a result, Tomsk ranks first in Russia by the per capita number of IT professionals and researchers.


42%

The highest share of young researchers under the age of 39 (36.6 average age)

Work permit

Students pursuing degree programs may work without a permit in their free time

A place that will stay with you foreve

Lagerny Garden

The Lagerny Garden is the first thing you see when you enter Tomsk, and the first place to visit. It is a true monument of nature. Its area is an impressive 40 hectares of land! The Lagerny Garden is a wonderfully green place, where you can enjoy the fresh air, hear birds singing, and even hand feed squirrels who are always excited for visitors with a bag of nuts to share. The Lagerny Garden has a scenic viewpoint that opens to a beautiful panorama of the Tom river valley. Here you can get down to the river bank, play sports, ride a bike, skateboard or roller skates, or just enjoy the peace and quiet of this cozy place.

Lenina Avenue

As you exit the Lagerny Garden, you find yourself looking at the main street of Tomsk, Lenina Avenue. It is framed on both sides by majestic universities and 19th-20th century mansions built by merchants, public and political leaders, all considered architectural heritage of Tomsk today.

University Grove

After a 15-minute walk along Lenina Avenue, on the left you will see the University Grove. The Grove is framed by the buildings of the Polytechnic and Medical Universities, and in the very heart of the park stands the snow-white building of Tomsk State University. Numerous paths, beautiful trees, lawns where students love to relax in between classes: the ambience of the campus and the powerful energy of this place seem to transport you to Bologna or Sorbonne.

Novo-Sobornaya Square

As you walk further down Lenina Avenue, you will reach the Novo-Sobornaya Square. Right in the center, you will see a monument to Tatiana, the patron saint of students and a fountain. На этой площади проходят значимые городские праздники. To the right of the Novo-Sobornaya Square you will find the City Garden. Here you can take a look at Tomsk from the Ferris wheel, ride on merry-go-rounds, or just take a walk around this lively and fun space. The Novo-Sobornaya Square is surrounded by several other landmarks, such as the building of Tomsk State University of Control Systems and Radioelectronics, the mansion of merchant Gadalov, and the one-of-a-kind Tomsk Memorial Museum of the History of Political Repression.

Tom River Promenade

No walk around Tomsk can be complete without a visit to the Tom River Promenade. It offers a view of two rivers at once: Tom and its tributary Ushayka. Here you can listen to street musicians, take photos of the sunset over the river, and even go for a boat ride. On the Promenade you will find the famous monument to Anton Chekhov, a landmark of this place, and of Tomsk.

A place that will stay with you forever

Lagerny Garden

The Lagerny Garden is the first thing you see when you enter Tomsk, and the first place to visit. It is a true monument of nature. Its area is an impressive 40 hectares of land! The Lagerny Garden is a wonderfully green place, where you can enjoy the fresh air, hear birds singing, and even hand feed squirrels who are always excited for visitors with a bag of nuts to share. The Lagerny Garden has a scenic viewpoint that opens to a beautiful panorama of the Tom river valley. Here you can get down to the river bank, play sports, ride a bike, skateboard or roller skates, or just enjoy the peace and quiet of this cozy place.

Lenina Avenue

As you exit the Lagerny Garden, you find yourself looking at the main street of Tomsk, Lenina Avenue. It is framed on both sides by majestic universities and 19th-20th century mansions built by merchants, public and political leaders, all considered architectural heritage of Tomsk today.

University Grove

After a 15-minute walk along Lenina Avenue, on the left you will see the University Grove. The Grove is framed by the buildings of the Polytechnic and Medical Universities, and in the very heart of the park stands the snow-white building of Tomsk State University. Numerous paths, beautiful trees, lawns where students love to relax in between classes: the ambience of the campus and the powerful energy of this place seem to transport you to Bologna or Sorbonne.

Novo-Sobornaya Square

As you walk further down Lenina Avenue, you will reach the Novo-Sobornaya Square. Right in the center, you will see a monument to Tatiana, the patron saint of students and a fountain. На этой площади проходят значимые городские праздники. To the right of the Novo-Sobornaya Square you will find the City Garden. Here you can take a look at Tomsk from the Ferris wheel, ride on merry-go-rounds, or just take a walk around this lively and fun space. The Novo-Sobornaya Square is surrounded by several other landmarks, such as the building of Tomsk State University of Control Systems and Radioelectronics, the mansion of merchant Gadalov, and the one-of-a-kind Tomsk Memorial Museum of the History of Political Repression.

Tom River Promenade

No walk around Tomsk can be complete without a visit to the Tom River Promenade. It offers a view of two rivers at once: Tom and its tributary Ushayka. Here you can listen to street musicians, take photos of the sunset over the river, and even go for a boat ride. On the Promenade you will find the famous monument to Anton Chekhov, a landmark of this place, and of Tomsk.

Map of Consortium facilities

Every place in Tomsk relevant to your education