Russia is one of the world leaders in the education, science and technology. This makes it one of the most attractive countries for its acquiring among foreign students.
In addition to the high quality, competitive advantage of the Russian education is relative affordability in comparison with the countries of the North America, Europe and other developed countries (the average cost of the academic year, including accommodation in a student dormitory, is 1,500-3,000 US dollars).
Russian higher educational institutions include about 1,300 institutions, academies and universities that provide education according to more than 300 directions and specialties of higher education, Master’s degree programs, postgraduate training programs and residency. Russian education provides access to the most modern laboratories and science and technical centers, qualified academic staff, prestigious diplomas which are recognized all over the world, and traditions established throughout the centuries.
Duration of the academic year in the Russian universities is 10 months (September 1 - June 30). Academic year is divided into 2 semesters: the first semester: September 1 - January 25; the second semester: February 9 - June 30. At the end of each semester (January and June), students pass tests and examinations in the studied subjects. Vacations are provided for students between semesters: winter vacations (2 weeks: from January 25 to February 9), summer vacations (2 months: from July 1 to August 30). Students can spend their winter and summer vacations in Russia or go home.
Grading system in the Russian universities was historically established on the basis of five-grade scale: 5 - Excellent; 4 - Good; 3 - Satisfactory; 2 - Unsatisfactory; Passed and Fail. The lowest passing grade is 3 or passed. However, recently, more familiar to foreigners hundred-grade scale is actively used along with the standard Russian five-grade scale. Standard grading system is converted to the world-wide accepted one within the framework of enhancing the recognition of the Russian education: A, B, C, D, E, etc.
Education of the foreign citizens according to the basic educational programs is carried out in intramural form, and a part-time (evening) form is for foreign nationals with visa regime. Education of the nationals with visa-free regime is possible in intramural and part-time form, as well as extramural attendance.
Education in the Russian universities is carried out in Russian. Education in some specialties is also carried out in English (about 20 specialties and fields of study).
When choosing education in English, candidates, on their arrival, will be interviewed on the knowledge of the language. Provision of international test results (IELTS, TOEFL, CAE, DALF, TCF, etc.) is not required. Educational program in English includes a compulsory course of the Russian language which is required for stay of foreign students in Russia, full communication and use of multimillion bases of educational materials during the period of education.
Upon completion of education in the universities, graduates receive their Russian standard state diplomas specifying the degree/ qualification (Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, Specialist/ Engineer) and specialty.
Graduates may wish to receive an additional document - “European supplement”, which allows them to receive an equivalence of the diploma in any of the 47 European and other countries, signed the Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education in the European Region, for further education or employment in these countries. The basis for the recognition of the Russian diplomas in all the countries of the world is the conclusion of intergovernmental and international treaty and agreement.
Currently, all the diplomas of the Russian state universities are recognized in any country of the world.
Applications for education at the preparatory department are accepted year-round.
Applications for basic education (1 and subsequent years) are accepted each year from June 1 to August 15 for visa-free countries, and from June 1 to July 15 for visa countries. Classes start on September 1.
Requirements to the educational documents of the foreign citizens are based on the requirements and laws of the country issued them. If foreign citizen has educational documents giving him/ her right to enter a university in the home country in the desired specialty or field of study, then he/ she has the same right to apply for admission to the Russian university.
Life and health insurance is compulsory for every foreign citizen arriving in the Russian Federation to study. Cost of life and health insurance ranges from 160 to 250 US dollars per year, depending on the selected insurance program.
Among the characteristic features can be distinguished the maintenance of “Specialist” qualification in some technical and medical specialties, despite joining the Bologna Convention and the transition to a two-level system of higher education.
Besides, you should turn your attention to the individual articles No. 115-FZ “On the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens in the Russian Federation,” which will help you arrive in time to the place of study, apply for a visa extension and avoid deportation from the country for violations of the current migration legislation.