Introduction. In modern science, the problems of academic adaptation of foreign citizens studying in Russian universities are among the most pressing. However, the issues of academic adaptation of foreign students undergoing professional training in educational institutions of the Ministry of the Interior of Russia remain insufficiently studied. Meanwhile, identifying the specifics of the academic adaptation process of such students, their typical problems and ways to solve them is one of the most important areas of work on organizing the development of the educational environment of a departmental university by foreign citizens. Not only their academic achievements, but also the quality of their future professional activity largely depend on its success. Thus, there is every reason to talk about the high level of significance of the current study of the specifics of the academic adaptation process of foreign citizens studying in universities of the Ministry of the Interior of Russia and various aspects of its pedagogical support. Methods. In the course of the study, the results of which are reflected in this article, the following theoretical methods were used: analysis, synthesis, specification, generalization, analysis of pedagogical experience. Results. The authors clarify the concept of «academic adaptation» taking into account the specific features of the educational process of the universities of the Ministry of the Interior of Russia, one of which is the strict regulation of the students' educational activities. The problems most often encountered by foreign citizens in the process of academic adaptation are presented. In the context of providing students with pedagogical assistance in its various forms, proposals are formulated regarding ways to solve these problems.