System of Education

Higher education is recognized as a top priority by the Russian government. The social stature of higher education continues to grow as people increasingly realize that what is considered higher education today will – in the not too distant future – constitute only the basic, minimal foundation for rewarding, creative work, what with the rapid advancement of science and technology. In Russia, higher education is governed by the Ministry of Education and Science. There exist three types of higher education institutions (HEIs) in Russia: University, Academy and Institute.

A university covers a broad cross-spectrum of sciences, teaching both undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses, including research and doctoral degrees. A university also pursues desktop research in many different fields. An academy will typically specialize in a selective field of science, technology or culture. An institute provides career-based training in specialist fields of science, technology or culture.

In St. Petersburg, students either pay for their higher education independently, or are subsidized by the government. Of the city’s 80 higher education institutions, 36 are independent.

All higher educational institutions must be licensed or accredited by education authorities. No independent institution is allowed to provide educational services without a government license.

Accreditation means that the accredited study course meets the national education standards. An accredited institution may issue standardized national diplomas or certificates.

An academic year consists of two parts: the autumn and spring semesters, each ending in a week of continuous tests and course thesis presentations. The tests are followed by exams. An academic year begins on 1 September and ends on 30 June. Russian higher education is a multi-level system:

• Level 1: pre-university courses, which take 1 year to complete;
• Level 2: undergraduate degree (Baccalaureate), which takes 4 years;
• Level 3: Specialists’ Diploma (5 years in total), or Master’s Degree (2 years following the undergraduate degree).

Qualifications are awarded to all students having successfully passed the final exams.

The holder of a Specialist’ or Master’s Diploma may progress to a postgraduate research degree or a taught postgraduate course.

Part-time or distance learning is when a student studies independently according to the institution’s core curriculum in the chosen field of study with in-process proficiency tests and final exams at the institution.

Click icon to download PDF file with brochure “Education in St. Petersburg”

Click icon to download booklet “St. Petersburg. Higher education”

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