Derzhavin University hosted the finals of the annual "Miss University 2026" beauty, grace, and talent contest.
The event was preceded by qualifying rounds held in the University's departments. Each institute and faculty nominated its candidate for the crown. This year, 13 students competed for the title.
- The Miss University contest has been a long-standing tradition at Derzhavin University for eleven years. Here, we choose not only a beautiful girl, but also an intelligent, creative, and ambitious one, - says Rector Pavel Moiseev. - This year, we had a record number of applications—over fifty from all departments. The geography of the participants expands each year. This season, for the first time, a student from the Derzhavin Lyceum joined the university and secondary vocational students. This confirms our university's status as a united and large family.
Preparation for the final round of the competition was intense. The girls participated in photo shoots and video shoots. They also attended a series of master classes where they honed the basics of fashion show and choreography to present themselves effectively on stage.
In the final round, the participants completed competition tasks: they presented their "special features," demonstrated their creativity and eloquence, and walked the runway in evening gowns.
Following the competition, Marina Yudaeva, a student at the Institute of Pedagogy was named Miss University 2026.
- Winning the Miss University competition is the fulfillment of my childhood dream. I am incredibly happy that it has become a reality within the walls of Derzhavin University. This competition opens new horizons for me, and I hope to build my career not only in teaching but also in the beauty industry, - shared Marina Yudaeva, winner of the competition. - I want to say a huge thank you to my family, friends, and classmates for their support. Special thanks to the project organizers and each member of the jury. Winning the Miss University title isn't just about wearing a crown; it's also about bearing responsibility and representing the honor of our University.
Marina Tausarova from the Faculty of History, Political Science, and Philology was named First Vice-Miss. Daryana Sedykh from the Institute of Law and National Security, Secondary Vocational Education, was named Second Vice-Miss. Miss Audience Award was voted by social media users and the audience. Alexandra Kirillova from the Institute of Economics, Information Technology, and Creative Industries received the most votes. The Miss Charm title went to Yinghuai Yu from the Faculty of History, Political Science, and Philology.
The Miss University contest was first held in Derzhavin University in 2016.
This year's general partners were the appliance store "i Prime," Design-Stroy LLC, and the Nadezhda Cosmetology Clinic. The competition's partners also included: Alfa-Bank JSC, Topfit Studio Chain, Marzipan - evening and wedding dress rental and sales salon, Marker Photo Center, Doctor Chernikova Aesthetic Medicine Clinic, Lace Lingerie Showroom Chain, Anatomy Quest, Yulia Korotkevich's Hair Reconstruction Studio, Makeup Artists Ksenia Domenetskaya and Natalia Kazadayeva, as well as Valeria Ivanova and Lyudmila Polyanskaya.
