Russian Studies Program

Language Placement Test

If you studied Russian before coming to Brandeis and wish to continue studying the language, you must take a placement test to determine your level. The exam will be scheduled during the first week of each semester so that there is sufficient time to choose and register for the appropriate class. This page will be updated in August (for fall semesters) and early January (for spring semesters) with the date, time and location of the exam.

If you completed one full year of high school Russian, you should expect to be placed in Russian 20. If you had two years of high school Russian, you should expect to be placed in Russian 30. However, these decisions cannot be made until you take the placement test.

Heritage Speakers

If you are a heritage speaker of Russian (you grew up speaking Russian at home, but did not formally study the language), and would like to enroll in a Russian language course, please contact Program Director Irina Dubinina about the appropriate placement. Brandeis offers classes specifically designed to address the needs of heritage speakers of Russian. The options vary by semester. You will need to take a placement test to determine your level. The same examination can be taken to test out of the university language requirement.

Placement of all students with a background in Russian language is subject to final approval by the program director.