RUDN University

RUDN University, which people know as the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, operates in Moscow as a leading public research university. The university has gained recognition as one of the most diverse educational institutions worldwide, which provides a learning environment for students from approximately 160 countries to study and work together. The university operates from a 50-hectare parkland campus that exists in southwestern Moscow, which most people consider one of the most environmentally friendly and advanced university campuses in Russia. The organization operates as an international scientific and educational center because its primary aim is to unite different cultural groups through knowledge while fostering global partnerships.

The institution was founded on February 5, 1960, by a decree of the Soviet government with the primary goal of providing higher education to students from developing nations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The 1961 institution received its name to honor Patrice Lumumba who led Congolese independence and served as prime minister, which shows its position as a national liberation movement symbol. The university evolved into a "mega-university" when it expanded from six initial faculties to its current state, which took place in 1992 when it changed its name to Peoples' Friendship University of Russia. The organization has served as a Russian language education leader since its establishment, which has enabled the organization to fulfill its role in promoting Soviet and Russian cultural diplomacy through its educational programs that train foreign professionals.

Based on the QS World University Rankings of 2026, RUDN University is positioned as the #367 top university in the world, which makes it the #3 top university in Russia.