Founded in 1773, Saint-Petersburg Mining University is a non-profit public higher-education institution located in the urban setting of the large metropolis of Saint Petersburg (population range of over 5,000,000 inhabitants). Officially recognized by the Ministry of Energy of the Russian Federation, Saint-Petersburg Mining University (SPMI) is a medium-sized coeducational Russian higher education institution. Saint-Petersburg Mining University (SPMI) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 249 years old Russian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. SPMI also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.