In 2013 some 250,000 foreign students will travel to Russia to study in one of 750 universities. While many will come from CIS countries, former Soviet Republics, many will come from the “near abroad” such as China and India. There are American, British, Canadian and Australian students too.
Moscow State University was founded in 1755. This is the main campus, overlooking Moscow. (Photo: Ilona Zimina)
Hoping to increase these numbers, Russian Educational authorities are trying to make the educational system more compatible with the West and to make the processes of application and testing more transparent and easier to administer.
The foreign students already in Russia represent some 150 countries and the Russian Ministry of Education and Science hopes to soon establish additional science and cultural centers where prospective students can do testing, receive counseling and apply for admission.
Downtown Moscow location of Moscow State University.
According to education officials, some 40,000 students receive financial aid to study in Russia. The majority of foreign students enroll in courses such as Engineering or Medicine.