Russia developing as international education sector

   

Russia has announced it will double the number of scholarships for foreign students at its universities from 10,000 to 20,000 in a further bid to increase overseas interest in its education system. However, the president of Russia’s Association of Foreign Students, Gabriel Kotchofa, has told The PIE News that the country will never fulfil its potential as a study destination unless it overcomes significant barriers.

“Russia is losing for two reasons,” he said. “There is no information on studying in Russia for people in Africa and elsewhere. But also because the law is not helping foreigners to come – you can’t work and there are other hurdles.”

Russia had seen an increase of international students at its universities from 41,210 in 2000 to 123,500 in 2010/2011 thanks in part to state-funded scholarships, which cover the entirety of students’ tuition fees, and improved compatibility of the education system.