International graduates of SPbPU were awarded for their academic and scientific achievements
A ceremony of awarding letters of gratitude to international graduates took place at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. The event was held in the new multifunctional auditorium «Unity Space.»
This year, 45 international graduates received letters of gratitude: 24 bachelors, 20 master’s students, and 1 postgraduate student. Nearly half of them began their journey at Polytech with the Preparatory Faculty. They represent more than 30 countries worldwide — from China and Vietnam to African nations and Latin America.
St. Petersburg Polytechnic is rightfully considered one of Russia’s leading universities in terms of internationalization. Our university has over 35,000 students, of whom more than 8,000 are international citizens.
The history of international education at Polytech spans more than 75 years: the first international students arrived here in 1947, and in 1965 the Preparatory Faculty was opened, welcoming 200 students from Cuba, Arab countries, and Africa. Over this time, the university has trained thousands of specialists from all corners of the globe. In 2025 alone, 976 international citizens graduated from Polytech.
International students of Polytech consistently demonstrate a high level not only in their studies but also in science, creativity, and public life. For example, in December 2025, three university students received awards from the Government of St. Petersburg for outstanding scientific achievements in the field of biotechnology, for active community engagement, and for creative success.
Foreign postgraduate students of Polytech also achieve high results. In the BigPhD competition, held for talented young researchers, 15 people became laureates, and two of them were awarded the title of «Absolute Winner.»
Joint educational programs are also developing successfully. The first graduates of the double-degree program between SPbPU and Lanzhou University of Finance and Economics (China) have already received their diplomas.
Addressing the graduates, Vice-Rector for International Affairs Dmitry Arseniev said: Friends, I know that many of you are receiving bachelor’s degrees. That means we hope this is not our last meeting: you will continue your studies at Polytechnic University, and you will have a wonderful chance to participate in graduation ceremonies several more times. I would like to speak especially to those who are truly finishing their studies and returning home. Remember your alma mater, remember that you have many friends here. Remember that this is your second family, and our doors are always open. Come back, bring your friends, and someday bring your children. We will always be waiting for you.
Warm words of farewell were also spoken by the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Mali in St. Petersburg, a 1985 graduate of Polytech, Issa Togo:
I can say one thing: you are lucky. Studying at St. Petersburg Polytechnic University is a great honor, and you forever become part of a big family. The name of Polytech is known far beyond Russia. Wherever you find yourself — whether you return home or stay here — remember: the Polytech family helps you achieve a great deal. A Polytech diploma is a diploma of the highest quality. I say this with full responsibility because I have worked with colleagues from different countries and I know that it was Polytech that gave me the knowledge and the start in life that I am proud of. And each of you can also become truly great, just as Polytech itself is a great university.
A welcome address was also delivered by Nikita Lukashevich, Deputy Director of the Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade, who noted that studying at Polytech is the result of two conscious choices:
The first — to receive an education in great Russia, which means you are determined and motivated. The second — to choose Polytech, the country’s leading university. I am grateful to you for this choice and wish you further success. I hope you will contribute to the development of relations between our countries. And never forget us.
Tatiana Nam, Deputy Director of the Humanities Institute, congratulated the graduates:
To bear the proud title of a graduate of Peter the Great Polytechnic University is not only honorable but also a responsibility. I wish you to always remember your alma mater, to respect, honor, preserve our values and traditions, and pass them on to the next generations, so that you may be worthy members of our large polytechnic family.
On behalf of all graduates, gratitude was expressed by a representative of the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport, head of the student community of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ntambwe Alexis Banamwigi:
Being far from home is not easy. However, the support of our teachers and fellow students, who have become like family to us, helped us overcome all challenges and achieve the goal for which we came to Polytech.
The evening came to an end, but the graduates’ journey is just beginning. Now they are to carry out into the world not only the knowledge they have gained but also that unique atmosphere of mutual support, friendship, and respect that they found at Polytech. Each of them is an ambassador of Russian education, a living bridge between Russia and their homeland. And although different roads lie ahead, they all share the same beginning — Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, which will forever remain in their hearts as a symbol of science, fortitude, and a truly international family.