Russian leaders of EdTech – Tomsk State University and the educational company Skyeng – signed a cooperation agreement within the framework of the Congress of Young Scientists, which was held in Sochi. The cooperation is aimed at the joint development of an adaptive platform for learning the Russian language “In Russian” and the expansion of its international visibility with the support and use of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence from Skyeng.

The university notes that the agreement fosters the long-term partnership of TSU and Skyeng (Skyeng, Skysmart, Skypro) in education and research, including the promotion of modern digital tools for learning the Russian language by foreign citizens, migrants and Russian-speaking diasporas.

One of the key areas of cooperation will be the development of the platform “In Russian”. The platform was created at TSU and helps foreigners learn the language through real life situations: it contains tasks and materials that tell about the country, describe the cultural context and prepare for exams even before arriving in Russia.

Another area is outreach on partner sites about Skyeng courses for highly qualified specialists and their families. These courses are designed for specific goals, make it possible to quickly move through the levels and track your own progress due to modern digital technologies.

Currently, Russia is updating its language policy: new documents that emphasize the importance of popularizing the Russian language. In this regard, the partnership between TSU and Skyeng helps to develop modern services faster and expand opportunities for those who want to learn Russian in different countries.

— Russian is the most important tool for integration and professional adaptation of foreign citizens. Modern state policy sets long-term guidelines, and our cooperation with Skyeng will allow the university to combine our experience in teaching the Russian language to foreigners, our expertise in developing educational tools and the experience of a large EdTech partner. Thus, we will be able to accelerate the introduction of modern technologies and expand the international participants of the project, – said Mikhail Shepel, director of the Institute of Distance Education, Vice-Rector for Further Education Development.

TSU notes that the partnership with Skyeng fully complies with the country’s policy and contributes to the development of modern infrastructure for learning Russian as a foreign language. Joint projects are aimed at expanding access to educational resources, improving the quality of language training and promoting Russian educational technologies at the international level.

Skyeng emphasizes that the interest in learning the Russian language is growing in the world, and joint efforts will create a sustainable ecosystem for teaching Russian as a foreign language.

— We see a growing global demand for the Russian language and unite our efforts with TSU. Our common goal is to create a reference digital ecosystem that will set new standards in teaching Russian as a foreign language around the world, based on manufacturability, adaptability of educational programs and the interests of students, – said Asiyat Misirova, Director of Interaction with State Organizations at Skyeng.

Besides, cooperation covers the joint academic events, design of learning materials, exchange of experts, as well as the implementation of project activities in the field of digital learning.

For reference:

“In Russian” – TSU digital platform for adaptive study of the Russian language by foreign citizens. The platform interface is available in several languages: Russian, English, Tajik and Uzbek. You can start training even before arriving in Russia. The platform was awarded the gold medal at the “Educational Siberia – 2025” and is included in the digital ecosystem of TSU in the field of learning Russian as a foreign language.

Skyeng is one of the leading players in the online education market in Russia and the CIS with over 300,000 active students.

The company diversifies its business into four business segments:

·         Skysmart: education for children from preschool to basic state examination/unified state examination and admission to colleges and universities.

·         Skypro: popular professions in the segment of further education.

·         Skyeng: teaching foreign languages online for adults.

·         MABiU and MIBiU: higher and secondary vocational education.

The training takes place on Skyeng digital platform, which combines different formats – from individual and group classes to self-study and pre-recorded courses. The platform is equipped with an extensive library, adaptive programs based on advanced techniques, as well as technological solutions – from computer vision for quality control to AI tools that increase learning efficiency.