Russia’s Educational System

With a 99.5% literacy rate, Russia has one of the best literacy rankings in the entire world.  It is tied for 13^th place, well above most of Western Europe and the United States.  This is because of their peerless educational system.  School is mandatory until students are tested and offered places in higher education and vocational programs.

Compulsory Basic Education

Mandatory education in Russia lasts for nine years, though most children attend schools that offer the full eleven years. Due to population growth out pacing the ability of schools to teach the students, some schools are required to offer two shifts of classes per day.

First grade begins at the age of six or seven, depending on personal maturity. Elementary school children (grades 1-4) are generally in their own area of the school and have one teacher that follows them through the first four years. Beginning in grade 5, academic subjects are taught by staff dedicated to teaching that one subject.  Unlike Western schools, there are no elective courses or opportunities to customize the program based on students’ interests.

Higher Education

After this point, students have several different options based on their test scores and interests.  Students have the opportunity to learn nursing, technical skills (such as electronics) and managerial skills. There are also higher education institutions that offer the equivalent of Western bachelor’s degrees as well as post-graduate degrees.

Training of Teachers in Russia

In Russian education, there is a strong emphasis on training teachers to guide the next generation. There are three types of teachers: primary school teachers, secondary school teachers and teachers for higher- level education.  The two to five year training to become a primary school teacher is in vocational schools.  Secondary school teachers are taught in universities with a program lasting at least five years. Post-graduate work is required for higher education schoolteachers, with the requirements depending on the position in question.

Entry Requirements for Russia’s Universities

The requirements to get into Russia’s universities are extremely rigorous. Students are tested at the completion of their secondary education to determine their placement in schools. While the schools are difficult to get into, the cost of education is very low. Tuition for most universities is between two and eight thousand dollars per year, not counting room, board, and textbooks. Some of the colleges in Russia offer long distance programs, but these offerings tend to be limited.

While the Russian educational system is overcrowded, overall they have managed to create a system that works. It efficiently turns out a highly literate population prepared to continue on to higher education, learn manual skills, or to teach the next generation.