Kursk State University is one of the leading Universities in the Central Black-Soil region. It was founded in 1934, but the history of the university dates back to the 18th century when Tsarina Catherine II ordered the establishment of a school for young noblewomen. In 1902 it was transformed into the Mariinskaya Grammar School for Girls and then into a Teacher Training Institute in 1934. The impressive ancient University building, situated at the corner of Radishev and Kirov Streets in the centre of Kursk, is a national monument. For years a high spirit of teaching and studentship has existed within these halls.
Today, the University is the leading science and education center in the Kursk region, and offers a diverse set of specialities, modern educational technologies and various forms of vocational training.
More than 7000 full and part-time students study at the University's 16 departments. The talents of our staff are numerous. We have more than 500 tutors and researchers at the 49 University departments. More than 57 faculty members possess full doctorate degrees, and over 300 have Ph. D. (Doctor of Philosophy) degrees. Kursk State University provides scientific support to economic, technological and social research and projects in the region. The University has an important influence on the educational and demographic structure of the Kursk region, helping to preserve its social environment, history, folklore and local crafts. Various university scientific schools (psychological, educational, those of natural sciences and humanities) are famous both in Russia and abroad. Highly qualified specialists are trained through full and part-time graduate studies, Ph. D. programmes in 32 areas of specialization and doctoral studies in 7 areas of specialization.
The University is actively developing international relations. Links with more than 50 universities in Europe, the USA and Asia have been established. We are in close contact with foreign scientific and teaching organizations, embassies, as well as with international foundations and institutions. The University is currently participating in a cultural studies project in collaboration with its partner universities in Russia, the Ukraine, Germany, Great Britain and Austria. The international exchange programmes are very popular among our students.
Today the University is comprised of six education buildings, over 100 natural science rooms for the humanities, an astronomical observatory, ten multimedia classrooms, a conference hall, a TV-centre, industrial training facilities, art studios, a library and reading halls, zoological, mineralogical and archeological museums, a biological and agricultural testing center, gymnasiums and many other facilities. The construction of the seventh building and a community center is currently under way. Additional facilities include three hostels and a student medical center.