Top.Mail.Ru
Online full-time master’s program at HSE University

Finance

2 years
Online
Code: 38.04.08
Gain key skills of a finance professional, from investment management to financial engineering
In English
Starting June 20th, 2026

Full-time education at the country’s leading university
from anywhere in the world

HSE Online is the online campus of the National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE University), the leading Russian university by number of full-time online programs and the students enrolled in them. We have over 30 years of experience in education and research, and more than 12 years in online education.

We combine academic expertise, cutting-edge technology, and industry trends so that you not only gain up-to-date knowledge and skills but also shape the future job market.
96%
Students find jobs in their field of study
7698
Online students
9
46
Online higher
education programs
4
The Best Russian University of 2026 according to Forbes Education
1
Gold in the International Ranking of Universities Offering Online Education Times Higher Education
Winner
Best Promotion of an Online University
MediaCult
The Best Digital Media
The Trends Awards
Platform of the Year
Time for Innovation
Design project of the Year
Best for Life Design Awards
Leader in the Development of Artificial Intelligence in Education
AI INNOVATOR AWARDS
Educational Ecosystem of the Year in AI
Effective Education
In the ranking of Russian universities according to HeadHunter
1
Award Finalist
Best Project Utilizing New Tools
Eventiada Awards
Educational Ecosystems
Digital Learning
Best Graduate Reputation Among Employers 2025 and 2026
Forbes Education
Ranked first among universities for AI training quality
1
96%
Students find jobs in their field of study
7698
Online students
9
46
Online higher
education programs
4
The Best Russian University of 2026 according to Forbes Education
1
Gold in the International Ranking of Universities Offering Online Education Times Higher Education
Winner
Best Promotion of an Online University
MediaCult
The Best Digital Media
The Trends Awards
Platform of the Year
Time for Innovation
Design project of the Year
Best for Life Design Awards
Leader in the Development of Artificial Intelligence in Education
AI INNOVATOR AWARDS
Educational Ecosystem of the Year in AI
Effective Education
In the ranking of Russian universities according to HeadHunter
1
Award Finalist
Best Project Utilizing New Tools
Eventiada Awards
Educational Ecosystems
Digital Learning
Best Graduate Reputation Among Employers 2025 and 2026
Forbes Education
Ranked first among universities for AI training quality
1
( 01 )

About the program

The online Finance program prepares professional financial analysts. The curriculum is based on international financial analysis standards.
You will gain knowledge of current innovative approaches to investing in financial markets and apply them in practice through seminars, masterclasses, and project work.
The program covers approximately 80% of the CFA curriculum across all three levels.

Convenient class times

At the start of the academic year, we will conduct a survey of students to create an optimal schedule that takes time zones into account. Classes are typically held in the evenings on weekdays and in the afternoons on Saturdays, and then video recordings of course lectures are available shortly after classes

Convenient digital environment

Classes are held via MTS Link, Yandex Telemost, Zoom, and HSE’s SmartLMS platform

Practical application focus

You’ll develop group and individual projects, receive feedback from industry leaders, and add your work to your portfolio. You’ll also participate in seminars and webinars led by industry experts

Career development support

Upon request, we can share job openings, help you find an internship with the potential for future employment, and recommend Russian and international competitions
( 02 )

How the program is delivered

2
years of study
A flexible schedule and the ability to balance work and other commitments

Master's program

The curriculum is subject to minor changes. We adapt it to industry trends and take into account feedback from students, instructors, and experts.
We recommend setting aside about 20 hours per week for classes and independent study.

In addition to required courses, you can choose elective courses and create a personalized study plan.
The curriculum is subject to minor changes. We adapt it to industry trends and take into account feedback from students, instructors, and experts.
1st year
2nd year

Examples of student projects and theses

Company Investment Case (Investment Memorandum / Equity Analysis)
Thesis, Drivers, Risks, Target Price, Scenarios
Business Valuation (Discounted Cash Flow Models, Multiples) + Scenario-Based Sensitivity Analysis
Robust Model, Justification of Assumptions
Portfolio
and management rules
Strategy (value / quality / momentum), rebalancing, risk metrics, period‑by‑period conclusions
Case study on risk management / hedging
Risk definition, instrument selection, hedging logic, constraints
Financial statement
analysis project
Company analysis, earnings quality, debt burden, liquidity, cash conversion (conversion of earnings into cash flow)

Our professors are industry leaders in the field of finance, board members and executives at major organizations

Vasily Solodkov
Academic Director of the Program, Professor, Director of the Banking Institute at the National Research University Higher School of Economics
Sergey Zakharov
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Ph.D. in Economics, Managing Partner at Toliman (TLM) Capital
Anton Shpuntov
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Head of the Department for Work with Issuers at Moscow Exchange, PJSC
Andrey Kulakov
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Financial Risk Management Specialist, Executive Director of the Market Analysis Department at Gazprombank
Nadezhda Lebedeva
ACCA, Managing Director at VTB Bank
Alexander Kudrin
Ph.D. in Physics and Mathematics, Professor at the Banking Institute of the National Research University Higher School of Economics, Chief Strategist and Managing Director of ATON
Elena Dimova
Ph.D. in Economics, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Director of Strategic Planning and Development at Stratoprint LLC
Vasily Solodkov
Academic Director of the Program, Professor, Director of the Banking Institute at the National Research University Higher School of Economics
Sergey Zakharov
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Ph.D. in Economics, Managing Partner at Toliman (TLM) Capital
Anton Shpuntov
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Head of the Department for Work with Issuers at Moscow Exchange, PJSC
Andrey Kulakov
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Financial Risk Management Specialist, Executive Director of the Market Analysis Department at Gazprombank
Nadezhda Lebedeva
ACCA, Managing Director at VTB Bank
Alexander Kudrin
Ph.D. in Physics and Mathematics, Professor at the Banking Institute of the National Research University Higher School of Economics, Chief Strategist and Managing Director of ATON
Elena Dimova
Ph.D. in Economics, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Director of Strategic Planning and Development at Stratoprint LLC

How to enroll

6
starting September 1, 2026

Start your studies

You are now an online student — congratulations!
5
by August 28, 2026

Sign the contract and pay for your studies

Everything is done online, which is quick and convenient
4
by August 13, 2026

Take an online interview

We’ll ask you to tell us about yourself, your experience, and your motivation, and we’ll discuss your career plans and expectations for the program
3
by August 8, 2026

Pass a portfolio review

Attach your resume, cover letter, and letters of recommendation, as well as your achievements. We will notify you of your portfolio assessment results by August 15
1
now

Sign up for a consultation

We will contact you by phone to tell you about the program and answer all your questions. This is free of charge
2
by August 8, 2026

Submit your application on Gosuslugi

You will need your passport and college diploma

All the benefits of in‑person learning and the advantages of online study

State-recognized diploma

You will receive a state-recognized master’s degree diploma in the field of 38.04.08 "Finance and Credit" from the National Research University Higher School of Economics, with a supplement translated into English. The document will not indicate that the program was completed online

Study from
anywhere in the world

There’s no need to move to Moscow and you can study wherever you feel most comfortable. And if you’d like to visit HSE’s campus, we’ll help you arrange a visitor pass and look forward to seeing you

The opportunity to balance work and study

Course lectures are available immediately after if you can’t join live so that you can watch them at any time. Live classes are held on weekday evenings and are later made available as recordings. This allows you to continue your career while fitting your studies into your schedule

Student status, access to HSE’s online resources, and the option to visit campus

You have all the same benefits as HSE’s on-campus students
Financial Analyst
Strategic Manager
Financial Manager
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Investment Officer
Financial Analyst
Strategic Manager
Financial Manager
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Investment Officer
from ₽100,000
Junior Specialist
up to 1 year of experience
from ₽150,000
Middle Specialist
1−3 years of experience
from ₽250,000
Senior Specialist
more than 3 years of experience

Career

According to the Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge at the National Research University Higher School of Economics, the profession of financial analyst ranks among the top 25 with the greatest future potential.

According to GeekLink, the income of professionals in this field is projected to increase by 17.42% by 2025.

Resume after graduation

Pyotr Navinsky
Financial Analyst
Master’s Degree in Finance, HSE University
(Skills)
Financial Analysis and Valuation
Financial statement analysis (IFRS/RAS interpretation-level knowledge), factor analysis, earnings quality assessment, value drivers
Risk management and derivative financial instruments
The basics derivatives/hedging and risk management as applied tools
Financial Modeling
Model building (three-statement financial modeling, discounted cash flow models, scenario-based sensitivity analysis, unit economics for projects/startups), structuring assumptions, model validation
Research and Communication in English
Literature search and analysis, drafting conclusions and presentations, confident business communication in finance
Investments and portfolio management
Formulating investment hypotheses, allocation, portfolio logic, risk/return assessment, pitching ideas
Corporate Finance
Investment decisions, corporate finance, working with corporate financial strategies and practices
(Tools)

Testimonials from our online students and alumni about their experiences studying at HSE Online

Anton Ivakhnenko
Program graduate
I completed the Bachelor’s program in "Economics and Statistics" at the National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE University), and then enrolled in the online Master’s program in "Finance."
Artem Karapetyan
Program graduate
The program fully met my expectations as I gained a lot of new knowledge and reinforced what I already knew in the areas of investment analysis and corporate finance.
Anna Meshkova
Program student
I work in the finance department of one of Russia’s leading metallurgical companies. Enrolling in an online master’s program taught entirely in English was a significant step in my professional career
Alexander Belanov
Program student
I am the president of Blagochain LLC and an IT entrepreneur. The online format of the classes allows me to study without interrupting my business or business trips as I can join classes from the office, an airport lounge, or a hotel.
Anton Ivakhnenko
Program graduate
I completed the Bachelor’s program in "Economics and Statistics" at the National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE University), and then enrolled in the online Master’s program in "Finance."

Currently, my main focus is advising on mergers and acquisitions on both the sell and buy sides, as well as implementing projects to attract direct investment, bank financing, and mezzanine financing.

The online format exceeded all expectations. The Knowledge assessment is delivered through tests and project assignments, which allows me to balance work and study. All program material is relevant to real-world situations and focuses on practical knowledge.

My experience has been exceptionally positive; I believe this program is the best in the online segment of financial education.

Artem Karapetyan
Program graduate
The program fully met my expectations as I gained a lot of new knowledge and reinforced what I already knew in the areas of investment analysis and corporate finance.

I would like to give a special mention to the professors since they are all practicing professionals and CFA charterholders, each of whom actively shared their experience. I would particularly like to highlight Sergey Zakharov’s course on investment banking and Anatoly Potashov’s courses, which were very helpful to me later on and proved extremely useful for the area of finance in which I am developing my career.

The online format was also very helpful because it allowed me to balance my studies with work without compromising the program’s effectiveness. I highly recommend this master’s program to all prospective students!

Anna Meshkova
Program student
I work in the finance department of one of Russia’s leading metallurgical companies. Enrolling in an online master’s program taught entirely in English was a significant step in my professional career. I searched for quite some time for a program like this, and it has exceeded all my expectations.

The online format offers incredible flexibility for busy professionals like me. I can attend lectures at my own pace and balance my studies with my career and personal life.

The program’s content is in-depth and practice-oriented, and the knowledge gained is applicable to solving real-world financial problems. And the fact that the program is taught in English makes it even more relevant and enriching.

Alexander Belanov
Program student
I am the president of Blagochain LLC and an IT entrepreneur. The online format of the classes allows me to study without interrupting my business or business trips as I can join classes from the office, an airport lounge, or a hotel.

It’s important to me that the lectures are held in real time. At the same time, if for some reason I am unable to attend a webinar, I can watch the recording, ask questions about the material or practical assignments in the chat with the instructor, and receive a response.

I would like to highlight the faculty and the selection of academic advisors who assisted me in writing term papers and master’s theses — they are top experts in their fields.

The Master of Finance program opens up new horizons for my professional development in a field that interests me and inspires me. The knowledge I’ve gained makes me a more valuable expert in the market, and I understand how to continue growing.

Tuition fees
280 000 ₽
per term
4 terms in total
Program Benefits
Installment plans available
Schedule a consultation to learn more
Our managers
Alina
Aldabergenova
Tatyana
Rylova
Anna
Sokoreva

Take the first step and sign up for a consultation

We’ll call you to tell you about the program and answer all your questions. It’s completely free of charge

Q&A

Sign up for our newsletter

 We’ll keep you updated on programs and deadlines, share news from the online campus, and provide career advice andtips for personal growth

Follow us on social media and our blog

There, you’ll find announcements, research, student reviews, helpful videos from experts, and so much more
HSE Online, 2026
We use cookies to improve the performance of the HSE University website and enhance your user experience. For more information about our use of cookies, please click here, for our privacy policy, please click here. By continuing to use the website, you confirm that you have been informed about the use of cookies by the HSE University website and agree to our personal data processing policy. You can disable cookies in your browser settings.
We’ll be in touch soon to tell you more about the program and answer any questions you may have
You have successfully submitted your application
You’ll receive emails. If you don’t see them, check your "Spam" folder.
You have subscribed to the newsletter