Interesting figures about higher education

Contents:

• About a third of Russian universities are private
• Many specialties are still divided into “male” or “female”
• More than half of those admitted in 2024 went for paid education
• Educational loans are taken out extremely rarely
• Future dentists have the hardest time getting into a budget-funded program
• The average grades of fee-paying students are lower than those of state-funded students
• Russian universities produce the most engineers and lawyers
• Of all 40% of first-year university students enter after secondary vocational education.
• More than a fifth of Russian university professors are part-time workers.

About a third of Russian universities are private

At the beginning of October 2024, there are 739 organizations operating in Russia, offering higher education programs at the bachelor's, master's, and specialist levels. Of these, 724 are actually universities, that is, higher education organizations. It is important to note that in addition to universities, some research organizations also have the right to educate students in Russia, which expands the opportunities for higher education in the country.

There are 724 higher education institutions in Russia, of which 482 are public and 242 are private. There are also 532 university branches, of which 427 are public and 105 are private. This diversity of educational institutions allows students to choose suitable higher education options depending on their preferences and goals.

The question of the number of private universities in Russia, namely 242 educational institutions and 105 branches, requires a more in-depth analysis. According to the VPO-1 report published on the Ministry of Education and Science's website, there were 969 universities operating in the country in 2013, 391 of which were private. However, the number of branch campuses significantly exceeded this number: 1,482 branches in total, 533 of which belonged to private universities. This demonstrates the significant presence of the private sector in Russian higher education.

The number of branch campuses of private universities has significantly decreased as a result of reforms aimed at combating ineffective universities known as diploma mills. However, private higher education continues to exist in Russia, and in recent years, a growth in new major projects has been observed. Among these are the T-Bank Central University in Moscow and the iSpring Institute in Yoshkar-Ola. These institutions provide high-quality education and adapt to the modern requirements of the labor market, which makes them attractive to students.

In 2024, the majority of state universities continue to be under the jurisdiction of federal authorities, a total of 445 educational institutions. Only 37 universities are subordinate to regional or municipal authorities. The largest number of universities under federal jurisdiction are managed by the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia, which controls 222 institutions. In addition, there are universities under the jurisdiction of other ministries, which testifies to the diversity of educational institutions and their structures in the country.

• The Ministry of Culture - 48;
• The Ministry of Health - 46;
• The Ministry of Agriculture - 43;
• The Ministry of Education - 33.

Six universities are directly subordinate to the Government of the Russian Federation. Among them, the most prominent are Lomonosov Moscow State University and Saint Petersburg State University. These institutions are the oldest in the country, and their special status is enshrined in a separate federal law. This underscores the importance of these universities in the Russian higher education system.

Many specialties are still divided into "male" or "female"

The distribution of students by specialties and areas of training in the higher education system remains traditional. Engineering, mathematics, and IT specialties are primarily chosen by young men, while areas related to art, design, pedagogy, and some humanities are more often chosen by girls. This division is due to both social stereotypes and historically established expectations. However, in recent years, there has been a trend towards an increase in the number of girls choosing technical and scientific professions, which indicates a gradual change in these traditional frameworks.

Approximately equal numbers of boys and girls are admitted to economics and law programs. A similar situation is observed in some natural sciences, such as biology and chemistry, as well as in the social sciences and humanities, including history, philosophy, and political science. This demonstrates a balanced student interest in various fields of study, which may contribute to a diversity of opinions and approaches within these fields.

In 2024, almost equal numbers of girls and boys were admitted to universities, despite the presence of programs with significant gender bias. For example, 50.9% of girls were enrolled in bachelor's programs, 52% in specialist programs, and 49% in master's programs. This demonstrates that "male" and "female" programs compensate for each other, helping to achieve gender equality in the overall admissions structure. Thus, we can talk about a trend towards gender balance in higher education.

This text presents a list of 20 areas of training and specialties that can be considered The most male-dominated. These programs were selected based on data from undergraduate and specialist program admissions in the 2024 single-profile competition, which has the highest number of men. The list includes only those specialties for which more than 100 people were enrolled, and they mainly relate to technical fields.

View list.

• Operation of ship power plants 05/26/06 - 97.9% of young men in admission.
• Operation of ship electrical equipment and automation equipment 05/26/07 - 96%.
• Navigation 05/26/05 - 95%.
• Design, manufacture and repair of power plants and automation systems for ships and vessels 05/26/02 - 94.8%.
• Operation of transport and technological machines and complexes 03/23/03 - 94.2%.
• Agroengineering 03/35/06 - 92.9%.
• Ground transport and technological vehicles 23.05.01 — 92.9%.
• Refrigeration, cryogenic equipment and life support systems 16.03.03 — 92.7%.
• Special-purpose vehicles 23.05.02 — 92.6%.
• Technical operation of aircraft and engines 25.03.01 — 92.4%.
• Small arms, cannons, artillery and missile weapons 17.05.02 — 91.5%.
• Technological machines and equipment 15.03.02 — 90.5%.
• Electric power engineering and electrical engineering 13.03.02 — 90.3%.
• Ground transport and technological complexes 23.03.02 — 89.9%.
• Power engineering 13.03.03 — 88.8%.
• Mechanical engineering 15.03.01 — 88.6%.
• Radioelectronic systems and complexes 11.05.01 — 88.4%.
• Oil and gas equipment and technologies 21.05.06 — 88.4%.
• Automation of technological processes and production 15.03.04 — 88.2%.
• Radio engineering 11.03.01 — 87.3%.

When analyzing promising professional areas in the field of mathematics, physics and information technology, it can be noted that the Chinese in these areas are a minority. This creates both challenges and opportunities for women seeking careers in these high-tech and scientific fields. Increasing the number of women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) disciplines can lead to more diverse and innovative approaches to solving complex problems. Supporting and advancing women in these professions is becoming increasingly important for creating a balanced and effective workforce.

• Fundamental computer science and information technology - 22.5%.
• Applied mathematics and computer science - 26%.
• Mathematics and computer science - 27%.
• Fundamental mathematics and mechanics - 29%.
• Applied mathematics and physics - 29.6%.
• Applied mathematics 01.03.04 - 34%.
• Physics 03.03.02 - 36%.
• Business informatics 38.03.05 - 38%.

In the field of chemistry, biology and bioengineering, there is a predominance of girls, making up more than 60% of students. We have compiled a list of 20 areas of study and specialties that can be considered the "most feminine". These areas are characterized by a high level of enrollment of girls in bachelor's and specialist's programs within the framework of the single-profile competition of 2024.

View our list.

• Special (defectological) education 44.03.03 - 97.9% of girls in admission.
• Art of costume and textiles 54.03.03 - 94.1%.
• Nursing 34.03.01 - 92%.
• Theory and history of art 50.03.04 - 91%.
• Restoration 54.03.04 - 90.9%.
• Psychological and pedagogical education 44.03.02 - 90.1%.
• Graphics 54.05.03 - 90%.
• Publishing 42.03.03 — 89.6%.
• Arts and crafts 54.03.02 — 89.5%.
• Clinical psychology 37.05.01 — 88.5%.
• Design of light industry products 29.03.05 — 87.6%.
• Pedagogy and psychology of deviant behavior 44.05.01 — 87.1%.
• Design 54.03.01 — 86.9%.
• Monumental and decorative art 54.05.01 — 86.7%.
• Library and information activities 51.03.06 — 86.6%.
• Psychology service activity 37.05.02 — 86.5%.
• Psychology 37.03.01 — 86.3%.
• Painting 54.05.02 — 85.8%.
• Media communications 42.03.05 — 85.4%.
• Reconstruction and restoration of architectural heritage 07.03.02 — 84.8%.

More than half of those admitted in 2024 went for paid education.

Every year, Russian universities receive a significant number of places financed from the federal budget for free education. For 2025, more than 553 thousand places are provided for bachelor's, specialist's and master's degrees. In addition, regions and municipalities also allocate funds for higher education programs, but their share remains small. However, the demand for higher education in Russia significantly exceeds the number of budget places, which underlines the relevance and importance of this topic for future students.

In 2024, More students enrolled in Russian universities on fee-paying contracts than in state-funded places. The share of fee-paying students in the overall admissions pool was over 56%. As of early October 2024, fee-paying students accounted for 53.4% ​​of all students studying at Russian universities. This indicates growing interest in fee-paying education in the country and a shift in the enrollment structure at higher education institutions.

In 2024, a significant increase in the share of fee-paying admission to higher education institutions is expected. This is due to changes in the education system and labor market needs. The number of students choosing fee-paying programs is gradually increasing, enabling universities to improve the quality of educational services. Fee-paying education is becoming increasingly popular, as it provides access to modern educational materials and experienced faculty. In the context of competition in the field of education, the importance of choosing between state-funded and fee-paying places will only increase.

The most popular areas of bachelor's degree training, where the number of enrolled students based on the results of a single-profile competition exceeds 5 thousand, include specialties with the largest share of students studying on a fee-paying basis.

• "Human Resources Management" 38.03.03 - 94.7% of those enrolled on a fee-paying basis;
• "Management" 38.03.02 - 92.7%;
• "Advertising and Public Relations" 42.03.01 - 92.2%;
• "Jurisprudence" 40.03.01 - 92.1%;
• "State and Municipal Administration" 38.03.04 - 89.8%;
• "Psychology" 37.03.01 - 88.6%;
• "Economics" 38.03.01 - 88.4%;
• "Design" 54.03.01 - 85.2%;
• "Business Informatics" 38.03.05 - 83.3%;
• "Journalism" 42.03.02 - 80.9%.

The most popular specialties, in which over 2 thousand students were enrolled based on the results of a single-profile competition, are distinguished by a high proportion of fee-paying places. Among them, the following areas stand out:

• "Law enforcement" 40.05.02 — 96.7%;
• "Customs" 38.05.02 — 92.6%;
• "Legal support of national security" — 92.6%;
• "Economic security" 38.05.01 — 91.9%;
• "Judicial and prosecutorial activity" 40.05.04 — 91.3%;
• "Dentistry" 31.05.03 — 90.2%;
• "Translation and translation studies" 45.05.01 — 72%;
• "Oil and gas equipment and technologies" 21.05.06 — 71.8%;
• "Acting" 52.05.01 — 69.4%;
• "Clinical Psychology" 37.05.01 — 63.4%;
• "General Medicine" 31.05.01 — 59.2%.

Among the areas of training in the master's degree, which have the largest share of fee-paying students according to the results of a single-profile competition, economics, management, psychology and jurisprudence stand out. These areas were selected based on the enrollment data of more than a thousand students. Economics and management remain in demand in the modern market, while psychology and jurisprudence ensure stable interest from applicants, confirming the importance of these professions in society.

• "Psychology" 37.04.01 - 89.2%;
• "State and Municipal Administration" 38.04.04 - 85.9%;
• "Human Resources Management" 38.04.03 - 84.9%;
• "Management" 38.04.02 - 83.8%;
• "Jurisprudence" 40.04.01 - 83.8%;
• "Economics" 38.04.01 - 79.2%;
• "Finance and Credit" 38.04.08 — 75.1%;
• «Business Informatics» 38.04.05 — 73.4%;
• «Advertising and Public Relations» 42.04.01 — 70%;
• «Design» 54.04.01 — 56.7%.

At all levels of education, there is a significant proportion of students studying on a fee-paying basis in the field of culture and art. However, the overall enrollment in these programs remains relatively small.

Educational loans are extremely rare

Despite the wide availability of paid tuition, few students turn to specialized educational loans. According to 2024 data, among students enrolled in universities on a fee-paying basis, as well as those who studied in other courses or completed their studies, only 2-4% used an educational loan to finance their studies. This indicates a lack of student awareness about loan options and the importance of financial planning for education.

The share of students using educational loans is gradually increasing. For example, among fee-paying bachelor's degree graduates, only 1.7% (approximately 4,900 people) used loans during their studies. In 2024, among students enrolled in fee-paying programs, this figure increased to 3.9% (18,700 people). A similar trend is observed among specialist and master's degree students, indicating a growing interest in financial instruments for education.

This year, the Ministry of Education and Science proposed limiting the issuance of educational loans. They believe such loans should be provided only to students entering technical, natural science, pedagogical, and medical specialties. At the same time, loans should not be provided to those choosing popular fields such as economics, management, and law. This initiative is aimed at encouraging students to choose professions that are in demand in the labor market and contribute to the development of science and technology in the country.

Future dentists have the hardest time getting into state-funded places

In 2024, the specialty 31.05.03 "Dentistry" demonstrated the highest average score among those admitted to state-funded places, amounting to 92.3. However, it is important to note that, as in other medical specialties, most state-funded places for training dentists are allocated through a target quota. As a result, only 390 students were admitted through the general competition nationwide, while 978 were admitted through targeted admission. By comparison, the number of applicants admitted to the Dentistry specialty on a fee-paying basis was 12,699, highlighting the high interest in this profession and the limited number of state-funded places.

The fields of study and specialties with high average scores for those admitted in 2024 are an important aspect of choosing an educational path. This year, applicants with scores above 80 have the opportunity to enroll in in-demand programs that provide competitive knowledge and skills. These specialties include areas related to information technology, engineering, medicine, and management. A high average score indicates a high level of student preparation and opens up prospects for future career advancement. Choosing a program with a high GPA not only increases your chances of admission but also contributes to successful future employment.

We take into account programs and majors in which at least 1,000 students were admitted through a single-profile competition, excluding quota-based admissions. This allows us to more accurately assess the popularity and demand for educational programs. Data analysis provides insight into applicant preferences and trends in higher education, which can help in the further development of educational areas and improving the quality of specialist training.

For such relatively rare areas of training and specializations as "Oriental and African Studies", "Applied Mathematics and Physics", "Media Communications", "International Relations", "Forensic Science", "Translation and Translation Studies", the average score among applicants accepted to state-funded places exceeds 85. This indicates the high competitiveness of these programs and requires significant effort from students to be admitted.

Average scores of fee-paying students are lower than those of state-funded students

The most in-demand higher education programs at leading universities often attract excellent students who, if admitted to less prestigious universities, could study for free. However, in most programs, the average scores of students admitted on a fee-paying basis are significantly lower than those of those enrolled on a state-funded basis. This demonstrates the intense competition for state-funded places and the fact that many applicants strive to enroll in top educational institutions, even if this requires financial investment.

In the program "Jurisprudence," the average score of applicants admitted on a fee-paying basis is 20.5 points lower than that of state-funded students, amounting to 64.6 points. In the program "General Medicine," the difference is 21.2 points, with the average score being 62.5. In the program "Management," the gap is 17.6 points, with the average score for those admitted on a fee-paying basis being 64.3. These data highlight the significant difference in competitive scores between paid and budget-funded education.

There are several areas with mass paid admission, in which the number The top 10 undergraduate and specialist degree programs by average USE score among applicants admitted to fee-paying places exceed 1,000, and which have the highest average scores among those admitted on a fee-paying basis. These programs are presented in the table below.

The top 10 undergraduate and specialist degree programs by average USE score among applicants admitted to fee-paying places represent an important indicator of the demand for educational programs. This data helps prospective students choose a program, taking into account the level of competition and knowledge requirements. This list highlights the programs with the highest average USE scores and are popular among applicants. Knowing the most competitive programs will help you make an informed choice and increase your chances of successful admission. It's also important to consider that a high average USE score not only opens doors to prestigious educational institutions but also ensures a high-quality education, which subsequently positively impacts graduates' career prospects.

In 2024, a thorough analysis was conducted on the training programs and specialties for which over a thousand applicants applied. This demonstrates the high interest in the chosen programs and the importance of these specialties in the labor market.

The average score of applicants accepted to fee-paying programs in "Applied Mathematics and Physics" is 81.7. However, competition for these programs is limited, and the number of places does not exceed 200 people.

Russian universities graduate the most engineers and lawyers

From October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2024, the total number of bachelor's, specialist's, and master's degree graduates from Russian universities amounted to 827,554 people. The legal specialty ranks first in terms of the number of bachelor's and specialist's degree graduates, while economics is in second place. This indicates a high interest among students in legal and economic disciplines, which may reflect the needs of the labor market and current trends in education.

In 2024, there was high interest in the areas of training and specialties of the bachelor's and specialist's degrees, which attract the largest number of graduates. The most popular fields are information technology, economics, management, and medicine. These programs offer graduates good career prospects and a high demand in the labor market. The high level of competition and practical focus of educational programs contribute to the successful training of specialists. It is important to note that interest in new professions related to digital technologies and sustainable development is growing every year. Therefore, the choice of field of study in 2024 will be determined not only by the personal interests of students but also by the current requirements of employers. Engineering programs and specialties typically have a narrow focus, which prevents them from competing with popular fields such as law, education, and medicine in terms of the number of graduates. However, if we consider the total number of graduates from bachelor's and specialist's programs in "Engineering, Technology, and Technical Sciences," it exceeds 180,000. This demonstrates significant interest in engineering professions and their importance for the development of modern technology and production. Engineers play a key role in innovation and technological progress, making this field not only relevant but also in demand in the labor market.

The Master's degree in Law remains the most popular among students. Law education attracts attention due to its wide career opportunities and high salaries. The second most popular program is the Master's degree in Pedagogy, which also offers many prospects for professional growth in the educational field.

In 2024, the largest number of graduates is expected in the Master's degree programs. These programs attract students due to their high employment prospects and the relevance of their knowledge in the labor market. Popular Master's programs include such fields as management, information technology, economics, and engineering. Students who choose these programs receive not only deep theoretical knowledge but also practical skills sought by employers. This makes them competitive in the labor market and opens up wide opportunities for career advancement. Choosing a Master's degree program is an important step that can determine your future professional destiny.

Upon completion of a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Law, Approximately 84,000 students received diplomas. This number does not include graduates of more specialized programs, such as "Judicial and Prosecutor's Practice." A law degree enables young professionals to develop careers in a variety of fields, including law enforcement, the legal profession, and the judicial system. With the growing number of graduates, competition in the labor market is growing, which emphasizes the importance of obtaining additional education and advanced training for a successful career in jurisprudence.

During the period under review, the number of graduates in pedagogical specialties has significantly decreased. If we exclude educational psychologists and defectologists, then there are about 62 thousand graduates of the "Pedagogical Education" program. At the same time, lawyers make up more than 10% of the total number of graduates of higher educational institutions in Russia.

Of all first-year university students, 40% enter after secondary vocational education.

In 2024, 1 million 38 thousand students were enrolled in bachelor's and specialist's degree programs. Of this number, 593.5 thousand were admitted on the basis of secondary general education, that is, after completing school. Moreover, more than 140 thousand of them were admitted not in the year of their graduation from school, but later. The rest, with the exception of approximately 2% of students entering a second higher education, came from colleges, technical schools, and vocational schools, that is, with secondary vocational education (SVE). Universities enrolled more than 424,000 students with SVE, which is 40.9% of the total number of first-year students. Less than half of the students (46%) received their secondary vocational education (SVE) diplomas during the last year, that is, from October 2023 to October 2024. The remaining graduates received their SVE in previous years, but precise data on the timing of receiving their diplomas is not available. This suggests that most students do not enter higher education immediately after completing college, preferring to take a break. For young men, this break is often associated with military service, since after graduating from college, they lose the right to a deferment. In 2024, about 229,000 people, which is more than a fifth of all first-year students in the country, entered higher education institutions indirectly from schools and colleges. A significant portion of these students came from the labor market, as well as from military service or parental leave. This trend highlights the growing popularity of higher education among those with prior life experience, which can positively impact the quality of education and diversity of opinion within study groups. Graduates of secondary vocational education (SVE) are more likely to choose fee-paying education than graduates of comprehensive schools. According to statistics, the share of fee-paying students among students enrolled in bachelor's and specialist's degree programs is 49.3%. However, among applicants with a SVE diploma, this figure is significantly higher, reaching 68.1%. This indicates a growing interest in fee-based education among secondary vocational education graduates, which may be due to various factors, including the quality of education and professional prospects.

More than a fifth of Russian university faculty are part-time workers

In October 2024, Russian universities had 216,500 full-time teaching staff, including lecturers and assistants. In addition, 74,900 people worked as external part-time workers, for whom teaching at universities is not their main activity. Also, about 58,000 employees worked under civil law contracts. Thus, the share of external part-time workers in the faculty of universities is about 21%.

Since 2021, the number of full-time faculty at universities has remained fairly stable. During the reporting year, the number of teaching staff increased by 27,800, while 28,000 specialists left educational institutions. Of this figure, 15,500 resigned voluntarily. The situation in the teaching labor market requires attention, as the outflow of personnel may impact the quality of education and the stability of educational institutions.

In Russian universities, women make up 59.7% of full-time teaching staff. This figure is significantly lower than in general education institutions. However, universities have a different age structure: there are more teachers from older age groups compared to school teachers. This may be due to the specifics of professional growth and career paths in higher education.

The age structure of full-time teaching staff at Russian universities is an important aspect affecting the quality of the educational process. An analysis of the age composition of the teaching staff allows us to identify trends that may influence the level of professionalism and innovative approaches to teaching. In recent years, there has been a trend towards an increase in the number of young teachers, which facilitates the introduction of modern methods and technologies into the educational process. However, it is also important to take into account the experience of more mature specialists who bring valuable knowledge and practical experience. A balanced age structure of teachers contributes to the creation of an effective educational environment that combines fresh ideas and a deep understanding of educational traditions. Maintaining an optimal age balance is a key factor in improving the quality of higher education in Russia.