Education in Russia
Education in Russia is provided predomin-
antly by the state and is regulated by the fed-
eral Ministry of Education. Regional authorit-
ies regulate education within their jurisdic-
tions within the prevailing framework of fed-
eral laws. In 2004 state spending for educa-
tion amounted to 3.6% of GDP, or 13% of
consolidated state budget.[1] Private institu-
tions account for 1% of pre-school enroll-
ment,[2] 0.5% of elementary school enroll-
ment[3] and 17% of university-level stu-
dents.[4]
Before 1990 the course of school training
in Soviet Union was 10-years, but at the end
of 1990 the 11-year course has been officially
entered. Education in state-owned secondary
schools is free; first tertiary (university level)
education is free with reservations: a sub-
stantial share of students is enrolled for full
pay. Male and female students have nearly
equal shares in all stages of education,[5] ex-
cept tertiary education where women lead
with 57%.[6]
The literacy rate in Russia, according to
the 2002 census,
is 99.4% (99.7% men,
99.2% women).[7] 16.0% of population over
15 years of age (17.6 million) have tertiary
(undergradute level or higher) education;
47.7% have completed secondary education
(10 or 11 years); 26.5% have completed
middle school (8 or 9 years) and 8.1% have
elementary education. Highest rates of ter-
tiary education, 24.7% are recorded among
women aged 35–39 years (compared to
19.5% for men of the same age bracket).[8]
Pre-school education
According to the 2002 census, 68% of chil-
dren (78% urban and 47% rural) aged 5 are
enrolled in kindergartens.[9] According to
UNESCO data, enrollment in any kind of pre-
school program increased from 67% in 1999
to 84% in 2005.[10]
Kindergartens, unlike schools, are regu-
lated by regional and local authorities. The
federal Ministry of Education regulates only
a brief pre-school preparation program for
the 5–6 year old children. In 2004 the govern-
ment attempted to charge full cost of
kindergartens to the parents; widespread
public opposi