Sytem of Higher Education in Russia and Ukraine



The educational system in Russia is similiar to the European and American educational systems:

• 2 cycle educational system:
  - undergraduate level in Russia: Bachelor degree,
  - postgraduate level in Russia: Master degree and Ph.D.
• Credit transfer system.
• Academic exchange programs on the basis of ECTS (European Credit Transfer System).
• European diploma supplement.
  
  
  
  

The main difference between Russian and European educational systems is our: 5-year engineer / Specialist programs.
Russia signed the Bologna agreement (Integrating process of developing a common European educational system). As a result, the number of non-degree programs in Russia is decreasing.
If you the Secondary School Certificate or an equivalent, you can study through all levels, from Bachelor through Doctoral Studies.
A degree or diploma holder of institution of higher education can be admitted to the appropriate learning level after accreditation of his/her prior education. The university can offer you instruction either in Russian or in English.
Those who would like to take courses in Russian must be fluent in Russian and present the Russian Language State Certificate as evidence. The most effective way in reaching this goal is to take the one year Preparatory Course.

Educational System in Russia - Preparatory level
International students who intend to study Russian must first take a one-year Preparatory Course. Russian language training is the core of this course; however, at the same time, you will improve your knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology and will be familiar with Russian history and culture.In case of successful completion you will be awarded the Preparatory Course Certificate. The Russian Language State Certificate (TORFL) will be granted up on successful passing of the Test of Russian as a Foreign Language at the First Level. Both certificates are recognized by any Russian university.

Educational System in Russia - Bachelor's Degree
Russian Universities offer international students a wide range of bachelor degree programs in the Russian and English languages.  
The first two-year study level includes modules in natural sciences, mathematics, socio-economics, humanities and a few speciality oriented modules. The study modules of the second level (the next two years of study) include advanced profession-oriented modules, subjects in natural sciences, electives from special socio-economics modules and training in industrial and other companies. A Bachelor's degree holder could be employed as a middle-rank engineer/specialist.
Note! The holder can continue his/her studies to earn the Engineer's/Specialist's (1 year) or Master's Degree (2 years).

Educational System in Russia - Engineer/Specialist
Tomsk Politechnic University offers international students a wide range of engineer/Specialist programs in Russian and in English languages.
The professional study courses leading to the Engineer's/Specialist's ensure the training of well-qualified professionals in engineering and technology (Engineer) or in economics, humanities, etc. (Specialist). The engineer's courses include special disciplines and modules in modern technology and technological equipment oriented towards engineering creativity and invention, carrying out the interdisciplinary projects, and industrial training.
Note! The Engineer's/Specialist's and the Master's degree are equal both for recognition and post-graduate education in Russia and overseas.

Educational System in Russia - Master's Degree
The professional educational courses leading to the Master's Degree (two years after Bachelor's level) include special disciplines and modules, which explain new achievements in science and technology, in addition to those in the Bachelor's Degree courses. The courses are oriented towards scientific creativity, pedagogical activity, and practical and research work.
Note! Master's Degree holders have the opportunity to continue their research and to earn Ph.D. after 1-2 years.

Educational System in Russia - Doctoral Studies (Ph. D.)
The training of well-qualified specialists in teaching and research lasts for 3 to 4 years and ends with the public defense of a Ph.D. thesis. If you are studying for a Ph.D. as a full-time postgraduate you can expect to finish your research within 3 years. If you take the university's Master's Degree track you will have the opportunity to continue your research and to earn your Ph.D. after 2 years. The duration of part-time or distance doctoral training is about 4 years. This duration can be altered. As a rule, students carry out real scientific and engineering investigations with the use of modern laboratory equipment, prepare scientific papers for publication and participate in national and international scientific conferences. All this activity is carried out under the guidance and supervision of leading university scientists.

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