In recent years, the Institute of Asian and African Studies of Lomonosov Moscow State University (IAAS MSU) has continued to expand its international footprint. It has launched English-language master’s programmes, contributed to the establishment of international academic initiatives, substantially increased the number of foreign delegations it hosts, and built a network of partner universities across Asia and Africa.

Student and Staff Mobility

IAAS MSU supports two-way academic exchanges for students and academic staff. Outgoing mobility grew from 175 participants in 2025 to 196 in 2026.

 

Master’s Programme “Politics and Business in Asia and Russia”

Launched in 2023 and taught entirely in English, the programme has so far trained 44 international students. Its main goal is to prepare specialists in Asian markets and in the development of political, business and cultural ties between Russia and China, Japan, Korea, the countries of Southeast Asia and India.

 

Orbeli International Asian Studies School

The Orbeli International Asian Studies School school brings together students from Russia and Armenia around lectures and seminars by leading Asian studies scholars of both countries, complemented by excursions and master classes. The school is organised jointly by IAAS MSU, Yerevan State University (YSU) and Saint Petersburg State University (SPbU). The first school, Orbeli-2025, was held in Armenia on 4–13 July 2025; the second, Orbeli-2026, took place in Saint Petersburg on 1–8 July 2026.

 

Foreign Delegations

Hosting international delegations has become a major channel of cooperation. The number of receptions grew from 24 in 2025 to 30 in 2026, and the number of countries represented rose from 14 to 31.

Purposes of visits

• Working meetings
• Meetings with students
• Conferences and scientific seminars
• Open lectures
• Culture days
• Competitions and quizzes

Recurring events

• Scientific Conference “Lomonosov Readings”
• Multimedia Quiz on Vietnam
• Persian Language and Literature Competition
• Arabic Language Competition
• Japanese Language Competition
• and others

 

International Partners

IAAS MSU cooperates with 49 partner institutions in 20 countries and territories. Agreements with 22 universities were signed within the last four years. In addition, the Institute has concluded a number of inter-university agreements on behalf of Lomonosov Moscow State University.