Education in Russia B1

The education system in Russia is one of the best in the world.

Parents can choose free education: a public kindergarten, then a school, and later a university. They can also choose private education. There are private kindergartens, schools,

Children do not have to go to kindergarten. They can stay at home until they are seven years old. But most Russian families take their children to kindergarten, usually from the age of three.

Public kindergartens are very popular. They work from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Children eat five times a day, play, walk outside, and sleep in the afternoon. Parents pay only a small fee for food.

The problems are long waiting lists and big groups. Some groups have 30 to 35 children.Private kindergartens have smaller groups and more activities. But they are expensive.

Children must start school at the age of seven. School is free and compulsory. Students can leave school after 9th grade, but they still finish the full 11-year programme later in college.

Most schools in Russia are general. But there are also specialised schools. They study some subjects more deeply, for example, foreign languages or maths. To enter these schools, students must pass exams.

In Russia, students can study full-time, part-time, or by correspondence. Some children study at home. Fast learners can finish the programme earlier.

Private schools are not very common. Parents often choose them for children with special needs or interests.

In Primary school one teacher teaches all subjects. Children learn to read, write, and count. They also learn about nature and the world. They learn the basics of Russian and maths.

From grade 5, the workload is bigger. Different teachers teach different subjects. Students learn a foreign language, biology, physics, chemistry, history, and other subjects.

After grade 9, all students take exams in maths and Russian. Then they can choose: go to grades 10 and 11, or go to a vocational school (college).

The Russian system is very flexible. After college, students can go to university. After grade 11, students can go to college. To enter a university after grade 11, students must pass the Unified State Exam (USE). They usually take four subjects: Russian, maths, and two optional subjects. The maximum score for each exam is 100. Results are valid for two years. If a student is not happy with their score, they can retake the exam. This helps students apply to several universities.

After grade 9 or 11, students can go to a vocational school (college) or technical school. For most people, it is free. Some popular programmes have a competitive entrance. Students study for 2 to 4 years. After graduation, they can work or go to university.

Russian citizens can get free higher education. They must pass a competitive exam to get a state-funded place. Students with lower scores can study if they pay.

University admission is based on the USE results. Top universities also have their own exams. At the best universities, the scores for free places are very high. For example, to study for free at MGIMO, students need 100 points on each exam plus other achievements, like winning Olympiads or doing volunteer work.

There are three study formats: full-time, part-time (evening), and distance learning. But most top universities require full-time study. Part-time students do not get scholarships, dormitory rooms, or military service deferrals.

Russia has about 900 public and 300 private universities. So, getting a higher education, even for free, is quite possible.

Russia also has many options for extra education for children and adults.

For children, there are free and paid clubs at schools and creativity centres. Children can do sports, dance, art, programming, or robotics. There are also music and art schools. Lessons are usually in the evenings.

For adults, there are professional development courses and retraining centres. Adults can learn new languages, new skills, or management.

People can get a second or third higher education degree. But only the first degree can be free. All next degrees must be paid.

Extra classes are offered in person and online. Many online platforms have free courses from top universities and companies.

In summary, the Russian education system allows people to learn at any age. It has both free and paid options.