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Russia – Education and Schools

The quality of education in Russia

Education in Russia is generally of good quality, with a strong emphasis on academic achievement and research-based teaching. Russia has a long tradition of education, with the first university in Russia being established in the 18th century.

Age of compulsory education in Russia

Education is compulsory in Russia for children between the ages of 6 and 15. The Ministry of Education oversees the education system in Russia and provides free education to Russian citizens.

Types of schools in Russia

There are several types of schools in Russia, including public schools, private schools, and international schools. The breakdown of schools by age is as follows:

Primary Education

Primary education in Russia is for children between the ages of 6 and 11. There are several types of primary schools available, including general schools and specialized schools, such as music schools and sports schools.

Basic Secondary Education


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Basic secondary education in Russia is for students between the ages of 11 and 15. There are several types of basic secondary schools available, including general schools, specialized schools, and vocational schools.

Upper Secondary Education

Upper secondary education in Russia is for students between the ages of 15 and 18. There are several types of upper secondary schools available, including general schools, specialized schools, and vocational schools.

Syllabus and qualifications

Schools in Russia follow a national curriculum that is set by the Ministry of Education. The curriculum includes several core subjects, such as Russian language and literature, mathematics, science, and social studies, as well as optional subjects, such as foreign languages and physical education.

At the end of upper secondary school, students take the Unified State Exam (USE), which assesses their knowledge and skills in various subjects. The USE is used to determine eligibility for higher education in Russia and other countries.

School hours and holidays

School hours in Russia typically run from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm or 2:00 pm, depending on the school, with some schools offering afternoon classes. The academic year usually starts in September and ends in May or June, with breaks in January and February.

Enrollment and competition

To enroll in a school in Russia, parents must provide a birth certificate or passport for their child, as well as proof of residence. There may be some competition for enrollment in popular schools or schools in areas with high demand, particularly in urban areas.

International schools

There are several international schools in Russia that cater to expats and international students. These schools offer education in English or other languages and follow international curricula, such as the International Baccalaureate or the British Curriculum. Some notable international schools in Russia include:

  • Anglo-American School of Moscow: An American school in Moscow that offers education from preschool to secondary school, following the American Curriculum.
  • International School of Moscow: An international school in Moscow that offers education from preschool to secondary school, following the International Baccalaureate Curriculum.
  • British International School Moscow: A British school in Moscow that offers education from primary to secondary school, following the British Curriculum.

Higher education options

Russia has several universities and colleges that offer undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields, such as medicine, engineering, and business. Some of the top universities in Russia include Lomonosov Moscow State University, Saint Petersburg State University, and Novosibirsk State University.

Lomonosov Moscow State University is the oldest and largest university in Russia, with over 40,000 students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs. It offers a wide range of programs in fields such as law, economics, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

Saint Petersburg State University is located in Saint Petersburg and is one of the largest and most prestigious universities in Russia. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields, such as mathematics, physics, computer science, law, and economics.

Novosibirsk State University is located in Novosibirsk and is a top university in Russia for science and technology programs. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as mathematics, physics, computer science, and biotechnology.

Education in Russia is compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 15 and offers a variety of school types and curricula. Schools in Russia follow a national curriculum that emphasizes academic achievement and research-based teaching. At the end of upper secondary school, students take the Unified State Exam (USE), which determines their eligibility for higher education in Russia and other countries. Russia has several international schools and universities that offer education in English or other languages and follow international curricula, making it a popular destination for expats and international students.