Russian universities are urging applicants to finalize their enrollment submissions as the deadline rapidly approaches. With competitive lists already released on July 27, aspiring students have a limited window to secure their place in state-funded programs. The final dates for submitting enrollment consents are August 1 for quota applicants and August 5 for the general competition, making it crucial for candidates to understand the application process and monitor their standing.
Competitive lists, published on university websites, rank applicants based on several criteria. These lists include individuals who applied for state-funded positions, met the minimum Unified State Exam (USE) or entrance exam scores, and were approved to participate in the competition. Applicants can typically find these lists in the “Applicants” or “Admissions” section under titles like “Competitive Lists,” “Rating Lists,” or “Lists of Submitted Documents.”
Universities maintain multiple competitive lists to accommodate various applicant categories. These categories include general competition for applicants without special benefits, targeted quotas for those with employer agreements (e.g., hospitals or schools), special quotas for disabled individuals, orphans, and veterans, separate quotas for children of participants in the Special Military Operation and mobilized individuals, and those admitted without entrance exams due to Olympiad wins. Each quota has its own list and distinct competition.
Rankings are determined by a combination of factors, with the total score being the primary determinant. This score combines USE results and points for individual achievements. In cases of a tie, the core subject’s score is considered, with universities prioritizing subjects like chemistry for medical fields and literature for philology. Preferential enrollment rights, such as those for disabled individuals, and the applicant’s indicated admission priority also play a role. Ultimately, the submission of consent for enrollment is a crucial factor.
Key indicators to monitor on the lists are OVP (main higher priority) and VPP (highest passing priority). OVP indicates that an applicant lacks consent but could be enrolled if they submit it and places are available. VPP signifies that the applicant has already submitted consent and is currently among those eligible for a state-funded place. However, VPP status does not guarantee enrollment, as stronger candidates submitting consent later can potentially “squeeze out” others.
To effectively navigate the competitive list, applicants should locate their name or unique number and identify the number of state-funded places available in their category. They should then note their ranking and, if they have already submitted consent and are within the number of available places, their chances of enrollment are high. Monitoring the VPP and OVP statuses of those ranked above them is also crucial. The lists are updated daily, reflecting changes in consent submissions and withdrawals, so consistent monitoring is essential.
The minimum information included in a competitive list comprises the applicant’s unique code, USE scores and achievement points, preferential rights, admission priority, and the presence or absence of consent. OVP and VPP statuses are also included, along with target agreement numbers for target students and training agreement information for contractors.
Key dates for the 2025 admissions cycle include: July 25, the deadline for document acceptance for state-funded places; July 27, the publication of final competitive lists; August 1, the deadline for consent acceptance for priority enrollment (quotas and those without entrance exams); August 2-3, the issuance of enrollment orders for priority candidates; August 5, the deadline for consent acceptance for the general competition; and August 6-7, the issuance of enrollment orders for the general competition.
Consent for enrollment must be submitted alongside a copy of the certificate or diploma. It can be submitted in person, through a representative with a proxy, by mail, or via the “Gosuslugi” portal if the university is connected to the system. Submitting consent commits the applicant to a single university and can be changed by withdrawing the old consent before the deadline.
To maximize their chances of admission, applicants should not solely rely on their position on the list. They should focus on VPP status, the number of consents submitted, and the remaining available places. Daily monitoring of the lists is essential, along with verifying the accuracy of their displayed scores. Applicants should determine the actual number of places remaining after priority enrollment and should not hesitate to contact admissions committees for advice. Submitting consent should only occur when the applicant is confident of their chances, and if a change of university is desired, the consent should be withdrawn in advance. After the enrollment order is issued, the applicant is officially enrolled, and refusing a place becomes a complex process.