Quality and Standards
Russia is one of the few countries to offer foreign citizens the opportunity to receive free tuition. Every year, the Russian government awards several thousand scholarships (quotas) to international students. For example, in 2019 universities were allocated 15,000 quotas. In addition, some categories of foreign citizens, including compatriots, may apply for state-funded places on equal terms with Russians but outside the quotas.
Another possibility is taking part in university academic competitions: the winners and laureates of these competitions are given preferential terms when enrolling at leading Russian universities (on a quota basis and for state-funded places).
Russia is a multinational country where representatives of the most diverse countries and cultures can easily adapt to life here. Russia is home to more than 200 ethnic groups that speak more than 100 different languages and dialects.
The Russian constitution guarantees freedom of conscience: Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Judaists, and representatives of other faiths peacefully coexist here. The country’s multinational and ethnic structure illustrates the diversity of all spheres of life, from cultural to domestic. Unsurprisingly, many foreigners arriving in Russia feel at home here.
Russian universities are proud of their long experience in the training and acclimatization of international students: supervisory programmes are arranged for first-year students and there is an established network of student communities.
Opportunity for Research, Teaching and Training
In 2003, Russia signed the Bologna Declaration, assuming several obligations as part of the creation of a common educational space of participant countries. Diplomas of Russian universities are recognized in most countries. This procedure is facilitated by intergovernmental agreements of Russia with more than 60 countries, including Finland, Spain, Cuba, India, Vietnam, China, Venezuela, and Namibia, while in June 2015 this document was also signed with France, in October and November 2016 with Cyprus and Malta, in May 2019 with Uzbekistan.
Furthermore, many Russian universities are implementing joint programmes with foreign universities and are issuing dual diplomas to their graduates. In other words, by studying in Russia you can receive a Russian diploma and a diploma from a European university. In terms of study facilities, Russian universities are a match for many western universities. High-level equipment for laboratories, scientific centres and study facilities are now a reality of student life today. Most Russian universities have their own dormitories with a relatively low cost of accommodation.
Intakes
One academic year runs from 1 September to 30 June (10 months). An academic year is divided into 2 semesters. Upon completion of each semester, students take examinations and tests in subjects they have studied.
1st semester: 1 September – 25 January;
2nd semester: 9 February – 30 June.