A Liberal Arts Initiative
The Smolny Beyond Borders program is a 2-year fully online Associates Degree

Thank you for your interest in pursuing admission to the Smolny Beyond Borders program. Please refer to the instructions below and complete the following application in order for our Admissions Committee to review your candidacy.

Admissions Process and Details:

Application Timeline:

The application process opens in July, with applications reviewed on a rolling basis.

Required Information:

Personal Background
Family Information
Academic History
Activities
Motivational Video
Academic Essay
High School Transcript
Two Letters of Recommendation
Resume/CV
Record of Conduct
Interview with Admissions Officers (for the shortlisted applicants)

Applicant Biographical Information

Please provide the following biographical details to start your application. Be sure to enter your name as it appears on your passport or national ID card. Please note that if you enter a Preferred Name, we will use this name in email correspondence and regular mail to your permanent address.

Name

First (Given) *

Middle Name

Last (Family) *

Suffix

Preferred Name (if not first name)

Other Last Names Used

Birthdate

Address *

Mailing Address

Country

Street

City

Region

Postal Code

Physical Address

Country

Street

City

Region

Postal Code

Email Address

Current Email *

Contact Information *

Home Phone

Mobile Phone

Biographical Information

The two sections below are only used for our internal purposes of understanding how inclusive we are in our outreach. No information submitted in this section will be considered as part of your admission decision.

Gender

Birth Country

Birth City

Birth State/Region

Native Language

Citizenship Information

Citizenship *

Dual Citizenship

Family Information

Parents' Marital Status *

With whom do you live? *

With whom do you live:

Parent 1 Details

Parent 1 *

Is Parent 1 Deceased? *

First Name *

Last Name *

Preferred Email *

Preferred Phone

Would this parent like to receive our Parent Newsletter? *

Job Title

Employer

Education Level *

Highest Degree Earned

Undergraduate University (if any)

University Code

Parent 2 Details

I have another parent to list. *

Parent 2 *

Is Parent 2 Deceased? *

First Name *

Last Name *

Preferred Email *

Preferred Phone

Would this parent like to receive our Parent Newsletter? *

Job Title

Employer

Education Level *

Highest Degree Earned

Undergraduate University (if any)

University Code

Legal Guardian Details

Do you have a legal guardian?

Legal Guardian *

Legal Guardian

Relationship to you

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Would your legal guardian like to receive our Parent Newsletter? *

Job Title

Employer

Education Level *

Highest Degree Earned

Undergraduate University (if any)

University Code

Sibling Details

Do you have siblings?

How many?

Sibling 1 Relationship

First Name

Last Name

Age

University Attended (if any)

University Code

Start Date

Sibling 2 Relationship

First Name

Last Name

Age

University Attended (if any)

University Code

Start Date

Sibling 3 Relationship

First Name

Last Name

Age

University Attended (if any)

University Code

Start Date

Sibling 4 Relationship

First Name

Last Name

Age

University Attended (if any)

University Code

Start Date

Academic History

Have you completed a Smolny BB course with grade B+ or higher?

Yes

No

Secondary School Details

Secondary School (Currently or Most Recently Attended) *

School Code

School Address *

Country

Street

City

Region

Postal Code

School Website

Entry Date *

Graduation Date *

Please list the name of your secondary school leaving certificate in your native language. *

Other Secondary School Qualification

Current Classes (Optional)

You may list details for up to 8 classes you are currently enrolled in

How many classes are you taking?

Course 1

Level

Term

Course 2

Level

Term

Course 3

Level

Term

Course 4

Level

Term

Course 5

Level

Term

Course 6

Level

Term

Course 7

Level

Term

Course 8

Level

Term

Activity 1

Organization Name

Role

Start Date

End Date

Hours per Week

Weeks per Year

Description of Participation

Activity 2

Organization Name

Role

Start Date

End Date

Hours per Week

Weeks per Year

Description of Participation

Activity 3

Organization Name

Role

Start Date

End Date

Hours per Week

Weeks per Year

Description of Participation

Activity 4

Organization Name

Role

Start Date

End Date

Hours per Week

Weeks per Year

Description of Participation

Motivational Video

In your video (max. 2 minutes), please answer both of the following questions:

Why do you want to study in the Smolny Beyond Borders program? What motivates you to apply now, and how does this program fit your goals or interests?
What kind of student are you? Tell us about how you learn best, what excites you about studying in an international and interdisciplinary environment, and what you hope to contribute to the community.

Don’t worry about production quality — we’re interested in your ideas and personality, not
video editing skills. Just speak clearly and honestly.

Please provide a link to where your video can be downloaded

Academic Essay (optional)

Submit a sample of your academic writing in English that demonstrates critical thinking and analytical skills.

Upload a Word or PDF document:

Academic Essay

Submit a sample of your academic writing in English that demonstrates critical thinking and analytical skills.

Upload a Word or PDF document:

High School Transcript

Submit a copy of your high school transcript or leaving certificate/qualification. Entrance tests may be required in specific cases.

Submit an English translation of your high school transcript or leaving certificate/qualification. You may translate the transcript yourself.

English Proficiency

Provide official scores from an English language proficiency test (e.g., Duolingo, TOEFL, or IELTS). A minimum level of B2 is required for admission. Test scores may be submitted after the candidate is invited for a formal interview.

References (Optional)

Please provide contact information for two references who can attest to your academic preparedness.

Reference 1

First Name

Last Name

Organization

Position/Title

Relationship

Email

Reference 2

First Name

Last Name

Organization

Position/Title

Relationship

Email

References

Please provide contact information for two references who can attest to your academic preparedness.

Reference 1

First Name

Last Name

Organization

Position/Title

Relationship

Email

Reference 2

First Name

Last Name

Organization

Position/Title

Relationship

Email

Resume or CV

Upload a Word or PDF document:

Record of Conduct

Have you ever been found responsible for an act of academic or behavioral misconduct at an educational institution? *

Yes

No

Please provide more information here. *

Signature

My electronic signature certifies that

The information included in this application is entirely my own work and, to the best of my knowledge, is accurately and honestly presented.
I understand that misrepresentation in any section of the application may result in the revocation of an offer of admission or expulsion should the information I have provided be false.
I have read the application guidelines.
No documents submitted as part of this application will be returned to me.
Any offer of admission is conditional, pending receipt of final transcripts showing successful completion of all graduation requirements at a level comparable to that on which the offer was based.

In place of your signature, please type your full legal name:

Section I. Potential Interview questions
Questions about the candidate’s current situation, academic background, and personal interests
What are your interests and hobbies? Have you been involved in any clubs, volunteer work, or creative projects? Please tell us about the most recent book you have read. Is there a historical period that particularly interests you? Why?
Questions about the candidate’s plans
What are your plans after completing the online degree? How do you envision your life 10 years from now? What will your professional activities be, where do you see yourself living, and what kind of community or social circle do you imagine?
Questions regarding the candidate’s motivation
Which disciplines would you like to include in your curriculum? Do you plan to apply for financial aid (a fellowship) to help cover tuition fees?

Smolny Beyond Borders - Fall 2025

Applicant Biographical Information

Family Information

Academic History

Activity 1

Activity 2

Activity 3

Activity 4

Motivational Video

Academic Essay (optional)

Academic Essay

High School Transcript

English Proficiency

References (Optional)

Reference 1

Reference 2

References

Reference 1

Reference 2

Resume or CV

Record of Conduct

Signature