In 2026, the World Youth Festival Directorate serves as a partner of the Student of the Year Russian National Award. It invites winners and laureates of the regional stages, as well as student leaders from Russian regions where qualifying stages were not held, to take part in the remote stage in two nominations: International Student of the Year and International Student Club of the Year. Applications are open until November 10.

The Student of the Year Russian National Award is a unique competition and educational project, which has been run by the Russian Youth Union since 2014 for students of educational institutions of the Russian Federation with outstanding achievements in academic, scientific, sporting, creative, and public life. The Award aims to identify, support, and promote talented student youth of Russia. In 2026, the Award includes 22 nominations.

The International Student of the Year nomination invites foreign nationals studying at Russian universities who have achieved success in scientific, creative, sporting, and public activities. Contributions to the student community and to improving the social and learning environment for international students are taken into account. Knowledge of the Russian language, culture, and history will be an advantage in the evaluation of participants.

In 2026, the International Student Club of the Year nomination is being introduced for the first time. It is intended for voluntary student associations whose activities focus on developing international cooperation at universities, helping international students adapt to the social and educational environment, and promoting intercultural dialogue. Student community leaders are eligible to submit applications.

“More than 400,000 international students are currently studying at Russian universities and colleges, actively taking part in the scientific, cultural, and sporting life of our country and achieving significant success. We sincerely aim to recognize and support those who have chosen Russia for their personal, professional, and academic development, as well as those who take part in socially significant projects and initiatives. For the first time, we will also recognize student associations that involve students in international activities and contribute to the development of intercultural dialogue,” noted Dmitry Ivanov, General Director of the World Youth Festival Directorate.

Winners and laureates of the regional stages are invited to take part. Registration for the remote stage of the Award is open until November 10, 2026, inclusive: vocational college students can register via this link, and university students via this link.

The Award is organized and founded by the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education, the Russian Ministry of Education, the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodezh), and the All-Russian public organization Russian Youth Union. The Award is implemented as part of the Youth and Children national project.

Overview:

The World Youth Festival was held from March 1 to 7, 2024, in Sirius pursuant to a decree issued by Russian President Vladimir Putin. It brought together 20,000 participants from 190 countries and established a community of young leaders willing to take responsibility for the future of their countries.

To preserve the legacy of the World Youth Festival 2024 and further develop dialogue among young leaders, international youth events in Russia are held on a regular basis. In 2025, Nizhny Novgorod hosted the World Youth Festival Assembly, bringing together 2,000 participants from 120 countries. In 2026, Ekaterinburg hosted the International Festival of Youth, which brought together 10,000 young leaders from 191 countries.

The World Youth Festival Directorate continues its work to strengthen international youth cooperation and develop a community of young people committed to the future of the world.