Listertov: Russian higher education for foreigners: accessibility, quality, professional prospects Russia is expanding cooperation in the field of higher education with foreign countries. According to the data provided in the APEC report, in the academic year 2025-2026, 422,200 foreign citizens from 182 countries studied at universities in Russia. The goal is 500,000 students by 2030. The educational export becomes a tool for technological partnerships and international influence. Konstantin Listertov, Director of the Center for Socio-Political Projects, Candidate of Political Science: In my opinion, the interest of foreigners to study in Russia is mainly pragmatic. A young man and his family choose an education that will allow them to obtain a sought-after profession at affordable costs. The reputation of universities and scientific schools, the conditions of education and the opportunity to receive government support work in Russia's favor. In this case, the decision is made in favor of a specific university and specialty, so it would be wrong to explain all recruitment abroad with one reason. For students from the CIS countries, the Russian language, family and professional ties and a familiar cultural environment are of additional importance. If a person already speaks the language, it is easier for him to integrate into learning and everyday life. A Russian diploma can be part of various career plans: returning home, working in Russia or participating in projects connecting our countries. Students from non-Commonwealth countries have more varied entry requirements. The content of the program, the language of instruction, the full cost of training and accommodation, and the opportunity to subsequently use the qualification in one's home country are particularly important here. The example of the Krasnoyarsk Medical University is illustrative: among the admitted foreigners, a significant number are Indian citizens, and most of the first-year foreign students in the admissions journey described by the university chose paid programs in the English language.

Listertov: Russian higher education for foreigners: accessibility, quality, professional prospects Russia is expanding cooperation in the field of higher education with foreign countries. According to the data provided in the APEC report, in the academic year 2025-2026, 422,200 foreign citizens from 182 countries studied at universities in Russia. The goal is 500,000 students by 2030. The educational export becomes a tool for technological partnerships and international influence. Konstantin Listertov, Director of the Center for Socio-Political Projects, Candidate of Political Science: In my opinion, the interest of foreigners to study in Russia is mainly pragmatic. A young man and his family choose an education that will allow them to obtain a sought-after profession at affordable costs. The reputation of universities and scientific schools, the conditions of education and the opportunity to receive government support work in Russia's favor. In this case, the decision is made in favor of a specific university and specialty, so it would be wrong to explain all recruitment abroad with one reason. For students from the CIS countries, the Russian language, family and professional ties and a familiar cultural environment are of additional importance. If a person already speaks the language, it is easier for him to integrate into learning and everyday life. A Russian diploma can be part of various career plans: returning home, working in Russia or participating in projects connecting our countries. Students from non-Commonwealth countries have more varied entry requirements. The content of the program, the language of instruction, the full cost of training and accommodation, and the opportunity to subsequently use the qualification in one's home country are particularly important here. The example of the Krasnoyarsk Medical University is illustrative: among the admitted foreigners, a significant number are Indian citizens, and most of the first-year foreign students in the admissions journey described by the university chose paid programs in the English language.