secondary education in russia

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Education system of the Russian Federation

According to the Federal Law № 273 «On Education in the Russian Federation», the education system consists of the following levels:

General education  consists of four levels:

Pre-school education is provided by licensed institutions for children up to age 6 – 7 years, that is, before they enter formal school.  

Primary general education comprises grades 1-4, from the age of 7 to 10 years.  Lower secondary education takes 5 years and comprises grades 5–9, from the age of 11 to 15 years. Upper secondary education takes two years (grades 10–11). Students complete secondary education at the age of 17-18 years.

All four levels of general education are provided on the basis of their own state standards. Secondary general education with 11 years of formal schooling is compulsory. On completion of upper secondary education (grade 11) a school leaving certificate is awarded. The name of this qualification is the Certificate of Secondary General Education ( Attestat o srednem obshchem obrazovanii ).

The general secondary school study programme culminates with mandatory state final attestation of each graduate in the Russian language and mathematics, which is an obligatory part of the USE. Graduates who have successfully passed the Unified State Examination – USE in Russian language and mathematics are issued Certificates of Secondary General Education. 

Technical and vocational education   (srednee professionalnoe obrazovanie) offers training programmes of two stages: 

• first stage programmes: for skilled workers, junior technicians, and employees;
• second stage programmes: for mid-career professionals.

Graduates of technical and vocational education programmes are awarded Diplomas.  Education institutions of the second stage vocational education are generally known as Tekhnikums and Colleges. College can be an independent educational institution or a constituent part of HEI. It offers professional education programmes of  basic  and  advanced  types. As a rule, these programmes are well coordinated with university-level programmes in the same field of study.

Higher education

There is a multilevel system of training of specialists with higher education in Russia and the following levels of higher education are set:

Bachelor degree  

(240 credit units) is conferred after a four-year course of study.  Bachelor  programmes cover a wide range of fields of study. The function of  Bachelor  degree is to provide a more academically rather than professionally oriented education.  Bachelor  degree is a prerequisite for admission to Magister studies. State final attestation includes the defense of a thesis prepared over a period of four months and State final examinations. Following a successful attestation, a state Diploma is issued attesting conferral of  Bachelor  degree. 

The qualification of  Specialist Diploma  (300-360 credit units) has two functions. It opens access to professional practice (e.g., to engineers, teachers, chemists, etc.), and it is also the traditional prerequisite for admission to doctoral studies likewise master’s degree. The qualification of Specialist Diploma is conferred after studies lasting not less than five years. The diploma is awarded predominantly in technical fields of study (specialties). The State final attestation for a Specialist Diploma covers the defense of a project or a thesis and State final examinations. 

Master programme  

(120 credit units) is a two-year course focused more on research activities in comparison with the Specialist programme (up to 50% of student’s workload). But above all, this is a profound analytical and practical training of professionals in a particular field of study and practice. State educational standard defines only general requirements for Master educational programmes and not the requirements regarding the content of education. HEIs are free to make their own decisions regarding the contents of Master programmes. The State final attestation for a Master degree covers the defense of a dissertation and State final examinations. Access to Master’s studies is open for holders of Bachelor   degree. HEIs themselves set up admission procedures (examinations, interviews, etc.) for applicants. Those holders of HE degrees wishing to pursue Master programme in different field of study must pass additional tests which reflect the requirements for the chosen Master programme. 

Doctoral Programmes

The hierarchy of advanced scientific degrees in Russia traditionally includes Doctor’s degrees of two levels: Candidate of Sciences ( Kandidat Nauk ) and Doctor of Sciences ( Doktor Nauk ). The Candidate of Sciences degree normally requires three years of study after the award of Specialist or Master degrees. The Doctor of Sciences degree can be earned after a period of further study following the award of the Candidate of Sciences degree. In reality, earning a Doctor of Sciences degree requires five to fifteen years beyond the award of the Candidate of Sciences degree.

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Education in Russia - statistics & facts

General education in russia, higher education in russia, key insights.

Detailed statistics

Expected average length of education in Russia 2000-2021

Government spending on education as a GDP share in Russia 2010-2021

PISA ranking of Russia 2015-2018, by category

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Current statistics on this topic.

Government spending on education in Russia 2022, by level

Number of higher education students in Russia 2010-2022

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Preschool & general education

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Average score in the Unified State Exam achieved by high school graduates in Russia in 2022, by subject (in points)

Vocational & higher education

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Number of university students in Russia 2014-2022, by degree

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Number of university students in Russia 2022, by gender and age

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Number of school teachers in schools in Russia in school year 2022/2023, by specialization

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Study in Russia: Education in Russia

Higher education in Russia is similar in structure to the central European system, with a few key differences. The system is divided into four main sections – primary, secondary, higher and postgraduate education. 776 higher education institutions across 82 regions in Russia accept international students.

International Student in Russia?

Here's what the international sanctions against Russia mean for your studies.

Higher education in Russia is similar in structure to the central European system, with a few key differences. The system is divided into four main sections – primary, secondary, higher and postgraduate education. 776 higher education institutions across 82 regions in Russia accept international students, and choosing Russia as your study abroad destination will give you a wide variety of choices in finding the right higher education for you!

It takes 11 years to complete a secondary education in Russia before students can enter the higher education system. After successfully finishing their ninth year of schooling, students will receive a certificate of Basic General Education with the option of pursuing two more years of secondary education. After finishing the two additional years, a Certificate of Complete Secondary Education will then be awarded. This certificate serves as proof that the student is eligible to pursue their higher education.

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Want to study in Russia? Find & compare programs

Three kinds of higher education institutions in Russia

• Universities offer a broad range of programs on all levels.
• Academies place a larger emphasis on research and practical skills, normally dedicated to specific subject areas such as art, architecture or science.
• Institutes are independent branches of universities or academies which offer professional educational courses. 

The higher education system in Russia is renowned for its achievements and emphasis in the field of science and technology.  Many of the courses offered at state-funded institutions are focused around the sciences, but a large variety of humanities and social sciences programs are offered as well! 

In recent years, private higher education institutions have emerged to complement these traditional Russian institutions, offering programs in other fields such as economics, business and law.

Degree Structures in the Russian Education System  

While education in Russia is largely based on the Bologna principles, education in Russia structures degrees slightly differently than other countries in Europe.

• Upon completion of secondary education, students can pursue either a Bachelor’s or Specialist’s degree, both qualifying students to later pursue a master’s degree. Bachelor’s degrees are given after four years of full-time study at a university. Specialist degrees are awarded after a minimum of five years of study and are more focused on practical education in a student’s chosen field. Both qualifications require students to successfully defend a thesis and pass examinations. This degree is conferred in all fields except medicine, where the first stage of education lasts for six years.
• Master’s degrees are awarded after two years of study with one year dedicated to research which includes practice and preparation for a thesis defense.  
• Students who possess a master’s degree are eligible to pursue their PhD studies. Postgraduate education is divided into two parts in Russia, and two degrees are required to confirm students’ status as a scientist. Postgraduate studies can only be pursued at a university or scientific institute. After successful completion of the first part of their postgraduate education, students are awarded a Candidate of Sciences degree. 
• The final Doctoral degree is obtained after an additional 2-4 years of study in postgraduate education. This certification then leads to a Doctorate degree. As there is a 10-year gap between both degrees, the final Doctorate qualifications are often awarded to Candidates of Science after they’re well into their careers in academia. 

Neither Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees existed in the Soviet system and were introduced to conform the Russian education system with international standards in accordance with the Bologna Process.

In addition, an  MBA in Russia  is becoming more and more popular among international students, since Russia is considered a financial superpower in the energy and gas sectors. 

This change has helped Russian higher education qualifications receive recognition and acceptance abroad, which was a previous problem for international alumni, and explains the rising number of international students choosing Russia as their study abroad destination! 

The Russian Academic Year

The academic year in Russia is split into two semesters. The first runs from September until January, and the second from February to June. This schedule is mandatory for all universities.

Overview of Russia

Russia is the biggest country in the world by a significant margin. Take a look at what it's like to study abroad in Russia and more.

Student Visas

Do you need a visa to study in Russia? Student visas in Russia are required for students from most foreign countries. Learn more about the student visa process, and what you need to enter the country.

Housing & Living Costs

Student accommodation and living costs in for international students in Russia can greatly vary, depending on where you're staying. Learn more about different student housing options and how much everything costs.

Tuition Fees & Scholarships

For some students, Russian university tuition will seem a lot less expensive than their home countries. Find out more about the range of tuition fees in Russia.

Language & Culture

When you think about the size of Russia, it comes as no surprise that the country has a wide variety of languages and cultures. Take a look.

Application Process

All countries have specific admissions requirements for students to gain acceptance into a university. Learn more about the ins and outs of admission to programs in Russia, and what you need to apply.

Ready to look at programs in Russia? Use our search engine to find and compare top programs in Russia today!

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Why study Russian at Gustavus?

As a minor in Russian Language, Literature, and Culture you will explore the language, rich cultural heritage, literature, and history of Russophone lands. Learning Russian provides a unique perspective on global affairs. Given Russia's strategic importance geopolitically, understanding the language and culture provides valuable insights into geopolitical developments and regional dynamics.

Course Examples

Every year, Gustavus faculty teach more than 1,800 courses - you'll be able to choose what interests you. Maybe one of these courses from Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures will be on your class schedule.

• RUS-251 Conversation and Phonetics
• RUS-223 Russian Literature since 1900
• RUS-253 Composition
• RUS-221 19th-Century Russian Literature

What can I do with a degree in Russian ?

The Russian minor is adaptable - and valuable - leading to many different fields and fulfilling careers. Here are a few popular paths, but a Gustavus degree can take you anywhere.

• Foreign Service
• Translation
• Interpretation
• Cultural Center Administration
• International Organizations

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