The Department of Information Policy and Comprehensive Security of the Russian Ministry of Education and Science, in conjunction with the National Priorities non-profit organization, is holding a contest for international students at Russian universities to share the best social media posts about life and study in Russia. The goal of the contest is to strengthen Russia's positive image abroad and promote education in Russia among potential international students.
The contest is open to international students aged 18 and over from Russian higher education institutions, individuals only.
To participate, please complete an application on the contest website or via the Telegram chatbot (@wowrussiabot), indicating your first and last name; the Russian higher education institution where you study; your country of citizenship; links to your social media profile (up to three); the nomination for which you are applying, and a link to a published post on social media (the participant's social media profile where the post submitted in your contest application is published must be public) corresponding to one of the four contest nominations:
- "Education: Study Without Filters";
- "Tourism & Travel: Russia in the Frame";
- "Culture: Russia Between the Lines";
- "Life: Lessons from Russia."
There are no format restrictions for the submitted post: it can be a short vertical or horizontal video, or a series of 5-10 photos with short captions or a story. The post submitted to the contest can be created by the participant either during the contest period or earlier in 2025. The main criteria are that it be posted on social media platforms popular in the participant's home country and in an official language of the participant's country of citizenship.
The winners in each category will receive a trip across Russia as part of the Rosmolodezh program "More Than a Journey", an opportunity to complete an internship at the TASS News Agency, and to participate in a media education workshop organized by "National Priorities" ANO. All winners will also receive exclusive competition merch.
Contest timeline:
- Application deadline: 10 October – 16 November 2025;
- Judging of entries: 17 November – 5 December 2025;
- Winners announcement: 12 December 2025.