The establishment of the university was at the initiative of Ivan Shuvalov and Mikhail Lomonosov. Russian Empress Elizabeth decreed its creation on January 25. The university has well-established contacts with the most distinguished universities in the world, exchanging students and lecturers with the leading international institutions of higher education. It houses the UNESCO International
Demography Courses, the UNESCO Hydrology Courses, and the International
Biotechnology Center, the International LASER Center, courses or seminars on Russian as a foreign language. In 1991 the French University College, the Russian-American University and the Institute of German Science and Culture were opened. The university has awarded honorary degrees to more than 60 scientists, statesmen and politicians from abroad. Many prominent university scholars and scientists in return hold honorary degrees from foreign academies and universities. Moscow State University is one of Russias most prestigious institutions of higher learning, and has demanding entry requirements for prospective students. 11 Nobel laureates and 5 Fields Medal winners are affiliated with the university.
Last Updated on: Nov 27, 2024