Language Policy
Proficiency in the language of instruction is essential to successful study. Consequently, foreign students must attend a Russian language course and pass the final examination in order to be qualified for admission. Where another language is the language of instruction for a particular course, students will be required to prove their proficiency in this language.
The number of courses and whole units taught in English is increasing, but still majority of studies is in Russian. Largest universities can offer some full master’s programmes in English.
Studying in Russia
Are you curious about being a student in Russia? Here you can find out how studies are organised in Russia.
Academic year
The academic year lasts from 1 September to 30 June. The academic year is divided info two terms and usually lasts for 10 months. The first term lasts from 1 September to 31 January and the second from 1 February to 30 June. Usually, students have practical studies in July. August is a vacation time.
Registration
Registration at the university’s registration office is compulsory in the beginning of each academic year. The price of registration varies from 150 to 600 Roubles, depending on the university. The following documents are needed when registering as a student:
- Passport
- Visa
- Migration card
- Certificate of valid health and accident insurance
- Recent HIV-certificate
- Some passport photos
- In some institutions certificate of vaccination and lung x-rays
The students leave these documents in the registration office for the period of some weeks.
Examinations
Examinations generally take place, twice a year. The examination periods are called Sessions and they often begin with oral tests on the subject. These are followed by written or oral examinations, depending on the subject.
The Session in the end of the Autumn Semester(the first semester) begins on 20 December. Oral tests take place in December and the Session continues with examinations until 23 January. In the end of the Spring Semester (the second semester) oral tests take place between 20 and 31 May , followed by examinations lasting until 23 June.
In oral tests a student randomly chooses a test ticket with questions on the subject. After a short preparation time she or he orally answers to the proctor.
The student's knowledge is estimated by the following system:
| Grade | Definition |
|---|---|
| 5 | Excellent |
| 4 | Good |
| 3 | Satisfactorily |
| 2 | Unsatisfactorily = fail |
Thesis
The Thesis is the final work at all levels of higher education. In addition to the Thesis, a student has to pass the oral and written examinations at the end of each semester and study year. An oral dissertation is a part of the Thesis. The Thesis is graded on the same scale as examinations.
Dissertation
The thesis is prepared in the written form and assessed by a professors’ committee. On all levels, the thesis is defended in an oral presentation/dissertation, giving and passing of which is obligatory.
Transcript of records
The transcript of records is kept either in the form of a traditional study book, handed out to all students, or in the form of a computerised data record. Results of each examinations session are recorded into the transcripts.