Understanding the Russia Education System

Gain insights into the Russia higher education framework, academic culture, teaching methods, and grading system to prepare for your studies.

Russian Higher Education Levels

Bachelor's degree

4 years

The first university degree. At ITMO University, it takes 4 years.

Specialist degree

5 to 6 years

A longer first degree, used for fields such as medicine. At Kazan Federal University, General Medicine takes 6 years.

Master's degree

2 years

After a bachelor's degree. At ITMO University, it takes 2 years.

Postgraduate (PhD level)

About 3 years

Research training after a master's or specialist degree. At ITMO University, it takes about 3 years.

Russian law has three levels: bachelor's; specialist and master's; and postgraduate. Specialist and master's are one level, so the cards show four degrees.

Higher Education Framework

Degrees in Russia

Russia's education law names these higher education levels. Medicine is a specialist degree, not a bachelor's.

Academic Degree Structure

Bachelor's

4 years at ITMO University

The first level of higher education.

Key Characteristics:

Leads to a master's.

Specialist

5 to 6 years (Kazan Federal University medicine and dentistry)

A long first degree on the same level as a master's.

Key Characteristics:

Used for General Medicine and Dentistry.

Master's

2 years at ITMO University

After a bachelor's.

Key Characteristics:

Many are taught in English.

Postgraduate

About 3 years at ITMO University

Research training, the PhD level.

Key Characteristics:

Medical residency is also at this level.

Academic Calendar

The Academic Year

The year starts in September. In 2026, HSE University started classes on 1 September.

Key Academic Dates

Major Academic Events

•Start of studies: 1 September 2026, at HSE University

Tip

Arrive before classes start, so your address is registered on time.

Institutional Quality

State Accreditation and Recognition

Choose a state-accredited programme (one the Russian state has officially approved). Full-time students on these programmes have the right to work while they study. Rosobrnadzor, the Russian education authority, decides if a foreign degree or school certificate is accepted in Russia.

Medicine From India

India's National Medical Commission (NMC) does not approve any list of foreign universities. Check the course yourself against the NMC's rules for doctors who studied abroad (FMGL rules).