Russia

School lasts eleven years: primary (4 years), basic (5 years, compulsory) and upper (2 years). After the ninth grade you can move to a college and get vocational secondary education.

Upper school ends with the unified state exam (EGE) — its scores decide university admission.

Alongside ordinary schools there are lyceums and gymnasiums with in-depth study of mathematics, physics, languages or the humanities, as well as specialist schools attached to universities.

A university entrance exam is not held in most cases: EGE scores are used, and sometimes additional tests for creative and some leading fields.

Higher education follows the bachelor’s (4 years) — master’s (2 years) scheme; some fields keep the specialist degree (5–6 years). Some places at state universities are funded from the budget.

Traditionally strong areas are fundamental mathematics, physics, engineering, computer science and the natural sciences.

International students apply either under the state quota (an application through Rossotrudnichestvo and the Education in Russia portal) or directly to a university on a paying basis. Russian-taught programmes often require a year at a preparatory faculty.

The number of English-taught programmes is growing, mainly at master’s level at leading universities.

Study under the quota is free and comes with a state stipend and a place in a dormitory. Universities also offer fee-paying students discounts for academic performance.

The short format is summer and winter schools of 2–4 weeks: you can join them without a lengthy admission process and get a close look at a specific university.