Pre-higher Education System

     Duration of compulsory education
     Age of entry: 6
     Age of exit:  17

     Structure of school system

     Type/level of education:      Primary
     Type of school:                     PRIMARY
     Length of program (years): 4
     Age level:                               from 6 to 10

     Type/level of education:      Basic Secondary
     Type of school:                     BASIC SECONDARY
     Length of program (years): 5
     Age level:                               from 10 to 15
     Certificate awarded:              ATTESTAT OB OSNOVNOM OBSCHEM OBRASOVANII (BASIC SECONDARY
     SCHOOL LEAVING CERTIFICATE)

     Type/level of education:      Upper Secondary
     Type of school:                     UPPER SECONDARY
     Length of program (years): 2
     Age level:                               from 15 to 17
     Certificate awarded:             ATTESTAT O POLNOM SREDNEM OBRASOVANII (UPPER SECONDARY
     SCHOOL LEAVING CERTIFICATE)

     Description of secondary school system
The State guarantees open and free access to basic secondary education. Basic secondary school class studies take 30-32 hours per week, senior secondary school studies take 34-36 hours per week. Secondary education leads to the award of the attestat o polnom srednem obrasovanii after five years of basic secondary followed by two years of upper secondary.
 

Higher Education System

    Structure of system
Higher education is provided by public and non-public accredited higher education institutions (HEI). Education in public HEI is free of charge. Higher education is under the jurisdiction of the State Committee for Higher Education of the Russian Federation, which is responsible for accreditation and licensing of HEI and for development and maintaining State Educational Standards. There are three levels of higher education: 1) incomplete higher education (2 years at least); 2) basic higher education (4 years) leading to the bakalavr's degree, the first university level degree; 3) advanced higher education (total number of years of post-secondary education: 5-6 years or more). HEI are authorized to award the magistr's degree or specialist's diploma (e.g.lawyer, engineer). There are two levels of doctoral scientific degrees: Kandidat Nauk degree (the first level) and Doktor Nauk degree (the second, highest level). The following higher education reforms are under way in Russia: 1) diversification of higher education; 2) humanization; 3) decentralization of management, university autonomy; 4) creation of non-public (private) sector of higher education. There are 548 public HEI and 206 private HEI in Russia; the State Committee finances 219 public HEI, 96 HEI are financed by the Ministry of Education (training of teachers). There are about 3000 non-university level educational institutions - technikum, uchilische, college.

    Main types of higher education institutions in country

     Type of institution:  UNIVERSITET
     Translation:                UNIVERSITY

     Type of institution:  ACADEMIA
     Translation:                ACADEMY

     Type of institution:  INSTITUT
     Translation:                INSTITUTE

     Type of institution:  TECHNICHESKIY UNIVERSITET
     Translation:                TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY

     Type of institution:  COLLEGE

     Type of institution:  TECHNIKUM
     Translation:                TECHNICAL COLLEGE

     Type of institution:  UCHILISCHE
     Translation:                SPECIALIZED INSTITUTION

     Main laws/decrees governing higher education

     Name of law/decree:         Law "On Education"
     Date:                       1992
     Institution type:  all types

     Name of law/decree:         Standard regulation of Higher Education Institution (governmental resolutions)
     Date:                       1993
     Institution type:  all accredited types

     Name of law/decree:         Higher Education Law
     Date:                       1992
     Institution type:  to all type of HIE

     Name of law/decree:         Standard regulations of Higher Education (the government resolutions)
     Date:                      1993
     Institution type:  to all type of HIE

Administrative structure of higher education

     Name of body:     The State Committee for Higher Education
     Role:               Financing of 219 HEI, licensing of new educational
     institutions, granting accreditation, submitting proposals to the
     government on further HEI development.

     Address:
          Street: Lusinovskaya, 51
          City: Moscow
          State/Province: Russia
          Postal code: 113383
          Telephone: 7-095-9545400
          Telex: 411082 LUSIK
          Fax: 7-095-2302796
          E-Mail: root@com.rkcnit.msk.su

     Name of body:     Russian Union of Rectors, Lomonosov Moscow State University

     Address:
          Street: Vorobjovy Gory
          City: Moscow
          State/Province: Russia
          Postal code: 119899
          Telephone: 7-095-9392032
          Fax: 7-095-9390193
          E-Mail: rsr@rector.msu.su

     Name of body:     Association of Universities, Moscow University

     Address:
          Street: Main Building, Office 907-908, Leninskije Gory
          City: Moscow
          State/Province: Russia
          Postal code: 119899
          Telephone: 7-095-9395004
          Fax: 7-095-9390064

     Name of body:     Association of Non-Governmental Education Institutions

     Address:
          Street: Leningradskij prosp. 49
          City: Moscow
          State/Province: Russia
          Postal code: 125468
          Telephone: 7-095-2448080

     Name of body:      Research Institute for Higher Education

     Address:
          Street: Podsosensky Per. 20
          City: Moscow
          State/Province: Russia
          Postal code: 103062
          Telephone: 7-095-9173677
          Fax: 7-095-9160287

    Academic year
     Classes start:     September
     Classes end:        June
     Long vacation:     from 1 July, to 31 August

    Languages of instruction
     Russian
 

Stages and Organization of Higher Education Studies

    Higher vocational/technical studies

Vocational and professional non-university level studies are offered in technical, medical, economic and teacher training technikums and uchilische (colleges). They offer a wide range of courses and programmes to develop skills and vocational knowledge. Studies last between 2 and 3 years and lead to the State Diplom o srednem professionalnom obrasovanii" (Higher Vocational Education Diploma), which is a middle-range specialist's title (technicians, nurses, midwives etc.)
 

    University level studies

    Stage 1:     Incomplete higher education

Description: This stage lasts a minimum of 2 years. It is the first part of the bakalavr's programme. The course follows a specific curriculum with an auditorium load of about 26-30 hours per week. Completion of the course entitles the student to continue higher education or obtain the Incomplete Higher Education Diploma.

     Stage 2:     Bakalavr

Description: Studies for the bakalavr last at least 4 years of full-time university-level study. The programme follows a specific curriculum with auditorium load of about 26-30 hours per week. The content of courses is fixed in accordance with the State Educational Standard. The programme includes professional and special courses in science, the humanities and social-economic disciplines, professional training, completion of final research paper/project and sitting for State final exams.

     Stage 3:     Magistr's degree or Specialist's diploma

Description: The Master's degree is awarded after successful completion of a programme requiring at least 2 years of full-time university-level study beyond the bakalavr's degree. Programmes are research-oriented in sciences and advanced studies. Specialist diploma programmes are professionally oriented (engineering, law, medicine, etc.). Studies last 5 to 6 years (2 years after the second stage). The programmes lead to a Specialist's Diploma (engineer, lawyer, teacher, journalist...).

     Stage 4:      Aspirantura (Kandidat Nauk programme) followed by Doctor Nauk programme

Description: Access to the aspirantura is competitive. Candidates must have obtained a specialist's diploma or a magistr degree. Studies last 3 years. The aspirantura prepares for research and professorial activities. Students must learn teaching methods, information technology, and pass qualifying (Kandidat Nauk) exams. They carry out independent research, prepare and defend a dissertation in public. They are then awarded the Kandidat Nauk degree. The Doctor Nauk programme is specific and its duration is not fixed. It follows the Kandidat Nauk degree. After preparation and public defence of the dissertation the Doctor Nauk degree (second doctoral degree) is awarded. It does not always have an equivalent in other countries.
 

     Teacher education

     Training of primary/basic school teachers

Non-university level educational institutions (technikums, colleges) train teachers for pre-primary and primary schools. The duration of the course is 2 to 5 years. Some teacher training institutions of university level train teachers for primary schools. The length of the course is 5 years. Graduates of these two types of educational institutions may exercise the profession.

    Training of secondary school teachers

Teacher training is carried out in teacher training university-level institutions. The programme lasts at least 5 years. Graduates may enterthe profession.

     Training of higher education teachers

University teachers must follow post-graduate programmes and obtain a scientific degree.
 

     Non-formal studies

     Distance higher education

     It is in the stage of creation.

     Lifelong higher education

     Lifelong education consists in external studies.

     Higher education in industry

     Upgrading courses for industrial workers and specialists in different branches of the national economy.
 

Grading system

     Usual grading system in (upper) secondary school
     Pass, "2" - unsatisfactory, "3" - satisfactory, "4" - good, "5" - excellent.

     Highest on scale:  5
     Pass/fail level:            pass, "3"(satisfactory) / "2"(unsatisfactory)
     Lowest on scale:   2

     Main grading system generally used by higher education institutions
     unsatisfactory, pass, satisfactory, good, excellent

     Highest on scale:  excellent
     Pass/fail level:            satisfactory, pass/unsatisfactory
     Lowest on scale:   unsatisfactory

    Other main grading system used
     accepted/non-accepted (for candidate's and doctor's dissertations)
 

Admissions to Higher Education

    Admission to Vocational/Technical Studies

     Admission to higher vocational/technical or other professionally oriented non-university level studies

    Secondary school credential/certificate/diploma(s) required for entry

     Name of sec. school credential:
     ATTESTAT O POLNOM SREDNEM OBRASOVANII (SECONDARY SCHOOL LEAVING CERTIFICATE)
     Minimum score/requirement: satisfactory
     Total number of years of primary and secondary school study: 11

     Other admission requirements established at national level
     Obligatory institutional competitive exams/tests.

     Numerus clausus established in the country for students entering higher vocational/technical education
     At level of institutions: Y        At country/state level: Y
 

    Admissions to university level

     Secondary school credential/certificate/diploma(s) required for entry

     Name of sec. school credential:
     ATTESTAT O POLNOM SREDNEM OBRASOVANII (SECONDARY SCHOOL LEAVING CERTIFICATE)
     Minimum score/requirement: satisfactory
     For: all accredited Higher Education Institutions
     Total number of years of primary and secondary school study: 11

     Alternative(s) to these credentials:
     Diplom o srednem professionalnom obrasovanii (Higher vocational education diploma).

    Other admission requirements established at national level:
     Obligatory competitive institutional exams/tests.

     Numerus clausus established in the country for students entering university level education
     At level of institutions: Y           At country/state level: Y
 

     Admission for foreign students

     Special admission requirements for foreign students at national level:

     Definition of a "foreign" student: Student who does not have Russian citizenship

     Quotas established for foreign students:
     At institution level: N
     At country/state level: N

     Special entry regulations for foreign students in country/state:
     Student visa and financial guarantees

     Health requirements:
     yes

    Language proficiency requirements for foreign applicants whose first language is not the language of instruction
     Are there examinations at institution level? Y

    Requirements at national level

     Name of exam or requirement:        Pre-academic year to study Russian.

     Other special academic requirements for foreign students set up at national level:
Students must have completed secondary education. There is a compulsory pre-academic year for those who do not know Russian or/and for those with weak pre-university training. They must successfully pass the entrance exams. Foreign nationals entering universities should not be older than 28 (35 for postgraduate studies).

     Authority to whom foreign student applications should be addressed:

     Application to individual institutions: Y
     For entry to: All higher education institutions and to all academic and pre-academic programmes.

     Application to national/central body: Y
     For entry to: All higher education institutions.

     Name of national/central body: The State Committee for Higher Education

     Address of body:
                 Street: Lusinovskaya,51
                 City: Moscow
                 State/Province: Russia
                 Postal code: 113833
                 Telephone: 7-095-2379763
                 Telex: 417278
                 Fax: 7-095-2360171

     Earliest application closing date for foreign students admissions

     For Tech./Voc. non-university level studies: 15 July
     For first university level studies:         1 April
     For advanced/doctoral studies:      1 April

    Reference to further information materials on foreign students admissions

     Title:                             Higher Educational Institutions of Russia. Catalogue.
     Author:                        ed. V. Shadrikov
     Publisher:                    Publishing House of the Udmurt State University
     Year of publication:  1994
 

Recognition of studies and qualifications

     System of "recognition" or "accreditation" of studies completed and credentials awarded within the country:

     Description:

Higher education institutions that are accredited by the State Committee for Higher Education of the Russian Federation, may issue State Diplomas which are recognized within the country. Non-accredited educational institutions issue their own non-state diplomas which are not officially recognized.

     Practice regarding access to the professions:

State diplomas give access to professions which require higher education qualifications. Access to some professions (law, medicine) is regulated by special rules.

     Policy for transfer and recognition of studies and degrees between institutions of the country:

Transfer to accredited universities is possible only from accredited universities. Transfer conditions are determined by university statutes.

    Recognition of studies completed and credentials awarded in foreign countries

    Bodies primarily addressing questions relating to the recognition of foreign credentials and studies in higher education

     Name of body: Department on the Recognition, State Committee for Higher Education
     Address:
          Street: Lusinivovskaya, 51
          City: Moscow
          State/Province: Russia
          Postal code: 113833
          Telephone: 7-095-237-8312
          Fax: 7-095-230-2089
          E-Mail: root@com.rkcnit.msk.su

     Recognition of foreign credentials to enter an institution:        Y
     Recognition of foreign credentials to enter a profession:  Y

     Description of services provided and types of students dealt with:
informing about recognition of credentials; control of activity of advisory body "Russian council on equivalency. Russian and foreign students.

     Name of body: Ministry of Education
     Address:
          Street: Chistoprudnensky bulv., 6
          City: Moscow
          State/Province: Russia
          Postal code: 101856
          Telephone: 7-095-9241784
          Fax: 7-905-9246989

     Recognition of foreign credentials to enter an institution:        Y
     Recognition of foreign credentials to enter a profession:  N

    Description of services provided and types of students dealt with:
Accreditation of High comprehensive and vocational schools.

     Other authorities responsible for accreditation and recognition of foreign credentials and studies:
The Supreme Attestation Committee is responsible for the recognition of doctoral degrees. Address: 21, Nezhdanovoy Ul., Moscow, 103852, Russia. Fax (095) 921-80-48, tel. 229-33-77

     Special provisions/practices set up for the recognition of studies pursued and credentials obtained abroad

    For access to higher vocational/technical non-university level studies:
Application form; legalized credentials. Credentials and certificates received from the recognition body are sent to corresponding institutions.

    For access to university level studies:
Application form; legalized credentials. Credentials and certificates received from the recognition body are sent to the corresponding institution.

     For access to advanced studies and research:
Application form; legalized credentials from the State Committee for Higher Education of Russia. Credentials and certificate received from the recognition body are sent to corresponding institutions

     For the exercise of a profession:
It is necessary to receive a certificate recognizing the qualification, degree, title or diploma by the State Committee for Higher Education of the Russian Federation

Principal multilateral agreements adopted by the country relating to recognition of studies, degrees and diplomas

Name of agreement: UNESCO CONVENTION ON THE RECOGNITION OF STUDIES, DIPLOMAS AND DEGREES CONCERNING HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE STATES BELONGING TO THE EUROPE REGION
Year of signature: 1979

Name of agreement: UNESCO CONVENTION ON THE RECOGNITION OF STUDIES, DIPLOMAS AND DEGREES CONCERNING HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE ASIA AND PACIFIC
Year of signature: 1983

Name of agreement: CONVENTION ON RECOGNITION OF STUDIES, DIPLOMAS AND DEGREES IN THE STATES OF EUROPE (UNESCO)
Year of signature: 1979

Name of agreement: REGIONAL CONVENTION ON RECOGNITION OF STUDIES, DIPLOMAS AND DEGREES IN THE STATES OF ASIA AND PACIFIC (UNESCO)
Year of signature: 1983

Name of agreement: STATES MEMBERS OF COMMON OF INDEPENDENT COUTRIES EDUCATION SECRETARIES' CONFERENCE' DECISION
Year of signature: 1993

Principal biliteral agreements signed by the country relative to recognition of studies, degrees and diplomas

Country:   Finland
Agreement name/reference: INTERGOVERNMENTAL PROTOCOL ON THE MUTUAL RECOGNITION OF EQUALITY OF THE HIGHER EDUCATION DIPLOMAS
Date:               7 December, 1979

Country:   Bulgaria
Agreement name/reference: AGREEMENT ON EQUIVALENCY OF CREDENTIALS AND DEGREES
Date:               21 March, 1972

Country:   Hungary
Agreement name/reference: AGREEMENT ON EQUIVALENCY OF CREDENTIALS AND DEGREES
Date:               11 October, 1974

Country:   Vietnam
Agreement name/reference: AGREEMENT ON EQUIVALENCY OF CREDENTIALS AND DEGREES
Date:               10 February, 1978

Country:   Iraq
Agreement name/reference: RECORD ON EQUIVALENCY OF DEGREES
Date:               12 February, 1978

Country:   India
Agreement name/reference: RECORD ON EQUIVALENCY OF CREDENTIALS AND DEGREES
Date:               24 November, 1987

Country:   Spain
Agreement name/reference: AGREEMENT ON EQUIVALENCY AND MUTUAL RECOGNITION OF CREDENTIALS AND DEGREES
Date:               26 October, 1990

Country:   China
Agreement name/reference: AGREEMENT ON MUTUAL RECOGNITION OF THE DIPLOMAS AND DEGREES
Date:               20 May, 1995

Country:   Cuba
Agreement name/reference: PROTOCOL ON EQUIVALENCY OF CREDENTIALS AND DEGREES
Date:               4 November, 1971

Country:   Peru
Agreement name/reference: PROTOCOL ON EQUIVALENCE OF CREDENTIALS AND DEGREES
Date:               28 October, 1987

Country:   Poland
Agreement name/reference: AGREEMENT ON EQUIVALENCY OF CREDENTIALS AND DEGREES
Date:               10 May, 1974

Country:   Syria
Agreement name/reference: PROTOCOL ON EQUIVALENCE OF CREDENTIALS AND DEGREES
Date:               28 September, 1966

Country:   Algeria
Agreement name/reference: PROTOCOL ON EQUIVALENCE OF CREDENTIALS AND DEGREES
Date:               12 May, 1969

Country:   Yugoslavia
Agreement name/reference: AGREEMENT ON MUNUAL RECOGNITION OF CREDENTIALS AND DEGREES
Date:               15 March, 1988
 

Student services

     Main student services at national level

     Name of service: Main office for social development of the State Committee for Higher Education
     Address:
          Street: Lusinovskaya, 51
          City: Moscow
          State/Province: Russian Federation
          Postal code: 113833
          Telephone: 7-095-2373234
          Telex: 411082 LUSIK
          Fax: 7-095-2360171

     Category of service provided: Social and welfare services

     Are these services available to foreign students? Y

     Name of service: Office for foreign specialists training of the State Committee for Higher Education
     Address:
          Street: Shabolovka, 33
          City: Moscow
          State/Province: Russian Federation
          Postal code: 113833
          Telephone: 7-095-2375400
          Fax: 7-095-2360171

     Category of service provided: Academic and career counselling services

     Are these services available to foreign students? Y

     Name of service: International relations' service Center "INTEREDUCATION"
     Address:
          Street: Shabolovka, 33
          City: Moscow
          State/Province: Russian Federation
          Postal code: 113833
          Telephone: 7-095-9545168

    Category of service provided: Special services/Centre for foreign students

     Are these services available to foreign students? Y

    Is there a national social security system health insurance for home students? Y
     Is it available for foreign students? Y

     Details on social security for foreign students:
     Health services for foreign students as for the Russian students is free of charge.

    Special travel concessions for students:
     By road:   Y
     By rail:   Y
     By air:    Y
     Is it available for foreign students? N

    Principal national student associations and unions

     Name: Russian Association of Students' trade-union organizations.

     Address:
          Street: 2 Baumanskaya, 5
          City: Moscow
          State/Province: Russian Federation
          Postal code: 100705
          Telephone: 7-095-2636154
 

 Student expenses and financial aid
 

 

 

 

    Main body(ies) providing information on foreign student financial aid

     Name: Office for foreign specialists training of the State Committee for Higher Education
    Address:
          P.O. Box: 113833
          Street: Shabolovka, 33
          City: Moscow
          State/Province: Russian Federation
          Postal code: 113833
          Telephone: 7-095-9545168
          Fax: 7-095-2360171

     Grants/scholarships:        Y
     Category(ies) of foreign students dealt with: All

     Name: International relations service Center "GOSVUZSERVIS"
     Address:
          Street: Shabolovka, 33
          City: Moscow
          State/Province: Russian Federation
          Postal code: 113833
          Telephone: 7-095-9545216
          Fax: 7-095-9523190

     Grants/scholarships:        Y
     Category(ies) of foreign students dealt with: All

     Publication(s) listing scholarships/grants/loans available

     Title:                            newspaper "POISK"
     Publisher:                   Russian Academy of Scienes, State Committee for Higher Education of Russia

     Title:                            Study Abroad, 1996-1997
     Publisher:                   UNESCO
     Year of publication: 1995
 

International Cooperation

Principal national bodies responsible for facilitating international cooperation and exchanges in higher education

     Name: The State Committee for Higher Education
     Address:
          Street: Lusinovskaya, 51
          City: Moscow
          Postal code: 113383
          Telephone: 7-095-9545400
          Telex: 411082 LUSIK
          Fax: 7-095-2302796
          E-Mail: root@com.rkcnit.msk.su

Participation of country in multilateral or major bilateral higher education exchange programmes

     Name of programme: TEMPUS
     Name of programme: Student exchange programs with Consortium of American colleges and universities