Russia expands pilot project to move away from Bologna system

The Russian government has expanded its pilot project to abandon the Bologna higher education system, adding 11 more universities and bringing the total number of participating institutions to 17, after Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed a decree.

Starting from September 1, 2026, the participating universities will begin training in more than 100 specialities, ranging from mathematics and mechanics to medicine, pharmacy and information security, Caliber.Az reports, citing the government.

The new higher education model, approved by presidential decree in 2023, includes three levels: basic education (4–6 years), specialised education (master’s and residency programmes lasting 1–3 years), and professional education (postgraduate studies).

Authorities say the move away from the Bologna system is aimed at “protecting national interests” and restructuring education to meet the needs of the economy.

Deputy State Duma Speaker Pyotr Tolstoy described it as a step against “ideological defeat,” while Education Minister Valery Falkov said the system should serve the country’s domestic priorities.

The list of participating universities includes Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Russian University of Transport, and the Saint Petersburg State Marine Technical University, among others.

The experiment began in 2023 at several institutions, including Moscow Aviation Institute, Saint Petersburg Mining University, and Tomsk State University.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov