Overview

The Russian educational system, as it has been noted many times by major international experts, is one of the most developed and advanced educational systems in the world. In the context of a changing society the educational system proved to be capable, on the one hand, of adapting to rapid transformations of new realities (while preserving its well- known strong qualities) and on the other hand, to the phase of prolonged evolutionary reformation.

Higher education is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry for Education and Science of the Russian Federation, which is responsible for the accreditation and licensing of higher education establishments, and for developing and maintaining State Educational Standards. Only accredited higher education establishments have the right to issue state diplomas and degrees ensuring full vocational and academic rights, and are covered by the international agreements on mutual recognition and validation of education documents. Only accredited higher education establishments have the right to use the seal with the national emblem of the Russian Federation. All state degrees awarding specific qualifications to a graduate, irrespective of the type of educational institution (University, Academy, and Institute) and the ownership pattern (state, municipal, non-state), are equal in status.
Russia, with the highest literacy rate in the world (99.6%), has become increasingly popular as a destination of higher studies amongst international students due to its global standards of education (with European equivalence) and affordable costs.

The last 15-20 years have seen a surge in the number of international students coming to the Russian Federation. Thousands of Indian students graduate from the more popular Russian universities every year.

Russia has proven prowess in fields like aviation, engineering, aerospace and medicine. The language barrier diminished Russia’s attractiveness as a destination for higher education in the past, but now many Russian universities are offering courses in English, especially in fields like medicine.