On September 1, the Presidential Academy held Knowledge Day celebrations under the motto «Everything is just beginning!», which gathered more than 4,000 first-year students. The Minister of Education and Science and the Minister of Education, State Duma deputies, representatives of public organizations and businesses also came to congratulate the Presidential Academy.
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin sent a telegram of congratulations to the Presidential Academy, which was read out by Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov: “The Academy is famous for its high scientific potential, unique educational ecosystem, interactive methods, flagship programs, and personalized approach to students. This makes it possible for you to train highly skilled professionals who are in demand in high public positions and across multiple economic sectors.”
Mikhail Mishustin especially congratulated the Academy’s first-year students: “By entering this university, which is rightfully considered to be a leader in teaching management personnel, you have made a conscious choice, indeed. I would like to express my gratitude to the professors and teachers of the Presidential Academy for their dedication to the work they love and wish good luck to students and postgraduates. May the new academic year be successful for you and open up new opportunities.”
“You have entered one of the best universities in the country. Let every day of your study here be meaningful, bright, rich, and memorable,” added Valery Falkov, Russian Minister of Education and Science.
The point that the Presidential Academy is one of Russia’s best universities was touched by almost all of the speakers. In fact, following the 2025 admissions campaign, the university has become the most popular among applicants for the third consecutive year as over 75,000 people applied to enter the Academy, which is 20% more than last year. The competition for public-funded places was 17.45 applicants per place on average; among those admitted, more than 550 people are winners and awardees of school competitions.
Noting the unique opportunities that are opening up for the Academy’s students, Deputy Chairperson of the Federation Council Inna Svyatenko said in her greeting message: “I would like to express special words of gratitude to the faculty of the Presidential Academy. You not only impart knowledge, but also shape values, grow talents and inspire students to new achievements. Your contribution in shaping future leaders is the foundation for the further prosperity and stability of society.”
“The Academy is Russia’s best and most sought-after university, the leader by the number of applications submitted by candidates. To get admitted here, you have passed an incredibly tough competition, which means you have already won! We have the best teachers in the country; thanks to them everything you will be taught at the Academy will become a solid foundation for your future. Let us be proud that we are all one big family of the Presidential Academy”, Rector Alexey Komissarov greeted the Academy’s students.
More than 4,000 newly admitted students took part in the Day of Knowledge, each has received a special welcome kit for Presidential Academy freshmen.
“Being a student at the Presidential Academy is a great responsibility and honor. I wish you to become true professionals who love their homeland,” said Alexander Mazhuga, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee for Education, to the students.
Maria Zakharova, Official Representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, congratulated the Academy on Knowledge Day from Beijing by a video call: “The Presidential Academy is a recognized for forging of management personnel for the nation. You are literally the future of Russia, and your student cards are a pass to a new life. I am confident that the Academy’s unrivalled teachers and professors you will definitely help you achieve great success, and some of you may even get a job at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”
“It is the Presidential Academy that forges the best managers. The Academy’s students come to us for practice-oriented training and then continue to work with us. Some of them, over time, may even take up leadership positions,” added Alla Samoilova, Head of the Federal Service for Surveillance in Healthcare.
“Remember that you are students of the Presidential Academy, and the credibility of each is the credibility of the entire Academy. Well, in the future, one of you may even become the president. You are the future of our country,” Igor Yurgin, Director of the Department of State Policy in the Sphere of Upbringing, Supplementary Education, and Children’s Recreation in the Ministry of Education and participant in the Time of Heroes program, said to the freshmen.
“A new school year implies new opportunities, so I wish you new discoveries, new achievements and new friends. «The Movement of the First» is also a platform for self-realization of youth, for acquiring new skills. It is no wonder that we have such warm professional relations with the Academy. Be the first!” said Tatyana Robina, Deputy Chairwoman of «the Movement of the First» BoD, to the students of the Presidential Academy.
“Today, high quality education is the most reliable and promising asset a person has. It is a great honor for Sber to be a strategic partner of one of the country’ major talent pools. Our goal we share with the Academy is to teach those very leaders who will manage the projects of the future in artificial intelligence, urban development, entrepreneurship and in other areas of life. Together we will help make the future of Moscow and Russia really smart and comfortable to live in,” said German Barg, Chairman of Moscow Bank, Sberbank.
To coincide with Knowledge Day, the Academy jointly with RED SOFT launched an IT lab for students. It features Russia-made equipment for practical training of students in how to use domestic software.
Every freshman has been given a special Presidential Academy welcome kit. On the Knowledge Day, the Moscow campus houses a concert area, an entertainment area with interactive activities, a photo area for taking memorable photos, and areas for active games and competitions.
On September 1, they also started an intensive educational course known as «Orienting Days», which is a comprehensive adaptation program for freshmen to integrate into the academic environment in the most comfortable way.
