The SPARK application deadline is December 14, 2025, 23:59 MSK.

Applications for SPARK 2026 are now closed. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered.

Please complete your SPARK application in English. The first and last names in the application must be indicated as printed in the international passport.

Supporting documents such as your resume, essay, and video must be in English. While the transcript can be uploaded in Russian, you must also upload a translated copy.

Your resume should be no more than 1 page in length and list academic and professional experience. Applicants could include information such as relevant coursework, volunteering or work experience, awards or certifications, and more.  

The program does not require any specific template for the resume. There are multiple resume templates online, and applicants can use any template they prefer.

The SPARK application is now closed.

SPARK accepts applications from undergraduate students in a four- or five-year program, provided they have one remaining year left at their home university upon returning to Russia (ie. First, second, and third year students in four-year programs, and first, second, third, and fourth year students in five-year programs).

SPARK applicants should be born between August 1, 2004 and April 15, 2008. The age range for students with disabilities is August 1, 2003 to April 15, 2008.

Applicants will need to upload documents including a resume, transcript, and international passport and will need to submit one short essay and one short video.

Please upload the information page that has your bio data; you do not need to upload the entire international passport.  

No, it is not required to translate the stamp on documents. 

No, only Russian citizens currently residing in Russia can participate in the SPARK program.

The transcript is a document issued by your university that includes the record of your grades for exams.

First-year undergraduate students can submit their high school certificate with grades while completing the application. If the candidate moves on in the application process, they will submit their university transcript with winter session exams at a later time.

No, if your university has provided an official transcript in English, you can upload the English version in both sections- the transcript in Russian and the translated copy.  

Yes, you can upload the international passport even it expires before the application deadline.

If you become a finalist, you must have a valid international passport by January 31, 2026. The international passport must be valid at least until February 28, 2027. SPARK recommends to apply for a biometric passport.

Yes, if you do not have an international passport when applying you can submit a domestic passport.

If you become a finalist, you must have a valid international passport by January 31, 2026. The international passport must be valid at least until February 28, 2027. SPARK recommends to apply for a biometric passport.

SPARK students will live on-campus during the summer semester, or in some cases live with a host family.  

SPARK students are not allowed to drive in the United States but can travel by car with host families or friends.

During the summer semester in the U.S., SPARK students can only travel domestically within the U.S. International travel will only be permitted for emergency situations that require students to return to Russia.

SPARK covers tuition and mandatory university fees, roundtrip airfare from participants’ home in Russia to their host institution in the U.S., housing and meals, medical insurance, a monthly stipend, a cultural activity stipend, and a book allowance.

During the summer semester, SPARK students will enroll in six to nine credits as full-time students. SPARK students will enroll in one American studies course such as U.S. history, African American literature, and U.S. government, to learn more about American society. However, students can also enroll in general education courses, courses in their field of study, or other electives based on subject offerings available during the summer. 

Yes, family can visit you but must make all logistical and visa arrangements without SPARK program assistance. 

Your arrival in the U.S. will depend on your host institution's academic calendar but will be in late May or June.

You will be placed at an accredited 2 or 4-year college or university based on your English language test scores, areas of studies, and other factors.

Typically, the summer semester in the U.S. is 8-10 weeks.