The expert assessed the transition to a new structure of higher education in Russia

A pilot project to change the structure of higher education in the Russian Federation was launched in 2023 on the basis of a decree by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The experiment was aimed at forming a new model of specialist training to replace the Bologna system. In an interview with Izvestia on January 29, the founder of the Valeria Alekseeva Chinese Language School, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences Valeria Alekseeva, appreciated the transition to an updated learning structure.

The main objectives of the reform were to strengthen the practical training of students in accordance with the needs of the economy, the development of project activities and the formation of business-oriented thinking, as well as ensuring the technological sovereignty of the country. Alekseeva noted that in the long term, such changes can have a positive impact on the quality of graduate training, but the transition period is inevitably accompanied by difficulties.

"During the introduction of the Bologna Model in the late 2000s, teachers had to simultaneously work with different standards and programs, which dramatically increased the workload and complicated the management of departments. Similar processes are possible now: it will require reworking educational and methodological complexes, adjusting disciplines and quality control of training, which will increase pressure on the teaching staff for several years," the specialist explained.

At the same time, the expert expressed confidence that as the transition is completed, the system will stabilize, and teachers will be able to focus on forming a final graduate model that meets the requirements of a rapidly changing labor market.

Alekseeva stressed that the reform should not affect current students: each student will continue to master the program they originally enrolled in.

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The changes will affect not only the ways of submitting documents, but also the admission rules themselves.

On the same day, Ksenia Goryacheva, first Deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on Science and Higher Education, announced that from September 1, 2026, the bachelor's and master's degree systems would be abolished in Russia, and basic and specialized higher education would be introduced instead. The duration of study will range from four to six years, depending on the specialty, specialized higher education lasting one to three years is essentially an updated master's degree format with professional, managerial and research tracks. The new system will only affect applicants from the 2026/2027 academic year.

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