Higher Education in Russia

Russia’s higher educational system started with the foundation of the State Moscow University founded in the middle of the 18th century. The getting of higher education was and still is very prestigious.

Students with secondary education can be admitted to higher educational institutions. In previous years school leavers had to take both secondary schools leaving examinations and higher education entrance tests. In 2004 a choice is given to the school leavers after the Unified State Exam was introduced. Many but not all faculties of the universities admit applicants on the basis of the results of the three USE chosen by the applicants. On average, competition to enter state university now is 187 applications for 100 places.

One of the great attractions of education in Russia is the cost. Degree study tuition is from $2000 to $8000 per year, with other costs (room, books, etc.) ranging from $1500 to $5000 per year, depending on location and spending habits.

The types of the educational institutions in the Russian Federation are:

• University: a higher educational institution with activities aimed at developing education, science, and culture by performing fundamental scientific research and training at all the levels of higher, postgraduate, and further education within a wide range of Natural Sciences, Humanities, and other branches of sciences, technology, and culture.

• Academy: a higher educational institution with activities aimed at developing education, science, and culture mainly in one specific area of science, technology, and culture.

• Institute: an independent higher educational institution, which applies vocational education curricula in specific areas of science, technology, and culture.

Russian higher educational institutions can grant the following types of degrees and diplomas:

Intermediate Diploma; Bachelor’s degree; Diploma of Specialist; Master’s degree.

The function of the degree of Intermediate Higher Education granted after no less than two years of training is to certify that a student has successfully completed the first two years of the fundamental higher education, which is considered to be a basis of the chosen field of training. Besides, this degree provides mobility between various higher educational institutions.

The Bachelor’s degree is awarded after at least four years of training. It covers almost all fields of knowledge, except medical science. Final state certification procedure includes the presentation of the graduation paper.

Degree of a Specialist is awarded after 5–6 years of studies. The degree of a Specialist has a double function. It provides access to occupational activities and also gives the possibility to enter postgraduate courses (doctoral programs). Final state certification includes presentation of the graduation paper. Besides, in the majority of cases students have to pass final state examinations.

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