Implementation of Innovative Higher Education System Scheduled for 2027
In a significant move, Russia is set to overhaul its higher education system over the next few years, with a focus on IT, military education, and international collaborations. The announcement was made by Dmitry Afanasyev, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education, during a committee meeting in the State Duma.
The transition to the new model is based on a decree from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who signed a decree initiating a pilot project to reform higher education in several Russian universities on May 12, 2023. The new model will be implemented in its entirety by 2027, affecting all Russian universities.
One of the key changes involves expanding IT education. The number of budget places for IT specialties in universities has increased 2.5 times from 2019 to 2024 to meet the growing demand in the digital economy. The state is actively involving large IT companies in educational programs and internships, which could enhance practical skills and potentially impact graduate salaries positively.
In the military sector, the Ministry of Defense is planning to open 15 new military universities from 2025 to 2034. This expansion includes new schools for training officers, pilots, and specialists in unmanned systems, addressing the need for more military personnel.
Russia is also increasing international educational ties, offering scholarships to students from countries like Nigeria, and collaborating with countries like Belarus for educational exchanges. Regional initiatives, such as the "Electronic Education of Dagestan" system, are also being developed.
While there is no direct information on how these changes will affect salaries of graduates from specific universities like Nizhny Novgorod University, potential implications include enhanced IT education leading to better job prospects and potentially higher salaries for IT graduates, the expansion of military education offering more career paths for graduates in military fields, and participation in international programs potentially affecting salaries positively if graduates secure jobs in high-demand fields abroad.
The new higher education system in Russia includes basic education, specialized education (master's, postgraduate, and assistant-student programs), and professional education (doctoral studies). The first step in the transition to the new model will involve testing all mechanisms to ensure a smooth implementation.
This shift in Russia's higher education system aims to improve the quality and scope of education, which could indirectly influence graduate salaries by providing better job opportunities and higher demand for skilled professionals.
In this transition, online education platforms may be introduced for self-development and learning purposes, catering to the rapidly evolving digital landscape. Furthermore, the expansion of IT and military education could lead to an increase in demand for IT professionals and military personnel, potentially influencing graduate salaries positively.
