The volunteers in the Russian city will undergo an in-depth education programme and pass an English proficiency test.

The courses, which give volunteers the opportunity to learn English from scratch or improve their current levels, will be delivered online with the help of one of the largest international online schools, which currently provides courses for more than 46,000 users from 50 countries.

Each participant will be given an individual education programme, which will take into account their level of proficiency in foreign languages.

Deputy head of the Krasnoyarsk 2019 directorate Konstantin Gureev said the education programme will be available to participants at all times and will be accessible from any device with internet access.

"Due to this system, volunteers are able to choose convenient training times and work to their own schedule," he said.

"At the same time, it constantly tracks how actively and successfully the tasks are performed by the students.

"Tests are conducted on a monthly basis, and we can capture the results of each student."

Gureev also emphasised the importance of volunteers' communication skills for a successful Universiade.

"Of course, the knowledge of a foreign language is necessary," he said.

"But the main driver is motivation.

"If there is a desire, many skills can be improved and learned.

"Each volunteer of the Games will be taught how to communicate with foreigners."

Following the opening of the course to the first 300 volunteers, a further 1,500 will join the course in September with others set to be given an accelerated course in December.

Organisers are hoping that all 5,000 volunteers will end with a proficient level of English.

An extended course will be provided for volunteers who will regularly communicate with foreign delegates.

The 2019 Winter Universiade will run from March 2 to 12 with Russian President Vladimir Putin expected to officially open the event.