After finishing senior secondary school, students can go on to higher education. All applicants must take a competitive exam. Most higher education programmes in Russia offer 5 years of study for undergraduates in a variety of fields.
There are several types of higher education institutions. These are University, Academy, Institute, Technical University and Conservatory. Universities, academies and institutes have similar functions. Technical universities offer specialized instruction such as learning a skill, and conservatories offer lessons in music.
Higher education is provided by public and non-public (non-State) accredited institutions. In public institutions students must pass competitive exams to be admitted. Those few who achieve outstanding results are awarded scholarships. Approximately 1/3rd of students pay for their studies. At Moscow State University 3,400 students study on scholarships while another 1,000 pay tuition. In most non-public establishments all students pay tuition fees without receiving any financial help.
Higher education in Russia consists of 3 levels: incomplete (2 years); basic (4 years) and postgraduate (at least 5-6 years).
The first stage of Russian university studies consists of at least 2 years in a higher education study programme. The Diploma of Incomplete Higher Education gives students the right to get jobs that require some training but not a degree.
The Bachelors degree programme usually takes 5 years of full-time studying. In medicine, the first stage lasts for 6 years. The State Educational Standards regulate nearly 80% of curriculum content. The universities are responsible for the other 20%. The programmes cover disciplines in the sciences, humanities and socio-economics. The Bachelors degree is awarded in all fields (except Medicine) after carrying out a final research project under the guidance of a supervisor and sitting for final state exams.
Those who hold a Bachelors degree or have completed 5-6 years of continuous study beyond the high school diploma can enter the Master’s Degree. To obtain the Master’s Degree students must carry out a year of research with the objective of preparing and defending a thesis.
Those who hold a Specialist Diploma or a Master’s can access the postgraduate education by passing an exam. The postgraduate studies last for 3 years, at the end of which students must pass qualifying exams. To become a PhD students must carry out independent research and prepare to defend their dissertation in public. The highest degree in Russia is Professor (Doctor Nauk). This programme is specific and does not have a fixed duration. It follows the Professor (Kandidat Nauk) and is awarded after preparation and public defence of a dissertation.