St Petersburg State University vice-rector Prof Konstantin Khudoley and international relations vice-dean Associate Prof Philipp Khanin were at the University of Otago last week to discuss student and lecturer exchanges.
As part of the visit, there were discussions about holding lectures at the universities via video conferencing, which would allow students from both nations to share lecturers' expertise.
Prof Khanin said video-conferencing would work well because there was only eight hours' difference between the countries' time zones.
Morning lectures at St Petersburg State University would coincide with evening lectures in New Zealand.
"It is possible that, in a few weeks, we will be able to start sharing lectures.
"I think that Otago University is the oldest, strongest and most prestigious university in New Zealand. We have much in common. This is big luck."
The universities' business schools are members of Partnership in International Management, a worldwide consortium of top business schools which provides a framework for international co-operation, primarily at graduate level.
The Otago School of Business is the only business school in New Zealand that is a member, and the Graduate School of Management at St Petersburg is the only member in Russia.
The professors also visited senior staff at the University of Otago's politics and health sciences departments to discuss sharing lectures via video-conferencing.
Negotiations are still in early stages.
University of Otago international relations co-ordinator Sandra McAndrew was delighted the relationship with one of Russia's most prestigious universities had been strengthened.
"It's a huge leap for the University of Otago."
