Russia

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Definitions

Higher Education Institution (HEI): HEI is a public or private entity that provides professional higher education with official degree/qualification award.

Public HEI: A HEI financed by the Russian Ministry of Education and Science (mostly) or other federal entities (for example, Ministry of Healthcare), or by regional and municipal entities (rarely).

Private HEI: A HEI founded and financed by private sources.

Inbound/International Student: An individual with a foreign citizenship enrolled at a government-accredited public or private higher education entity in Russia – regardless of legal residency status in Russia. There are two distinct forms of study for international students in Russia: (1) Full-time or day studies, and (2) Part-time studies, including international students enrolled in adult and evening classes, or expedited and correspondence (online) education forms. All part-time international students must be physically in Russia every semester to attend orientation, training, and exams at their Russian HEI. Part-time students are expected to stay a minimum of one month in Russia every academic year.

There are two student visa types for international students in Russia: “Courses” visas are for short-term non-degree mobility including Summer or Winter Schools and preparatory faculty.

“Studies” are for full- degree/qualification mobility. Citizens of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan don’t need student visas.

Foreign student: Russia does not distinguish between foreign and international students.

Outbound Student: A Russian student enrolled at a Russian HEI at the undergraduate or graduate level who studies abroad.