If you’re seeking universities for higher education, Europe can be a good option. From Europe, Russia can be a great option if you want to study abroad. Being a part of both eastern Europe and northern Asia, Russia has an extraordinary education system that attracts foreign students highly.
With a literacy rate of 100%, the Russian government mandates education for 11 years, exclusively for children aged 7 to 17 or 18. The educational system in Russia is divided into four levels. They are primary education, middle education, followed by secondary schools, and higher education which includes bachelor, master, and doctorate degrees. Let’s dig into the diverse and excellent Russian education system:
History of Education in Russia
Russian education provides high-quality education for all. This high quality of education has not come to this stage shortly. It took years after years to flourish. Let’s go back to the history line of Russian education.
- In 1687, the Slavic-Greek-Latin Academy was the first university founded in Russia.
- In 1724, the Petersburg Academy of Sciences was founded. It is the ancestor of the current Russian Academy of Sciences.
- In 1755, the Moscow State University was introduced which lasted since 1940.
- The first higher education courses for women were opened in the year 1870.
- Over time, some 56 universities were actively operating in Russia in 1899.
- A total of 150 universities in Russia were founded till 1917.
- By 1918, Russia made higher education free and it was the first country in the world to make this happen. In the same year, the Russian government passed an act to allow workers to admit to universities.
- From 1918 to 1919, more than 12 universities were introduced.
- The first Russian polytechnic institutes are founded in 1928.
- In 1930, various Russian government agencies created industrial institutes.
- In the last years of World War 2, around 60 new universities are opened.
- By 1990, around one hundred eighty thousand international students were recorded to enroll at Russian educational institutions.
- In the year 2007, Bachelor’s and Master’s programs were introduced in Russia.
- A total of 21 Russian universities appeared in the QS overall rankings in 2014.
- In 2015, a total of 13 Russian universities were listed in the Times Higher Education world university rankings.
The number of achievements gradually increased. People from all around the world highly appreciate the Russian education system and its higher education is in high demand.
Russian Education Levels
Russia is known for its well-settled education system for decades. The culture of Russia is distinct and diverse. There are people with various skills, religious beliefs, ethnicities, socioeconomic statuses, and philosophies. The educational system and history both show the top-class level of the Russian education system.
Russia is known for its well-settled education system for decades. The culture of Russia is distinct and diverse. There are people with various skills, religious beliefs, ethnicities, socioeconomic statuses, and philosophies. The educational system and history both show the top-class level of the Russian education system.
Primary Education
In Russia, students start their education at the age of one in pre-education which is not mandatory education. Primary education comprises grades 1 to 4. The age of a primary school student is 6 to 10.
Middle Education
After primary school, Russian students go to the next level of education. Middle education is generally the basic general education. It lasts for 5 years and comprises grades 5 to 9. In middle education, students complete basic education in a wide range of subjects. After finishing the middle education level, students are given a Certificate to start Secondary General Education.
Secondary Education
The secondary level of education in Russia lasts for 2 years. Here, students study in grades 10 and 11. The age frame of a secondary school student should be 15 to 17. After completing secondary education students are given a Certificate of Secondary Complete General Education.
After secondary education, students can choose to study further. Students can choose Vocational education or Tertiary or higher education at the next level.
Higher Education
Russian higher education is top-notch. People from all around the world chose Russia as their study-abroad destination. Higher education in Russia is also known as tertiary education.
In higher education, the basic bachelor’s degree lasts for 4 years. After completing this level, students can choose of taking jobs or studying longer further.
Russia started with only two universities but now half of the Russian population has higher education qualifications. The doctorate degree is the highest degree awarded to a student in Russia.
Language in Russia
Russia’s official language is Russian. It is the most spoken native language in Europe. However, English is widely spoken in Russia. Russia is very popular among international students for higher education. English is covered in all curricula of Russia.
Most Popular Universities in Russia
Russia is home to more than 1000 universities. Furthermore, Russia ranks among the top 100 in the World University Rankings. Russia has a plethora of prestigious universities. If you are an international student and looking for a university to further your education, Russia is an excellent option. The following are the rankings for the top universities in Russia:
| University Names | Location in Russia | QS World University Ranking (2023) |
Global Score (2023) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lomonosov Moscow State University | Moscow | 75 | 66.8 |
| Bauman Moscow State Technical University | Moscow | 230 | 40.3 |
| Novosibirsk State University | Novosibirsk | 260 | 37.9 |
| Tomsk State University | Tomsk | 264 | 37.6 |
| Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT / Moscow Phystech) | Dolgoprudny | 267 | 37.3 |
| Saint Petersburg State University | Saint Petersburg | 270 | 37.2 |
| RUDN University | Moscow | 295 5 QS Stars |
35.5 |
| HSE University | Moscow | 308 | 34.3 |
| National Research Nuclear University MEPhI (Moscow Engineering Physics Institute) | Moscow | 308 | 34.3 |
| Kazan (Volga region) Federal University | Kazan |
322 5 QS Stars |
33.4 |
Popular Program in Russia
| Programme Name | Available in Russia | Approximate Tuition Fee Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture |
|
$ 3,000 to $ 5,000 |
| Engineering |
|
$ 3,000 to $ 5,000 |
| Business Administration |
|
$5,000 to $10,000 |
| Humanities |
|
$5,000 to $10,000 |
| Biology, Medicine, Health |
|
$6,000 to $20,000 |
| Computer Science, IT |
|
$6,000 to $20,000 |
Russian Online Degree
Tuition fees are always low in the online education system. Another advantage of distance learning is the flexibility of time. Distance learning for higher education is available in Russia and is popular among international students. If you want to get a good degree without spending a lot of money then Russia is one of the best options for you.
There are numerous valuable short and long-distance learning courses available in Russia. Following the global Coronavirus outbreak, the popularity of distance learning has skyrocketed. The following are the top distance learning universities known in Russia:
Best Online Universities in Russia
| University Names | Main Location Russia | University Type |
|---|---|---|
| Saint Petersburg State University | Saint Petersburg | Public Research University and partially taught online |
| HSE University | Moscow | Public Research University and partially taught online |
| South Ural State University | Chelyabinsk | Educational institution and partially taught online |
| Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia | Moscow | Partially taught online |
| Magnitogorsk State Technical University | Chelyabinsk | Partially taught online |
| Tomsk State University | Tomsk | Public Research University and partially taught online |
Best Areas for International Students in Russia
If you want to study abroad, you must put Russia on the top. You will receive a high-quality education in a culturally diverse environment. Without a doubt, studying at renowned Russian universities with top-tier academic programs will provide you with an unforgettable experience.
You must begin by reviewing a list of Russia’s top universities as ranked by the Academic Ranking of World Universities. We have listed some of the best student cities in Russia below:
- Moscow: Moscow is the capital of Russia and the most attractive city.
- Saint Petersburg: It is the cultural capital of Russia.
- Tomsk: Tomsk is a prominent research and cultural center. It is also known for its historical legacy.
- Novosibirsk: Novosibirsk is famous for its role in the field of science.
- Kazan: The city is the best-known tourist attraction.
Funding and Scholarship in Russia
The scholarship-giving procedure changes every year with new options for students whether you are living in the country or an international student.
According to the latest law on higher education facilities, scholarship is given to deserving international students who want to pursue a Master’s or Ph.D. degree at any Russian university.
Every year, the Russian government awards more than 15,000 government scholarships to foreign students. The grant covers the cost of a student’s study. In addition, if any student needs to improve his or her Russian skills, the grant covers that too.
FAQs
What is Russia’s top programs?
Some of the most popular courses in Russia are economics, computer science, international business, science, and arts.
IIs online education free in Russia?
Tuition is charged for the majority of online education in Russia.
Is Russia’s education system good?
Education in Russia is in high demand among international students and it scored the highest in science, math, and literature.
Which Russian city is best suited to international students?
Moscow and Novosibirsk are the best Russian cities for international students. Some of Russia’s best universities are located in the city.
Conclusion
Russia, as a Eurasian landmass, has some of the best student cities in the world because they seamlessly blend excellent instruction with fantastic activities and offer a generally secure lifestyle.
There are numerous benefits to studying in Russia, including access to some of the world’s best and most prestigious universities and relatively low tuition and living expenses.
The educational standard in Russia is consistently rising and improving. This is the primary reason for the increase in Russian university applicants.
Please see our article “Study in Russia with a Scholarship” for more information. Please leave a comment if you have any questions about the Russian educational system.
