HIGHER EDUCATION IN RUSSIA

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Education System in Russia

Academic year in Russia

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. 

Vacations: winter vacation (2 weeks from 25 January to 9 February), summer vacation (2 months from 1 July to 30 August). Students can stay in Russia or go to home country for winter and summer vacation. 

Foundation Course

The Foundation course is a special university faculty which aims to prepare international students for further training in Russian state universities. Along with the Russian language, they study program-related subjects: biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, informatics, etc. Upon the graduation from the course, students know the basics of the Russian language as well as professional vocabulary. After successful completion of the Foundation course, the students will easily come through the 1st academic year. The duration of the Foundation course is 8-10 months.

Those international students who know Russian enough for studying in the Russian language, can enter the 1st academic year without taking the Foundation course.

You can submit your application for the Foundation course annually from the 10th of January till the 1st of October.

Studies in English and French language

Classes are given by professors who are fluent in foreign languages; some classes are assisted by an interpreter. Learning of the Russian language is compulsory for the students. They use Russian not only in their communications within the University, but also in their everyday life. Course of the Russian language helps them to communicate with native speakers and to easily travel around Russia. Besides, all the traineeships and practical classes in hospitals/companies are in Russian, so it is extremely important for students to understand and speak it well. Apart from that, course of Latin is included in the curriculum of medical programs as it is the international language of medicine. During their classes, medical professors commonly use terms in Latin. 

The number of classes taught in Russian is increasing from one academic year to another. For example, at the first academic year all classes are given in foreign language. In addition, first-year students take an intensive course of Russian. Some non-major subjects are taught in Russian for senior students if they successfully took the required hours of classes and know the language well enough. 

All tests and examinations can be taken in Russian or in English at student’s choice.

Master’s degree programs are fully taught in the English language. However, Russian is included in the curriculum and Master’s students should learn it. 

You can apply for programs in English and French Medium annually from 10 January till 30 August (depends on availability of seats). 

Accommodation

All international students are accommodated in rooms for 2-3 people in student hostels or hotels. Each room is equipped with bedding and necessary furniture (table, chair, bed, bedside table and wardrobe). All other things such as dishes and kitchenware, computer etc. are not provided by the hostel and the students buy it on their own expense. Depending on the type of the hostel, restrooms and showers are available on each floor or in each unit consisting of several rooms. All buildings in Russia, including campus and hostels, have central heating, that´s why the average temperature in the buildings is 20-22˚C. The students can use the kitchens available on each floor. Also, there are canteens, gyms, classrooms, laundries and internet cafe in the hostels or in the neighborhood. 

It is necessary to keep the hostel rooms quiet and clean. Students are responsible for cleaning their rooms, while all common areas (halls, kitchens, showers and restrooms) are cleaned up by the hostel/hotel staff. 

The accommodation fees depend on the city, university and living conditions, and vary from 30 USD to 110 USD per month.

Cost of studies in Russia

Education of international students at Russian universities is subsidized by the Russian Government which makes studies in Russia very affordable. With governmental subsidizing, an average cost of studies is 2500-4000 USD per year, depending on the university and the program.

Please visit the "Universities" tab to find out the exact fees of the program you are interested in.

Recognition of diploma

Upon completion of the University program, graduates receive Russian national diplomas providing the description of the program and the degree obtained (Bachelor, Master, Specialist/Engineer). International recognition of Russian diplomas is ensured by the international agreements and national legislation.

Upon request, the graduates can receive an additional document – "European Supplement" which will enable them to receive foreign credential evaluation in any of the 49 European and other countries that are party to the Lisbon Recognition convention, to pursue further education or work in any of these countries.