This paper provides solution to the methodological problem of teaching Russian language to foreigners in Russian universities. A low level of academic style awareness, lack of professional vocabulary, absence of mixed-group learning experience are the main aspects analyzed by the authors. The authors designed a questionnaire „Difficulties that foreign students face in Russian university“ to conduct research on the above mentioned issue among the students of different educational programs in Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. The results of the study formed the basis for the main language difficulties classification. According to the authors, the implementation of the pre-master program is a solution to the problem. The program is aimed at building all the skills and abilities of using academic style, creating ready-made matrix portfolio, professional vocabulary, and a set of professional competences. The given program is designed for linguists, based on a productive approach, has practical value and motivates students to learn Russian as a necessary tool for a teacher of Russian for foreigners. The main content, tasks, learning patterns, and methodological possibilities are introduced.