Latest Trends and Statistics

According to the National Accreditation Agency, there are 1,352 accredited universities in Russia, of which 687 are public and 665 are private. There are approximately 7 million students enrolled in higher education in Russia.

Recent trends observed in Russia:

• Since 2009, EGE is the only form of graduation examinations in schools and the main form of preliminary examinations in universities.
• Russia continues to implement the Bologna Process by (1) introducing a two-tier 4+2 system (Bachelor + Master) to replace the 5-year Specialist degree; and (2) establishing the European Credit-Transfer System (ECTS).
• For the first time in 15 years, the population decline in Russia resulted in a decrease in the number of university students. This student population decline is expected to last until 2020, though the number of school-aged children has been dramatically increasing in recent years.
• Cost of study in Russian schools is rapidly rising, having reached approximately $30,000 at some top schools in Moscow.
• Economics, business and law remain the most popular fields of study for students studying in Russia.

Recent trends and statistics observed in terms of Russian students interested in US education.

• According to Open Doors, the number of Russian students in the US for the 2011-2012 academic year was 4808.
• Business, economics, math, physics, engineering and computer science are the most popular fields of study among Russian students interested in US education at both levels, although in recent years, the fields of interest are becoming increasingly diversified, from architecture to zoology.
• More and more students are interested in multidisciplinary fields of study and majors uncommon in Russia, such as bioengineering, bioeconomics, aerospace and aeronautical studies, and quantum physics. Increasingly, students are more interested in Professional Science Master's programs.
• Interest in US education is broadly increasing at all levels, including community college. Students are also being drawn to community colleges, ELS and short-term summer programs.
• The number of students who can finance at least a portion of their education is increasing, and this is especially true in Moscow. For many students outside of the capital, financing their education is still a challenge.
• The most popular sports for student athletes are basketball, tennis, soccer, volleyball, and swimming/diving.