Peoples' Friendship University of Russia

Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University) is a public research university located in Moscow, Russia.

The Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University) was founded in 1960 by a special resolution of the USSR government as the Patrice Lumumba University of Peoples' Friendship. It was named after the Congolese politician Patrice Lumumba, who was assassinated in 1961.

The university was founded with the goal of providing higher education to students from developing countries. At the time, many newly independent countries in Africa and Asia did not have their own universities, and RUDN University played an important role in training the next generation of leaders in these countries.

RUDN University started with just 52 students from 22 countries. However, the university quickly grew in size and prestige. By the 1980s, RUDN University had over 20,000 students from over 100 countries.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, RUDN University was renamed the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia. However, the university's mission to provide high-quality education to students from all over the world remained the same.

RUDN University is also a leading research university, with over 100 research centers and laboratories. The university's research covers a wide range of topics, including energy, medicine, environmental science, and social sciences.

RUDN University is known for its international diversity and its commitment to intercultural understanding. The university's campus is a melting pot of cultures, and students have the opportunity to learn about and experience different cultures from all over the world. RUDN University also offers a variety of programs and activities to help students develop their intercultural skills.

RUDN University is a leading university in Russia and the world, and it is a great choice for students who are looking for a high-quality education and a truly international experience.

Based on the QS World University Rankings of 2025, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia is positioned as the #316 top university in the world, which makes it the #3 top university in Russia. The university's global rank is improved by 26 points from last year.