After the breakup
of the erstwhile Soviet Union, the Russian education system
inherited much of its characteristics.
Both public and
private accredited higher educational institutions are providing
higher education in the country. Basic higher education that
lasts for four years leads to the first university degree. This
degree is equivalent to B.Sc degree provided in the US or
Western Europe. The postgraduate higher education has duration
of 5 to 6 years or more. Students get the Master’s degree after
the completion of two years. After completing the Master’s,
students can go for the doctoral programmes.
Entry to the top universities in the country is based on
competition. This ensures that only quality students either from
Russia itself or abroad get admitted into the institutions. Cost
factor is another area that needs mention. For the quality of
education that Russian universities provide, tuition fees are
comparatively lower. Tuition fees for degree programme can range
between $2000 and $8000 a year while other expenses such as room
& board, books, etc. costing another $1500 to $5000 every year.
Of course, these charges depend on the location where one is
going to stay and spending habits. Of late, Russian universities
have also started offering courses for the public and specific
professional needs.
More than 880 higher education institutions in the country offer
a wide number of programmes that include both research and study
programmes. There are preparatory courses for foreign students
wherein an intensive training in Russian language is provided.
Refresher courses in the chosen field of study is also provided.
