January 21 — Graduate Student's Day: history, traditions, congratulations

At the end of January, the scientific community around the world will celebrate International Postgraduate Student Day. The holiday is dedicated to future scientists and educators who are currently engaged in fundamental research and are making their first, but already confident steps in science. Izvestia tells us about when the holiday appeared and what traditions are associated with it.

When is International Graduate Student Day in 2026

The International Postgraduate Day is designed to encourage the contribution of young scientists to the development of technology, education and economics, as well as to emphasize the importance of this stage for the career of a future scientist. Every year, the holiday is celebrated on a fixed date — January 21st. It falls in the middle of winter, when the school year is in full swing, and scientific work requires special concentration. In 2026, the celebration falls on a Wednesday.

The history of the international holiday on January 21st

The history of Postgraduate Student's Day goes back to the beginning of the formation of Soviet science. In early 1925, the Council of People's Commissars of the RSFSR issued two historical documents: "Regulations on university researchers" and "Instructions on the procedure for training researchers at research institutes and universities." These papers, issued exactly 100 years ago, for the first time consolidated the system of training scientific and pedagogical personnel in the country, and the students themselves, who decided to continue their studies and devote themselves to scientific activities, began to be called graduate students.

Thus, January 21, 1925, can be considered the official birthday of the graduate school as an institution. The international holiday was established much later, in 2009, on the initiative of UNESCO and a number of other international organizations. Its goal is to create a global platform for the support, professional growth and cooperation of young scientists around the world.

The very word "graduate student" comes from the Latin aspirans, which means "striving for something." In the past, this was the name given to young people entering higher education institutions or applying for a position (rank). In the future, postgraduates began to be called those who study under the program of training scientific and scientific-pedagogical personnel. And postgraduate studies are the final level of higher education, following a master's degree or specialty.

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Who are graduate students and what do they do?

In the modern understanding, graduate students are not just students, but full—fledged researchers and aspiring teachers. Their main task is to conduct independent scientific research under the guidance of an experienced mentor (supervisor) and prepare a PhD thesis.

In addition to scientific work, graduate students master pedagogical skills by conducting seminars and lectures for students, participating in conferences and publishing articles in scientific journals. Unlike ordinary students, graduate students do not have sessions, since during their studies they focus on special disciplines and independent work.

How to enroll in graduate school

The path to graduate school begins with obtaining a master's or specialist's degree. Next, you need to apply to an educational organization and take the entrance exams. Admission to graduate school is often conducted on a competitive basis. In most specialties, the duration of study is three years.

The government pays special attention to attracting talented young people to science. As noted by Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, within the framework of the Decade of Science and Technology, the number of budget places in postgraduate studies has been significantly increased, and special scholarships in the amount of 75 thousand rubles have been established for graduate students working in priority areas of the country.

In addition, personal scholarships are provided for a number of specialists. There are also grants and scholarships for graduate students from scientific foundations. Information about them can be found on the websites of the Russian Ministry of Education and Science, universities and scientific foundations.

According to the HSE Institute for Statistical Research and Economics of Knowledge, the number of graduate students in Russia is steadily growing. Today, their number reaches more than 125 thousand people. The portrait of the graduate student has also changed. In 2015, one third of graduate students were under the age of 25, while in 2024, one in three was over the age of 29.

How to celebrate Graduate Student's Day — traditions of celebration

Postgraduate Student's Day is celebrated in academic circles all over Russia. University rectors and top officials send congratulations to graduate students, emphasizing the importance of their work for technological sovereignty and the future of the country. More and more attention is being paid to the popularization of science on this day. Open lectures for schoolchildren and students are timed to coincide with the holiday in order to inspire them on a research path.

Solemn meetings are held at universities and research institutes, where the leadership congratulates young scientists, presents diplomas and thanks for their successes. The main part of the celebration is youth conferences, seminars, and round tables, where graduate students present their research and share their experiences with scientists from different fields of knowledge.

Informal meetings are also popular — intellectual games, skits, creative evenings and friendly gatherings where graduate students can have a good rest and socialize.

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Congratulations on the International Postgraduate Day on January 21

On Graduate Student's Day, it is customary for future scientists to wish patience and perseverance, success in research and new ideas, career growth, financial well-being and recognition of their work in the scientific community. Below are some examples of how to wish a happy January 21st holiday.

"Congratulations on the International Postgraduate Student's Day to all those who have dedicated themselves to serving science! We wish that every minute you spend brings new knowledge, and perseverance leads to new discoveries and recognition. Let your dissertation become not just a formal work, but a real scientific work that you will be proud of!"

"Graduate students are the hope and future of Russian science! Your energy and a fresh look at familiar things can turn over entire fields of knowledge. On Graduate Student's Day, we would like to wish you an inexhaustible passion, patience in your work and achievement of all your goals. Feel free to implement your wildest projects and remember that today you are creating the future!"

"Dear researchers! On International Postgraduate Day, I would like to wish you that curiosity, the main engine of science, never leaves you. Let difficult tasks be solved easily, the PhD defense will take place on schedule, and the supervisor will be a wise adviser and mentor for you. May your work become a solid foundation for a long and happy career!"

"Future candidates of Sciences, congratulations on the Day of the Graduate Student! Your work, which often remains behind the lines of publications, is a huge contribution to Russian science and the progress of all mankind. Stay as passionate, motivated, and hardworking as you are. We are proud of you and your choice. Happy holidays!"

"Dear graduate students! Please accept my warmest congratulations on your professional holiday! Your path is a path of discovery, full of search, discovery and hard work. We wish you that your scientific work brings not only recognition, but also sincere pleasure. I wish you new ideas, inspiration and bright victories in science and life!"

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the traditions of Russian Student Day.

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