Kazan Federal University
About
Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University is one of the oldest Russian universities, which was founded in 1804.
Currently, KFU has more than 50,000 students from 85 regions of Russia, including more than 11,000 foreign citizens from 102 countries. The university is famous for its strong schools of Maths, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, and Linguistics. In scientific research, KFU gives priority to developments in Pharmacology, Biomedicine, Geology, Physics, Chemistry, Oil and Gas, Nano and Information Technology (IT), Psychology and Cultural Studies, Humanities, Pedagogy and interdisciplinary fields.
Located in the city of Kazan, KFU has many sports clubs and organizations for students that support a healthy lifestyle and promote the development of physical and mental abilities.
The university has studied and worked with such outstanding personalities as V.I. Ulyanov-Lenin, the creator of the Soviet state, L.N. Tolstoy, one of the world's greatest novelists, N.I. Lobachevsky, the great mathematician and founder of non-Euclidean geometry, I.M. Simonov, a Russian astronomer and one of the discoverers of Antarctica, and A.M. Butlerov, the creator of the theory of the chemical structure of organic substances and the founder of the ‘Butler school’ of Russian chemists.
Contact to university
Contact to university
Summer University 2025 at KFU
Kazan Federal University, in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation and SocioCenter invites you to visit the city of Kazan and participate in the Summer University project from July 21 to August 3, 2025.
Kazan Federal University is one of the oldest and most renowned universities in Russia, celebrated its 220th anniversary. The university, including its overseas branches, hosts over 12,000 international students and provides an excellent environment for study and active student life. It regularly organizes major scientific and international youth events aimed at strengthening intercultural student dialogue.
KFU again becomes the venue for the large-scale nationwide Summer University project hosting it for the third time. In 2024, the Summer University at KFU warmly welcomed 300 participants from 13 countries worldwide, selected from 3,019 applications.
This year, the project will involve 300 foreign citizens representing Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Abkhazia, Indonesia, China, Egypt, Morocco, Mongolia, Oman, and others, along with 100 Russian students.
The Summer University program will include lectures, seminars, and practical sessions conducted by leading professors from Kazan Federal University and industry specialists, as well as excursions and activities aimed at acquainting participants with Russian culture and the Russian language, the unique atmosphere of the Republic of Tatarstan, and the dynamically developing Kazan — the cultural capital of the Islamic world in 2026.
Educational activities
In 2025, the educational part of the Summer University program will include five tracks, some of which will be conducted in English:
Horizons of Russia: Dream, Learn, and Create (in Russian)
The track is implemented by the Institute of Philology and Intercultural Communication of KFU under the auspices of the VII Asian Student Forum.
Language is what helps people from all over the world communicate and interact with each other. Participants will have a unique opportunity to explore the languages, culture, customs, traditions, and peculiarities of the peoples of Russia.
We will offer you:
- an immersion into the world of literature at one of the largest libraries — the National Library of the Republic of Tatarstan,
- a chance to try your hand at acting, directing, and screenwriting after an insider’s tour of Russian and Tatar theaters (which we will visit),
- the opportunity to experience being a correspondent for one of the largest media holdings in the Republic of Tatarstan, JSC «Tatmedia».
We will introduce you to the birthplace of the great Tatar poet Gabdulla Tukay where you will dive into the world of the Tatar people and their culture.
You will get to try your hand at being an artist, chef, dancer, singer, or craftsman. And all this against the backdrop of the vast and vibrant artisanal life of the peoples of Russia.
This track promises to be a dynamic blend of education, creativity, and cultural exchange, offering participants a multifaceted view of Russia’s diverse cultural landscape.
Intercultural Interaction of Turkic Peoples in the Eurasian Space (in Russian)
The track is presented by the Institute of International Relations, History, and Oriental Studies of KFU. Organized under the auspices of the VII Asian Student Forum, the track offers participants a unique opportunity to deepen their knowledge about the Golden Horde and the intercultural interactions of Turkic peoples across the Eurasian space. The program includes diverse educational formats dedicated to various aspects of the history, culture, and politics of this region.
On this track, you will immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the medieval empire — the Golden Horde. You will learn how this vast geopolitical entity influenced international relations and the cultures of entire nations. Discover the richness of the culture and art of the Golden Horde, exploring its unique traditions and heritage. Investigate the role of the Great Silk Road in fostering connections between the East and the West. Gain insights into the history and culture of the Volga region’s peoples, who played a crucial role in shaping the Eurasian space.
You will explore the symbols of identity embedded in the traditional costumes of the Turkic peoples of Eurasia, which reflect their history and traditions. Through the study of calendar rituals and festivals of the Turkic peoples, you will connect with ancient traditions that have retained their significance to this day.
Participants will have the chance to uncover historical treasures housed in the famous museums of the Republic of Tatarstan, as well as the Ethnographic Museum of KFU. Traveling through legendary sites in Kazan, you will dive into a captivating journey through local history. This hands-on experience will allow you to engage directly with the unique history of a region that bridged Eastern and Western cultures and profoundly influenced the destinies of Eurasian peoples.
This track promises to be an enriching blend of history, culture, and intercultural dialogue, offering participants a deeper understanding of the shared heritage and interconnectedness of Eurasian civilizations.
Regional Traditions and Modern Trends in Architecture and Design (in Russian)
The track is presented by the Institute of Design and Spatial Arts of KFU. The program is conducted in both Russian and English and focuses on exploring traditions and innovations in architecture and design, drawing on the unique regional characteristics of the Republic of Tatarstan and the city of Kazan. The track offers participants the opportunity to study architectural heritage and innovative practices while tracing the processes of modern interpretations and cultural codes in contemporary urban design.
A distinctive feature of the program is the combination of theoretical knowledge gained through lectures, exploration of architectural heritage during excursions, and practical application through workshops and group creative projects. The program involves leading experts in architecture, design, and urban planning, including practicing architects, designers, and restorers.
Key lecture and seminar topics:
- History of regional architecture: Historical and cultural aspects
- Formation of historical cities and the influence of historical centers on modern urban development
- Architectural codes: Traditions and innovations
- Innovative technologies in architectural design
- Space design codes and regional identity
Participants will gain a deep understanding of how architectural traditions and modern trends intersect, enabling them to contribute creatively to urban spaces. Through hands-on activities, they will apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios, fostering innovation and creativity in design.
Regional Traditions and Modern Trends in Architecture and Design (in English)
The track is presented by the Institute of Design and Spatial Arts of KFU. The program is conducted in both Russian and English and focuses on exploring traditions and innovations in architecture and design, drawing on the unique regional characteristics of the Republic of Tatarstan and the city of Kazan. The track offers participants the opportunity to study architectural heritage and innovative practices while tracing the processes of modern interpretations and cultural codes in contemporary urban design.
A distinctive feature of the program is the combination of theoretical knowledge gained through lectures, exploration of architectural heritage during excursions, and practical application through workshops and group creative projects. The program involves leading experts in architecture, design, and urban planning, including practicing architects, designers, and restorers.
Key lecture and seminar topics:
- History of regional architecture: Historical and cultural aspects
- Formation of historical cities and the influence of historical centers on modern urban development
- Architectural codes: Traditions and innovations
- Innovative technologies in architectural design
- Space design codes and regional identity
Participants will gain a deep understanding of how architectural traditions and modern trends intersect, enabling them to contribute creatively to urban spaces. Through hands-on activities, they will apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios, fostering innovation and creativity in design.
Digital Analytics and Data Engineering (in Russian)
The track is presented by the KFU Institute of Information Technology and Intelligent Systems, conducted in both Russian and English. In the era of digital transformation, the ability to work effectively with data has become increasingly valuable. This track covers a wide range of topics, including big data analytics, business intelligence, database management, programming, and the application of mathematical methods in information processing.
By participating in this module, students will have the opportunity to explore various professional roles, such as:
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Big Data Specialist
- Data Analyst
- Business Analyst
- ETL Developer
- Data Engineer
The track is based on the KFU Master’s program in Software Engineering: Artificial Intelligence in Digital Product Development which provides graduates with flexible career growth opportunities. Alumni can pursue diverse roles, from data analysts and BI specialists to AI-based solution developers, with potential for professional advancement in IT, finance, consulting, and other industries.
The track serves as a powerful tool for developing expertise in data-driven decision-making and creating innovative solutions for modern businesses.
Digital Analytics and Data Engineering (in English)
The track is presented by the KFU Institute of Information Technology and Intelligent Systems, conducted in both Russian and English. In the era of digital transformation, the ability to work effectively with data has become increasingly valuable. This track covers a wide range of topics, including big data analytics, business intelligence, database management, programming, and the application of mathematical methods in information processing.
By participating in this module, students will have the opportunity to explore various professional roles, such as:
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Big Data Specialist
- Data Analyst
- Business Analyst
- ETL Developer
- Data Engineer
The track is based on the KFU Master’s program in Software Engineering: Artificial Intelligence in Digital Product Development which provides graduates with flexible career growth opportunities. Alumni can pursue diverse roles, from data analysts and BI specialists to AI-based solution developers, with potential for professional advancement in IT, finance, consulting, and other industries.
The track serves as a powerful tool for developing expertise in data-driven decision-making and creating innovative solutions for modern businesses.
Evolution of Life: From Adaptation to Survival (in English)
Evolution of Life: From Adaptation to Survival. The track is presented by the KFU Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology and is conducted entirely in English. The program delves into the critical question of how living organisms adapt to overcome adverse, and sometimes life-threatening, conditions. Participants will explore classical lectures on biodiversity while examining contemporary challenges such as parasitic and bacterial diseases, their treatment methods, and the alarming issue of pathogens adapting to therapeutic interventions. Additionally, participants will engage with cutting-edge AI systems capable of instantly recognizing thousands of plant species, gain insights into the concepts of «stress» and «pain» in living organisms, and uncover the molecular foundations of these phenomena. Practical sessions will include first aid training using realistic simulators, allowing participants to test their stress resilience.
Key lecture and seminar topics:
- Biodiversity and the Evolution of Life: Explore the diversity of life forms and their evolutionary processes.
- Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria: Overcoming a Global Challenge: Understand how bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics and learn strategies to combat this growing threat.
- The Biology of Stress: Study the mechanisms of stress in living organisms and its impact on health and survival.
- The Phenomenon of «Pain»: Investigate the biological and molecular basis of pain and its role in adaptation and survival.
- Artificial Intelligence in Botany and Landscape Design: Discover how AI is revolutionizing the identification of plant species and transforming landscape design.
- Masterclass on Providing First Medical Aid: Gain hands-on experience in emergency response through realistic simulations and practical exercises.
As Johann Wolfgang von Goethe once said: «Only he who strives for it daily deserves life and freedom!» This quote encapsulates the spirit of the track, encouraging participants to engage deeply with the challenges and opportunities presented by the natural world.
All educational activities within the Summer University program incorporate elements of project-based learning, focusing on familiarizing participants with innovative development technologies and their practical applications. Additionally, the program emphasizes social project design methodologies and fosters the development of intercultural interaction skills among youth. During the sessions, participants will explore key topics such as:
- The role of individuals in social projects
- Generating and refining project ideas for implementation
- Tips and tricks for effective public speaking
- Project visualization techniques
- Other essential skills for successful project management
Participants will have the unique opportunity to engage with representatives from a diverse range of organizations, including the Investment Development Agency of the Republic of Tatarstan (TIDA), a leading media holding in the region JSC «Tatmedia», the Directorate of Parks and Squares of Kazan specializing in urban planning and green space management, LLC «Green Samurai» as innovators in environmental sustainability and ecological projects, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Tatarstan and the diplomatic missions of foreign states in the city Kazan. Also, in the program will partake as partners leading research institutes of the Russian Academy of Sciences, namely, International Scientific Innovation Center for Neurochemistry and Pharmacology of the A. E. Arbuzov Institute of Organic and Physical Chemistry and the Kazan Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics.
Cultural and leisure activities
The cultural and leisure activities for participants of the Summer University will include sightseeing tours of Kazan and the Republic of Tatarstan, as well as team-building and adaptation events. These activities are designed to immerse participants in the rich cultural heritage of the region while fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.
During guided tours, you will visit Kazan Kremlin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kul-Sharif Mosque, a globally renowned architectural masterpiece, Old Tatar Sloboda, a historic district that reflects the unique culture and traditions of the Tatar people, Planetarium and the Astronomical observatory of KFU, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and also picturesque areas of the Republic of Tatarstan, including the Literary and Memorial Museum Complex of Gabdulla Tukay, dedicated to the famous Tatar writer, and other historical landmarks.
Hospitality Evening
Guests will enjoy performances by creative ensembles showcasing traditional music, dance, and art. An entertaining program featuring folk games and interactive activities. A festive dinner introducing participants to the diverse cuisines of the multinational Republic of Tatarstan.
Interactive evening «Global Village»
A presentation of the participating countries, where attendees can share their cultures, traditions, and stories through performances, displays, and discussions.
Cultural and Sports Events
Engage in friendly competitions such as mini-football matches and yoga sessions, promoting physical activity and teamwork.
Closing Celebration «International World»
A festive finale to the program, celebrating the achievements and connections made during the Summer University.
Quests, Quizzes, Workshops, and Networking
Opportunities to explore student life at Kazan Federal University, participate in interactive challenges, and build connections with peers from around the world.
All costs associated with participation in the Summer University program and stay in Kazan will be covered by the organizers. This includes:
- Travel expenses (tickets to and from Kazan).
- Accommodation during the program.
- Meals throughout the duration of the event.
- Medical insurance for the period of stay.
- Transfers within the framework of the program.