The Idea Of Studying In Russia

Sprawling across two continents and spanning an incredible nine time zones (having cut down from 11 in 2010), Russia is the largest country in the world by far. Within its vast boundaries lie some of the planet’s most luxurious palaces, extensive plateaus, highest mountains, coldest cities, strongest spirits, best ballet companies, and largest collections of stacking dolls. In terms of culture, literature is one of the country’s most notable displays; Russian authors such as Tolstoy, Bulgakov, Dostoyevsky and Nabokov are celebrated worldwide for creating some of the greatest works of the 19th and 20th centuries.

One of the fast-growing economies in the world, alongside the other BRICS countries, Russia is keen to internationalize its higher education system, and is investing in developing its universities and extending support for international applicants.

Education In Russia

There are three basic kinds of higher education institutions in Russia. These are Universities, Academies and Institutes. Universities offer a wide spectrum of programs on all levels of education. Academies povide higher education at all levels and conduct a large amount of research – usually specialised in one branch such as science, art or architecture. Institutes are independent parts of universities or academies offering professional education programs.

Russia has more university graduates than any other country in Europe. This is largely due to the government financing all education and higher education including living expenses during the Soviet era. There are some 519 institutions of higher education and 48 universities in Russia. Russia has historically placed much emphasis on science and technology in educations, and most of the government run institutions are specialized within this area. This is also where Russian higher education has its best reputation. To complement these traditional Russian institutions, many private institutions of higher educations have been emerging, often providing education in those areas not traditionally in focus such as economics, business and law.

Russia is currently in the process of switching its traditional higher education degree model to one that is much more compatible with Western-type academic degrees. In 2003, Russia signed the Bologna Declaration which paved the way for the government to enact a law that removed its old, five-year degree model to one that resembles the U.S. degree system–the four-year bachelor degree followed by a master’s degree. However, the postdoctorate degree still retains the traditional, Soviet Union pattern that was established nearly 90 years ago. Basically, PhDs in Russia are defined and earned according to the depth of a student’s personal achievements in scientific research (doktor nauk, or doctor of science) or academic research.

Cultural Diversity

The population of Russia is made up of over 160 different ethnic groups speaking more than 100 different languages. The official language of the country is Russia, which the majority of the population speaks, but other popular languages include Tatar and Ukrainian. Students wondering why study in Russia are drawn to the culturally rich environment created by the incredibly diverse population of Russia.Russia possesses one of the best mass-education systems in the world, and has a long-standing tradition of high-quality education for all citizens. Russia’s education system produces a 98% literacy rate, exceeding that of most Western European countries. Russia’s top universities are located in Moscow and St. Petersburg, with Moscow State University and Saint Petersburg being the most well-known. The top universities in Russia have extremely competitive entry requirements, and hold special entry exams each year.

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