Education System in Russia – Rus Education

Higher Education System In Russia

Russian education is one of the most advanced and developed systems in the world. Accreditation and licensing of higher education institutions are under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation. This ministry is also in charge of the development and maintenance of State Educational Standards. Only accredited higher education institutions can award state diplomas and degrees.

The system of higher education in Russia is similar to that in central Europe, with a few key differences. The system is broken down into four main sections: primary, secondary, higher, and postgraduate education.  The country has as many as 776 higher education institutions in 82 regions, and choosing Russia as a study abroad destination will allow you to find the right degree program.

3 kinds of higher education institutions in Russia

  • Universities

    offer a broad range of programs on all levels.

  • Academies

    place a larger emphasis on research and practical skills, normally dedicated to specific subject areas such as art, architecture or science.

  • Institutes

    are independent branches of universities or academies which offer professional educational courses. 

Russia’s higher education system is known for its achievements and focuses on science and technology.  State-funded institutions offer many courses in the sciences, but there is also a variety of humanities and social sciences programs available! 

Degree Structures in the Russian Education System 

Although education in Russia is largely based on the European style, degrees are structured differently than in other countries in Europe.

  • In addition to pursuing a bachelor’s or specialist’s degree after completing secondary education, students can also pursue a master’s degree. Bachelor’s degrees are obtained after four years of study at a university. Specialized degrees are awarded after five years of study and are intended to provide practical training in a student’s chosen field. Students must successfully defend a thesis and pass exams to earn both qualifications. Except for medicine, where the first stage of education takes six years, this degree is conferred in all fields.

  • Typically, master’s degrees are awarded after two years of study with one year dedicated to research, including practice and preparation for defense of a thesis.  Students with a master’s degree are eligible for PhD studies. To confirm a student’s status as a scientist, two postgraduate degrees are required in Russia. Universities or scientific institutes are the only institutions that offer postgraduate degrees. After successfully completing the first part of their postgraduate education, students are awarded the degree of Candidate of Sciences. 

  • In postgraduate education, you spend an additional 3-5 years studying for the final Doctorate degree. This will lead to a Doctorate degree. There is a gap between the two degrees, so the Doctorate qualification is often awarded to Candidates of Science at the end of their careers in academia. 

Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees were not available in the Soviet system and were introduced as a result of the Bologna Process to align the formal education system with international standards.

The Russian Academic Year

In Russia, the academic year is divided into two semesters. There are two seasons, the first from September through January, and the second from February through June. Most of the universities follow this academic pattern.