What will happen to university admissions?

Researchers and practitioners shared their views with Skillbox Media on how higher and continuing professional education are adapting to current changes and economic challenges. In a climate of instability, educational institutions are forced to rethink their programs and approaches to teaching. This is due to the need to consider new labor market demands and the changing needs of students. Experts emphasize the importance of flexibility of educational programs and the introduction of modern technologies into the educational process, which will better prepare specialists for future challenges.

Will tutoring services be as popular as they are now?
Will the structure of admission to universities change?
Will interest in inexpensive correspondence and evening education formats grow?
Will demand in the adult education market remain?

What will happen to the tutoring market?

According to statistics from the collection "Education Indicators", 36.5% of high school students over 15 years old study with tutors to prepare for the Unified State Exam. Preparation for the Unified State Exam and other additional classes outside the school curriculum are among the most popular paid educational services. It is estimated that up to 49% of Russians resort to such services. Research shows that these investments have an impact on exam results, although the effect is not significant. Preparing for the Unified State Exam with tutors can be an important element in achieving high scores, but independent study and a systematic approach to preparation should not be neglected.

The decline in demand for tutoring services and the lower Unified State Exam results of some school graduates are becoming evident against the backdrop of rising inflation and other economic difficulties. Given the current situation, many families will begin to reassess their budgets, which will lead to reductions in spending on paid educational services. As a result, a significant number of parents may not have the funds to prepare for exams, which will negatively impact the quality of education.

Ilya Prakhov, a researcher of educational inequality, does not consider this scenario logical.

Senior Researcher International Laboratory for Institutional Analysis of Economic Reforms at the Institute for Institutional Studies at the Higher School of Economics. His work focuses on economic reforms and the institutional factors that influence their effectiveness. His professional experience and deep knowledge of economic theory allow him to make a significant contribution to the development of scientific research and practical recommendations for improving economic policy. Families typically begin saving for additional preparation early, and most applicants begin preparing for the Unified State Exam (USE) or Olympiads at the beginning of eleventh grade. Many of them are currently completing additional education courses. Tutors, in turn, consider the effective demand from applicants and their parents, so it is unlikely that they will dramatically increase their prices. Preparation for the Unified State Exam (USE) and Olympiads requires a serious approach, and choosing a qualified tutor plays a vital role in student success. Graduates have the opportunity to prepare for the Unified State Exam (USE) at no additional cost. Preparation is provided in schools, and various manuals and online resources are also available. Therefore, a significant decline in Unified State Exam (USE) results nationwide is not expected this year or next, according to Ilya Prakhov. Active use of available educational resources is recommended for successful passing of the exam.

The income prospects of tutors remain uncertain, according to experts in this field. Various factors influence income, including skill level, specialization, and region. It is important to consider that competition in the educational services market also significantly impacts the ability to earn a stable income. Tutors who offer unique teaching methods or work with rare subjects may have a higher chance of career success and financial stability. Overall, to be successful, tutors must continually develop their skills and adapt to the needs of their students.

The demand for tutors is determined by many factors. Key aspects include the availability of available alternatives, pricing policies, and the quality of the tutor's work. Demand for tutoring services can vary depending on these factors, which directly influences the choice of parents and students. Competitive pricing and the high level of professionalism of tutors are crucial when choosing a specialist for lessons. Ilya Prakhov noted that for many tutors, this activity is not their primary source of income. These are typically school teachers or university professors who tutor alongside their full-time jobs. Students also tutor, offering their services at lower prices than experienced teachers. This creates a variety of tutors and allows parents and students to find suitable options based on their budget and needs. The researcher confirms that tutors' shift to online platforms will continue. The popularity of supplementary online classes has been growing for several years, and there is no reason to expect this trend to decline sharply. Online learning offers flexibility, accessibility, and a variety of learning materials, making it attractive to both students and teachers. In the context of modern technologies and changes in the educational environment, online classes are becoming an important part of the educational process.

Which specialties will be popular

The Ministry of Science and Higher Education annually increases the number of state-funded places for students choosing engineering and technical specialties. In 2022, Russian higher education institutions provided 251,000 state-funded places to applicants for bachelor's and specialist's degrees in this field. Meanwhile, only 53,500 places were allocated for medical specialties. This highlights the growing interest in engineering professions and the need to train qualified specialists in this field.

Demand among applicants for programs in the socio-economic sciences and law remains high. However, the number of state-funded places in these specialties is declining, leading to an increase in the number of students studying on a fee-paying basis. In 2021, there was an increase in the number of fee-paying students in such programs as Law, Psychology, Public and Municipal Administration, Business Informatics, Advertising and Public Relations, Linguistics and Foreign Languages, and Sociology. Overall, the share of students in fee-paying higher education programs as of the beginning of the 2020-2021 academic year was 53%. This underscores the importance and popularity of these programs among applicants, despite growing financial barriers.

The economic crisis will likely significantly impact the structure of the education system. As people's financial resources to pay for contractual tuition decline, the number of applicants to programs with limited budget-funded places is expected to decline. Experts agree that changes are inevitable, but predicting their scale is difficult. In conditions of economic instability, it is important to consider not only the financing of education, but also the adaptation of curricula to the changing requirements of the labor market.

The head of the Center for Continuous Education Economics at the Institute of Applied Economic Research of the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration is responsible for the development and implementation of innovative educational programs. The Center focuses on providing relevant knowledge in economics and promotes the development of professional skills in students. This expert oversees research into current economic trends and their impact on educational processes. This allows the Center to remain at the forefront of continuing education, offering high-quality solutions for training specialists.

There are areas of study and specializations with a small number of state-funded places and high demand for fee-based education. For example, in the "Economics" specialization, state-funded admission accounts for approximately 15% of the total number of places. Changes in this situation will be assessed based on the results of this year's admissions campaign. New state-funded places will likely be added, particularly in the field of information technology. However, the future of the "Economics" and "Management" programs can only be guessed at. There is reason to believe that tuition costs will not increase, as government agencies may take measures to stabilize prices in these fields.

Ilya Prakhov predicts increased interest in IT specialties, emphasizing that applicants will respond to the growing labor market demand for engineers and technical specialists. Career guidance specialist Kirill Kuznetsov also notes changes in his practice, confirming that market trends require the adaptation of educational programs and career guidance. Given these changes, it is important to focus on relevant skills and knowledge that will be in demand in the future.

The Executive Director of the Testing and Development Center "Humanitarian Technologies" is responsible for the strategic leadership and coordination of all processes related to testing and The development of humanities technologies. The director's primary responsibility is to ensure high-quality educational programs and tests, as well as to implement innovative methods that promote the development of the humanities. The executive director also collaborates with educational institutions, research organizations, and businesses to create effective partnerships aimed at improving the education and professional training of specialists in the humanities.

Our center in Moscow has recorded a significant increase in interest in IT specialties. This is due to the fact that IT specialists feel more free and in demand. Many have left abroad, and the state offers a variety of preferences to those who remain. As a result, there is an increase in demand for IT education, while interest in fields related to economics, management, and administration is declining. This trend underscores the importance of adapting to the modern demands of the labor market and choosing a career in information technology.

According to Kuznetsov, new demand trends will not have a significant impact on the admissions campaign at universities this year. Graduates have already decided on their Unified State Exam subjects, which was only possible until February 1. It will be difficult for them to change their chosen path.

Research conducted by specialists at the Higher School of Economics shows that changes in the educational sphere will be uneven. The crisis affects families with different income levels, creating different conditions for those with low and high incomes. There is also a noticeable difference in the impact on regional universities and prestigious metropolitan universities. It is important to take these aspects into account when analyzing the current situation in education and developing strategies for its development.

Senior Researcher at the Center for Skills Development and Vocational Education at the Institute of Education of the Higher School of Economics (HSE) conducts research in the field of vocational training and competency development. The center focuses on innovative teaching methods and evaluating the effectiveness of educational programs. Work at this center is aimed at developing high-quality standards for professional education and adapting educational approaches to the demands of the modern labor market.

The decline in purchasing power negatively impacts the availability of paid higher education, even if tuition remains the same. In popular specialties, over 80% of students study on a fee-paying basis. A deterioration in living standards can also lead to increased educational migration, as moving to another city or region, accompanied by additional living expenses, becomes unaffordable for many families. This underscores the importance of accessible education and the need to support students in times of economic hardship.

Ilya Prakhov believes that universities can draw on the experience of successful selective universities and implement programs to support students experiencing financial difficulties with tuition and living expenses. He also notes the risk of emigration among some applicants, which could negatively impact the country's education system and labor market. Supporting students through scholarships and social programs can be an important step toward retaining young people and improving the quality of education. Selective universities may face a loss of applicants from wealthy families who have the opportunity to study abroad. However, exchange rate fluctuations have made education abroad significantly more expensive, which may be perceived as a financial constraint for many students. In the context of economic instability, when choosing between local and foreign educational institutions, applicants are increasingly paying attention to the availability and quality of education in their countries, which can affect the competitiveness of selective universities.

Reworked text:

Be sure to read more information.

Will secondary vocational education (SVE) become more popular than higher education at universities in the near future? In recent years, there has been a trend of increasing interest in SVE. This is due to changes in the labor market, where employers increasingly value practical skills and work experience. SVE offers shorter and more focused training programs, which allows students to enter the labor market more quickly and obtain in-demand professions.

Furthermore, technological developments and new sectors of the economy require specialists with specific skills that can be obtained through SVE. In the context of rapidly changing professional requirements, the traditional model of higher education may be less attractive to young people seeking quick adaptation and employment.

Tuition costs are also an important factor. SVE programs are generally less expensive than full-fledged university courses, making them more accessible to a wider range of students. This aspect can play a significant role in the choice of educational path among young people.

Thus, it can be assumed that in the coming years, secondary vocational education has every chance of increasing its popularity and becoming a serious alternative to universities, especially in the context of a dynamically changing labor market.

The Head of the Center for Continuous Education in Economics at the Institute of Applied Economic Research at RANEPA is responsible for the development and implementation of educational programs in economics. The Center offers unique courses and trainings aimed at improving qualifications and developing professional skills. Under this specialist's supervision, current economic trends and labor market needs are analyzed, which allows for the creation of relevant and in-demand training programs. It is important to note that the Center for Continuous Education in Economics actively collaborates with various organizations and institutions, which facilitates the exchange of experience and the implementation of best practices in education.

There are areas of training and specialties for which state-funded admission is limited, while the number of fee-paying places is significantly higher. For example, in the "Economics" program, state-funded places account for approximately 15% of the total. Changes in the distribution of state-funded places will become apparent after the results of the current admissions campaign. The number of state-funded places will likely increase, but the specific areas remain unclear. Most likely, additional state-funded places will appear in the field of IT specialties. As for "Economics" and "Management", it is difficult to predict their fate. Tuition fees will likely remain at the same level, and the state will take the necessary measures to ensure this.

The Executive Director of the Testing and Development Center "Humanitarian Technologies" is responsible for the strategic leadership and coordination of all processes related to testing and Development in the humanities. An important task for the director is the development and implementation of innovative assessment and training methods, as well as ensuring high-quality educational services. The center actively collaborates with educational institutions, research organizations, and government agencies to improve testing processes and enhance the quality of humanities education. Under the leadership of the Executive Director, the implementation of projects aimed at developing humanities technologies and introducing new approaches into educational practice is overseen. Our center in Moscow has seen a significant increase in interest in IT specialties. This trend is driven by the fact that IT specialists feel more free and in demand. Many have already left for abroad, and those who remain are promised government preferences. As a result, demand for IT training has increased significantly. At the same time, one can expect a decline in interest in areas related to economics, management and administration.

Senior researcher at the Center for Skills Development and Vocational Education of the Institute of Education of the Higher School of Economics (HSE) is engaged in research and development of methods, Aimed at improving professional skills. His work includes analyzing current educational trends, creating innovative training programs, and participating in educational projects. His expertise in vocational education and skills allows him to make a significant contribution to the development of educational strategies and practices. The decline in purchasing power negatively impacts the accessibility of paid higher education, even if tuition remains unchanged. Currently, over 80% of students study on fee-paying scholarships in popular programs. A deteriorating standard of living can also contribute to educational migration, as moving to another city or region, with its associated costs, becomes unaffordable for many families. Thus, the importance of accessible education and student support are becoming pressing issues for society.

Will enrollment in part-time and distance learning programs increase?

Declining incomes may lead to an increase in the popularity of distance learning, distance learning, and undergraduate and graduate programs that are formally full-time but fully online. These programs allow students to combine study with work, making them more attractive. Furthermore, the cost of paid programs in these formats is typically lower than that of traditional full-time courses. Anna Kazaryan from RANEPA notes that this trend is quite realistic for master's programs.

Head of the Master's Program in National Economy at the Institute of Economics, Mathematics and Information Technology of RANEPA. This master's program is designed to train specialists in the national economy, fostering their analytical and practical skills. The program incorporates modern methods and tools necessary for a successful career in economics. Interest in full-time and part-time programs, including weekend courses, is growing. This is due to the fact that many companies that have left the Russian market have temporarily suspended operations while continuing to pay employees. This free time encourages employees to reflect on their professional development and acquire new knowledge and skills. Thus, part-time and full-time programs are becoming a relevant tool for career growth in the changing labor market.

Rework the text taking into account SEO, maintaining the main topic and avoiding excesses. Rewrite the text to make it more informative and attractive to search engines. Make sure it is easy to read and contains keywords relevant to the topic. Do not add any symbols or emoji, and avoid creating sections or lists. The text should be written as a continuous flow of information.

Will adults invest in retraining?

Anna Kazaryan argues that investing in your own health and education is one of the most profitable investments. Various programs are offered to implement this strategy, including master's degrees and additional professional education courses. These programs allow you to develop skills and knowledge, which in turn contributes to personal and career growth. By investing in education, you create a solid foundation for future success, which makes this strategy especially attractive.

When choosing a master's degree, applicants are increasingly focusing on programs in economics. This trend is understandable in the context of the economic crisis, when the importance of improving the effectiveness of management decisions in both the public and private sectors is becoming a key task. Master's programs in economics offer relevant knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in an unstable economy. The opportunity to invest in oneself and satisfy an interest in additional education is becoming increasingly important for many Russian adults. Elena Semionova, a researcher at RANEPA, points out the lack of objective data to provide a definitive answer to this question. Nevertheless, the need for retraining remains important and is even growing. For people to make informed choices and invest in their education, they need to understand which areas of study are truly promising. This choice largely depends on the country's economic forecasts and the demand for specific skills in the labor market. The expert expresses a pessimistic view of the future of corporate training, suggesting that it will likely decline. This may be due to changing company needs and new approaches to employee training. In a dynamic market and rapidly advancing technology, traditional forms of training may lose their relevance. Companies may seek more effective and flexible solutions to improve the skills of their employees, which will lead to a change in the format and scope of corporate training.

Leading Researcher, Center for Continuous Education Economics, Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA) researches and develops current issues in the economics of lifelong learning. This role includes analyzing trends, developing new educational programs, and optimizing existing teaching methods. Working at the Center allows you to contribute to the creation of an effective educational environment and promote the development of professional skills and competencies in a rapidly changing labor market.

With companies pursuing additional professional training, many have reduced their training spending during the pandemic, driven by the need to optimize budgets. This trend is likely to continue. Companies are prioritizing continuing education programs that meet legal requirements, such as in education and healthcare. As a result, programs aimed at personal development and improving employees' soft skills have been curtailed. However, the development of distance learning formats has helped many companies avoid significant cuts to continuing education and staff development programs during the pandemic. Distance learning is expected to remain a key format even under sanctions.

What will happen to university admissions?

Contents:

What will happen to the tutoring market?

Which specialties will be popular

Will enrollment in part-time and distance learning programs increase?

Will adults invest in retraining?