Pavlov studied chemistry and physiology at the University of St. Petersburg.
He received the degree of Candidate of Natural Sciences in 1875.
After he got his degree he enrolled at the Imperial Medical Academy in St. Petersburg.
After finishing school Pavlov graduated in 1883.
After graduation, Pavlov studied under cardiovascular physiologist Carl Ludwig in Leipzig, Germany, and gastrointestinal physiologist Rudolf Heidenhain in Breslau, Poland.