The largest country in the world, Russia with its vast landscape has preserved a strong cultural heritage and unique history. When you study in Russia, you'll discover all the educational gems this intriguing nation has to offer.

Professional Education in Russia
Professional education in Russia leads to diplomas or degrees as well as professional qualifications. Professional education covers vocational education; non-university-level higher education; university-level higher education; and postgraduate education, which includes doctoral programs. When you study in Russia, you may only apply to one educational institution at a time.

Vocational Education in Russia
Vocational education is the initial stage of professional education in Russia and is aimed at the training of skilled workers. Typically, admission does not require an entrance examination.

There are two kinds of vocational education in Russia. The first is offered by Professional Schools, which cover subjects for professional training and confer professional qualifications; these programs take 1 to 1.5 years to complete. Graduates of Professional Schools are awarded diplomas that entitle them to pursue non-university-level higher education in Russia.

The second kind of vocational education is offered by Professional Lycei, in which professional education is offered in conjunction with general education. These programs also take 1 to 1.5 years to complete. Graduates of a Professional Lyceum are awarded diplomas that entitle them to pursue university-level higher education in Russia.

Non-University-Level Higher Education in Russia
Non-university-level higher education in Russia consists of two kinds of educational programs that do not lead to academic degrees. Tekhnikums or Uchilishcha last 2 to 3 years and cover the humanities; the social and the natural sciences, including economics and mathematics; general professional and specialized disciplines; and practical training.

Colleges in Russia last 3.5 to 4 years and cover the same areas as Tekhnikums (Uchilishcha) as well as a one-year program of profound theoretical education and professional training, including more in-depth practical training. College applicants must pass entrance examinations to be considered for admission.

Non-university-level diplomas allow graduates to pursue university-level higher education in Russia.

University-Level Higher Education in Russia
University-level higher education in Russia consists of universities, academies, and institutes that lead to academic degrees. Universities offer education in a wide range of natural and social sciences and the humanities. Universities are subdivided into Universities for Humanities and Sciences; Pedagogical Universities; Medical Universities; Agricultural Universities; and Technical Universities.

Academies provide education in a single major area of science, technology, or culture. Institutes offer educational programs in a number of fields of science, technology, culture, and research.

When you study in Russia at university-level higher education institutions, you may receive an Intermediate Diploma (two years of study); a Bakalavr Diploma (four years of study); a Specialist Diploma (five to six years of study); or a Magistr Diploma (six years of study).

The Intermediate Diploma is not a degree, but it does provide the right to exercise a profession. The Bakalavr Diploma offers a more academically oriented education and is a prerequisite for admission to Magistr programs. The Specialist Diploma opens access to professional practice (e.g., chemistry, engineering, teaching, etc.), and is a prerequisite for admission to doctoral programs. The Magistr program consists of a course component and an independent research component that leads to a dissertation. Specialist and Magistr Diplomas entitle graduates to be admitted to doctoral programs.

Choose to study in Russia, and become immersed in a land of living history.