National Research Tomsk State University is often regarded as one of the best universities in Russia as well as one of the best in BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) and the former Soviet-Union. Additionally, it often ranks within the top-250 in global ratings. As of 2017, National Research Tomsk State University was the overall third best classical university in Russia according to RIA Novosti—outperformed only by Moscow State University and Ural Federal University.[6]