Myths About MGIMO: What International Applicants Should Know 🤔

Before applying to MGIMO, many prospective students have similar questions. Is it possible to get admitted without connections? How easy is it to adapt to studying in a new country? In this post, we're debunking some of the most common stereotypes about MGIMO and showing what it's really like.

Myth 1. Only children of diplomats and the elite can get into MGIMO.

Reality: Admission is really competitive because MGIMO is one of Russia's leading universities. Every year, however, talented students from across Russia and dozens of countries around the world are admitted. What truly matters are academic achievement, dedication, and motivation — not personal connections.

Myth 2. It is difficult for international students to adapt to life at MGIMO.

Reality: Quite the opposite. The university provides everything international students need to settle in comfortably. They take part in excursions and trips across Russia, discover the country's culture, participate in university events alongside Russian students, and organize projects that showcase the cultures of their home countries.

Myth 3. You need to speak perfect Russian to study at MGIMO.

Reality: International applicants who are not yet confident in their Russian can enroll in preparatory courses. In addition, MGIMO offers programs taught in English, while students naturally improve their Russian through everyday communication and campus life.

Myth 4. MGIMO trains only future diplomats.

Reality: International Relations is just one of many academic fields at MGIMO. The university also offers programs in economics, law, journalism, management, international business, linguistics, public administration, environmental studies, and many other in-demand disciplines.

Myth 5. MGIMO is only located in Moscow.

Reality: While MGIMO's main campuses are located in Moscow and the Moscow Region, the university also has international branch campuses — MGIMO Astana in Kazakhstan and MGIMO Tashkent in Uzbekistan where students study according to the same high academic standards as at the main campus.

What myths about MGIMO have you heard? Share them in the comments!

P.S. The best way to check whether these myths are true is to become a MGIMO student yourself. There’s still a little time left to apply for MGIMO’s Bachelor's, Master's, and Preparatory Programs for the 2026–2027 academic year. Perhaps your MGIMO journey begins today

MGIMO International (ENG) / МГИМО для иностранцев (RUS)