Applicants to Russian universities in 2025 can boost their application with extra points for individual achievements, but the maximum remains capped at 10, irrespective of the number of accomplishments. Universities evaluate achievements according to their own criteria, making it crucial for candidates to check each institution’s specific guidelines.
A variety of achievements can potentially add points to a candidate’s application. Sporting achievements, such as participation and victories in major international and all-Russian competitions like the Olympics, World Championships, and European Championships, can be considered. Sporting titles like Master of Sports of Russia and Candidate Master of Sports can also count, regardless of when they were earned, provided they are properly documented.
Gold, silver, and bronze TRP badges, awarded for completing strength, endurance, and coordination standards, can also add points, though not all universities recognize them, and point values vary. The relevance of the standards is important; applicants aged 18 should have completed the 7th or 6th stage, while those under 18 should have completed the 6th or 5th stage.
Certificates with honors and federal medals “For Special Success in Learning” (gold and silver) are widely recognized, potentially adding up to 5 points. Gold medals require straight A’s and high USE scores (at least 70 in Russian and one chosen subject), while silver medals allow up to two B’s and require USE scores of 60 or higher.
Volunteer work is also considered, with universities setting their own requirements for the number of hours and fields of activity. A minimum of 20 hours of volunteer activity within three months of application is generally expected, documented in a personal volunteer book with organization seals.
Participation and victories in Olympiads offer different advantages. Winners and prize-winners of the All-Russian Olympiad for Schoolchildren (VOSH) may be admitted without exams in the Olympiad subject area. Olympiads listed by the Ministry of Education and Science can add up to 100 points in the core subject, provided the USE score is at least 75. Other competitions and tournaments may also contribute up to 10 points if deemed relevant to the field of study.
Additional points can be earned for winning or placing in the demonstration exam, held in disciplines like programming, web design, and robotics. The “Abilympics” Championship, a movement for people with disabilities, can also qualify applicants for additional points. A final essay, required for USE admission, may earn a single point at some universities, verified through a central database.
Military service, including conscription, contract service, or mobilization, is also taken into account. This is confirmed by a military ID, contract, or certified copies.