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Higher Education in Russia

Russia's higher education system started with the foundation of the universities in Moscow and St. Petersburg in the middle of the 18th century. The first Russian university was established in Moscow in 1755 on the initiative of M. V. Lomonosov. The system of higher education was constructed similar to that of Germany. In Soviet times all of the population in Russia had at least a secondary education. The pursuit of higher education was and still is considered to be very prestigious. More than 50 % of people have a higher education.

The Russians have always shown a great concern for education. The right to education is stated in the constitution of the Russian Federation. It's provided by compulsory secondary schools, colleges and higher education establishments. It is ensured by the development of extramural and evening courses and the system of state scholarships and grants. Education in Russia is compulsory up to the 9th form inclusive. If a pupil of a secondary school wishes to go on with education, he or she can stay at school for two more years. Primary and secondary schools together comprise 11 years of study.

After finishing the 9th form one can go to a college which offers programmes of academic subjects and a programme of training in a professional field. After finishing the 11th form of a secondary school, a lyceum or a gymnasium one can go into higher education. Higher education is provided by public and non-public (non-state) accredited higher educational institutions such as universities, academies and institutes covering a wide range of fields of study.

University entrance is based on the results of the Uniform State Exam usually in three subjects, passed at schools. The subjects depend on the special field of a future student. They can be mathematics, computer science, physics, chemistry, biology etc. and the Russian language.

According to the two level educational system, we have:

– Bachelor's degree course – 4 years of full time university level study, leading to the Bachelor's degree (equivalent to the Bachelor's degree in the US or Western Europe);

– Master's degree course – 2 years. After two years of studying post-graduates are entitled to receive the Master's degree (this is equivalent to the Master's degree in the US or Western Europe). After getting the Master's degree students can continue to study towards the doctoral degree: Candidate of Science degree (the first level, equivalent to PhD) and Doctor of Science degree (the second highest level, no equivalent in the American and British education systems).

A distinguishing feature of our universities is that they are becoming internationally oriented. We have joined the European Cultural Convention which enables us to participate in all projects concerning higher and further education, academic mobility and recognition of qualification. The programmes are elaborated in accordance with the State Educational Standards which regulate almost 80 % of their content. The other 20 % are elaborated by the university itself.

The programmes include professional and special courses in sciences, the Humanities and socio-economic disciplines, professional training, completion of a research paper / project and passing of State final exams. The Bachelor's degree is awarded after defending a Diploma project prepared under the guidance of a supervisor and passing the final exams. The Bachelor's degree is awarded in all fields, except medicine, mining, marine specialities such as navigation, marine engineering etc. Having obtained the Bachelor's degree, students may apply to enter the Master's programme.

Access to Master's programmes is competitive. The Master's degree is awarded after successful completion of two-years' full-time study. Students must carry out a one-year research including practice and prepare and defend a thesis which constitutes an original contribution and sit for final examinations.

After obtaining the Master's degree there is a chance of taking post-graduate course. The average term of study for a PhD (Candidate degree as it is called in Russia) is three years. A post-graduate student must take a required number of courses and at the end of his study write and prove a dissertation.