Higher education in Russia
General information
The modern higher education system in Russia is well comparable with world's best practices:
- preparatory year for foreigners aiming on studies in Russian language: Russian language studies + basic disciplines, much like Foundation
- undergraduate level: Bachelor's degree (4-years 240 ECTS) or 5-years Specialist diploma
- postgraduate level: Master or Specialist diploma (2-years 180 ECTS)
- aspirantura (Ph.D. degree studies)
- credit transfer system based on ECTS
- worldwide academic exchange programs with credit transfer
- european diploma supplement
Language of instruction
For most programs, especially at bachelor level, the language of instruction is Russian. This requires solid knowledge of Russian proved by a TORFL (test of Russian as a foreign language) certificate for direct admission, or can be acquired during a preparatory year.
However, during last decades the number of degree programs completely taught in English has increased. Programs in English can be found mostly at master degree level and require advanced English language proficiency proven by an official test certificate.
Tip: tuition fee for the programs in Russian are lower than English ones.

Bachelor's degree
Russian Universities offer international students a wide range of bachelor degree programs in the Russian and English languages.
The first 2-year study level depending on your major includes modules in natural sciences, mathematics, socio-economics, humanities and a few specialty oriented modules. The study modules of the second level (the next two years of study) include advanced profession-oriented modules, subjects in natural sciences, electives from special socio-economics modules and training in industrial and other companies. A Bachelor's degree holder could be employed as a middle-rank engineer/specialist.
Note! The holder can continue his/her studies to earn the Engineer's/Specialist's (1 year) or Master's Degree (2 years).

Engineer / specialist
Russian universities offer international students a wide range of Engineer/Specialist programs both in Russian and in English.
The professional study courses leading to the Engineer's/Specialist's ensure the training of well-qualified professionals in engineering and technology (Engineer) or in economics, humanities, etc. (Specialist). The engineer's courses include special disciplines and modules in modern technology and technological equipment oriented towards engineering creativity and invention, carrying out the interdisciplinary projects, and industrial training.
Note! The Engineer's/Specialist's and the Master's degree are equal both for recognition and post-graduate education in Russia and overseas.

Master's degree
Note! Master's Degree holders have the opportunity to continue their research and to earn Ph.D. after 1-2 years.

Doctoral studies
The duration of part-time or distance doctoral training is about 4 years. This duration can be altered. As a rule, students carry out real scientific and engineering investigations with the use of modern laboratory equipment, prepare scientific papers for publication and participate in national and international scientific conferences. All this activity is carried out under the guidance and supervision of leading university scientists.
Partner universities

Geneva Business School

Higher School of Economics
St. Petersburg

Lobachevsky University

Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPbPU)

Petrozavodsk State University
Petrozavodsk

Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University
Moscow

St. Petersburg Polytechnic University
St. Petersburg

SWISSAM
St. Petersburg

Tomsk Polytechnic University
Tomsk

Tula State Lev Tolstoy University

University of Tyumen

Vologda State University (VSU)
Programs YOU CAN CHOOSE
Medicine
- Biology
- Clinical psychology
- General medicine
- Medical biochemistry
- Medical biophysics
- Medical cybernetics
- Pediatrics
- Pharmacy
- Social work
- Stomatology
- etc
STEM
- Architecture
- Computer and information science
- Electronics
- Electrical & heat power
- Engineering
- Equipment & technology of construction
- Equipment & technology of land transportation
- Industrial ecology & biotechnology
- Materials science & technology
- Mathematics and mechanics
- Mechanical engineering
- Nuclear power and technology
- Physics and astronomy
- Technosphere safety & environmental engineering
- etc
Other majors
- Administration
- Art & design
- Economics and management
- Educational & pedagogical sciences
- Linguistics and literature
- Mass media & information-library science
- Political and region studies
- Russian as foreign language
- Service & tourism
- Social studies
- etc