The world is changing all the time. Nowadays, we are granted the possibilities our parents could have only dreamt of. One of them is to study abroad. Knowledge of foreign languages and intercultural competence are the necessary prerequisites for a successful career in the modern world. For this reason, more and more people prefer getting their higher education degrees abroad. Although it is not an easy decision to make, studying in a foreign country is a worthy challenge. Once the career choice is made, there comes another important question ÔÇô how to choose your best? Where to study? The first criteria are perhaps quality of education and study environment. The cost of education is not the least criteria as well. Education in Russia fulfills all these criteria
It is impossible to overestimate the international reputation and prestige of the Russian Federation.
It is a leading power in the world politics and economy, a permanent member of the UN, a nation with an influential standing among the G8 ÔÇô the organization uniting the eight most highly developed countries in the world (Germany, Russia, USA, Italy, France, Great Britain, Canada, Japan). The dynamic economic growth results in rapid development of all spheres of Russia’s activities, and in permanent elevation of the living standard. Currently, Russia is the world’s third richest country in gold holdings. Russia is the global leader in natural gas export, and it is the second largest exporter of oil. The significant economic growth in the recent years has been defined by the competent distribution of profits gained in the flourishing oil and gas industry.
From its state federal budget, Russia allocates about 5.4 percent of the GDP to education. This percentage complies with the standard financing of education in the world leading countries. In 2006-2010, development of education is framed as a separate national project, a high-priority state program with foreground funding. The best educational institutions get considerable amounts aimed at elaborating innovative programmes of study and updating technical facilities including purchase of special equipment for practical training and scientific research. Laboratories in Russian universities possess facilities which are not sometimes available for the most famous higher education establishments in the world. Students are using this ultramodern equipment in the course of their studies and acquire unique knowledge and skills. Many people in Europe, the Near and Middle East, Africa, Asia, and America consider studying in Russia to be prestigious and extremely attractive. It appeals to everyone striving for the absolute leadership in their professional career.
The highlight of education in Russia is its accessibility to many people. Russia creates favourable conditions for foreign students in getting higher education. As a result, around 110 000 international students, Batswana among them, from more than 200 countries of the world came to study at Russian universities last year alone. The government of the Russian Federation provides financial support to back up the training of international students at state universities. In fact, a foreign student pays only 10-20 percent of the net cost of education which amounts to about US$ 12 000 (the amount can vary depending on specialty). Depending on the preferred area of studies, the average tuition fee per year for an international student, including textbooks, amounts to US$ 1500 ÔÇô 2500; monthly accommodation costs at a university hostel is about US$ 30-50; the annual life and health insurance is about US$ 105-150. Expenses for food, depends on a city (lifestyle in capital is more expensive), make up about US$ 120-150 per month. In total, the annual average expenses for the tuition, accommodation, insurance, and food in Russia add up to about US$ 3500 ÔÇô 4500. This sum is much lower than in Europe and other countries, where this amount could be only spent on food.
An applicant aspiring to study at a Russian university can choose from 500 highly-demanded specialties in the areas of medicine, engineering, economics and humanities. Training in the most popular specialties is carried out not only in Russian language, but also in English and French.
Higher education in Russia offers two choices: either 5 years of education leading to a Specialist’s degree or 4 years of studies for a Bachelor’s degree followed by optional two years Master’s degree. With a Specialist’s degree as well as with a Master’s, one can continue education as a post-graduate student. Post-graduate courses are available in almost all possible specialties existing in the world.
Russian university degrees are recognized in all countries according to intergovernmental treaties or agreements between them. All European countries and the USA, in line with the Bologna Convention signed by 45 European states and the USA on mutual recognition of educational documents, recognize the degrees of Russian universities. Russia recognizes the European ones as well. A graduate, upon successful completion at a Russian university, receives a degree with the European appendix, which provides an opportunity to continue education or take a job in another European country.
Today’s graduates are ready to move to any place of the globe and work there. There is a growing demand in the international labour market for professionals who graduated from Russian universities, and they enjoy a well-deserved reputation. They are employed in large international companies; take leading positions in business, and in governmental bodies of their countries. Studying in Russia means an excellent opportunity to obtain classical fundamental education along with professional skills, and to master the Russian language. Russia is famous for its culture and science. One can be absolutely sure that study in any Russian city, university, within any specialty will be interesting, exciting and extremely helpful for the future success.
Discover Russia ÔÇô the largest country in the world, covering about 12 percent of the land of our planet; the country with one of the best educational systems in the world; the country which gives birth to geniuses in science, literature, art, numerous Nobel Prize winners; the country-pioneer in space, fostering scientific research and development; the country where education is prestigious, popular, and accessible.
