Russia : Postgraduate study

How does the higher education system work?

Russia has more academic graduates than anywhere else in Europe. In the past few years, higher education qualifications have reformed and are comparable to the European system.

The first degree is the Bakalavr (Bachelor) degree. The Bakalavrs degree is awarded in all fields except medicine, which takes six years. Once students have obtained the Baklavr degree they are able to study for a specialist diploma or a Magistrs (Masters) degree.

The Magistrs (Masters) degree is awarded after successful completion of two years' full-time study. Students must carry out a year of research including practice. They must also prepare and defend a thesis which constitutes an original contribution to research and sit for final examinations.

This does count as postgraduate study as in most other countries. Postgraduate education is studied at a university or scientific institute and consists of two parts: the Kandidat Nauk (Candidate of Sciences) and the Doctor Nauk (Doctor of Sciences).

The Candidate of Sciences degree normally requires at least three years of study beyond graduation from a university level higher education institution and the award of the Specialist or the Magistr diploma. 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, to earn a Doctor of Sciences degree requires five to fifteen years beyond the award of the Candidate of Sciences degree.

What courses are available?

There has been a growth in vocationally orientated postgraduate courses, including MBAs. Many of these have links with Western institutions. Russian graduates are also keen to engage in postgraduate study abroad, particularly in business-related courses. It is fairly unusual for Western graduates to enter postgraduate study in Russia.

Most Russian higher education institutions have websites and another good starting point for your research is Russia on the Net.

Where can I study?

A database of all higher education institutes that allow international students is available at Education in Russia.

A list of the top 100 institutes in Russia is published by Huazhong University overseas university listings. To find out where Russian universities rank internationally, see Top Universities.

What are the entry requirements for postgraduate study?

The general prerequisites for admission to postgraduate study are completion of a full course of study at a university level higher education institution and award of a specialist diploma or of the Magistr degree. The institution will also want to see proof of creative thinking in practical work or study.

UK undergraduate and postgraduate degrees are recognised in Russia, but you will need to submit an application and degree certificate (original or certified copy) to the Ministry for General and Professional Education. See Education in Russia for more information regarding recognition of credentials.

Although some institutions offer courses taught in English, most universities require international students to be able to speak a high standard of Russian, and applicants must take a language test before being accepted onto a course, or take a one-year preparatory course, which includes training for the Test of Russian as a Foreign Language (TORFL).

Passing the TORFL 1 will allow applicants admission to a higher education institution, but TORFL 2 is required to apply for a Bachelors or Masters degree. The TORFL 3 and 4 are only necessary if applying for linguistics courses. See Study Russian  for details of Russian language courses at Moscow State University , but many others are available.

When do I apply?

Application deadlines vary between institutions, so you must contact the foreign officer at the university to which you wish to apply (see below).

How do I apply?

Applications are made directly to the university you wish to apply to. It is important to contact the institute’s foreign officer about all aspects of the application. The database at Education in Russia has the contact details of each foreign officer for all the institutions.

The final application will include proof of previous qualifications and grades (preferably translated into Russian), a copy of your passport, and a completed application form. The educational institution will then decide whether you can be enrolled to acquire the qualification you have chosen. If successful, the institution is responsible for sending a visa invitation (see visa and immigration), and notifying you of any paperwork required for entry to the university.

How much will it cost?

Fees for international students vary from £1,500 and £5,000 per annum, depending on the course and institution.

Russian institutions have a statutory obligation to provide accommodation for students, and so the price of halls of residence is included in most tuition fees. Living costs after this are between £100 and £150 per month.

Are any scholarships available?

Each year the Russian Federation awards a number of state scholarships to students from foreign countries in accordance with specifically defined quotas. A state scholarship covers all education-related expenditure including tuition fees, hall of residence rent, and medical care. Further conditions for applying for a state scholarship are available at Education in Russia.

Are there any exchange programmes?

There are few exchange programmes between UK and Russian universities, and no ERASMUS schemes or similar. Most exchange programmes are arranged through UK universities for degree-level language students only.

Will my qualification be recognised in the UK?

Russia is a member of ENIC-NARIC , a network of national centres that aims to improve academic recognition of diplomas and periods of study in European Union (EU) member states, EEA countries and associated countries in Central and Eastern Europe. Check with UK National Reference Point for Vocational Qualifications (NRP) or UK NARIC (National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom)   to see how Russian qualifications compare to UK equivalents.