Kanskaya: Foreign students in Russian universities: there is interest, the task is to meet expectations 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. Kristina Kanskaya, Deputy Head of Regional and Local Policy of the Director of the Russian Youth Union, author of the Telegram channel Kanskaya: In my opinion, the interest of foreign students in higher education in Russia is mainly due to the combination of professional opportunities and accessibility to education. Everyone knows that Russia offers in-demand medical, engineering and IT programs, but in fact the list of in-demand professions is much wider. In addition to the fact that Russia provides high-quality educational programs, for many applicants from the CIS countries our country represents a familiar educational and cultural space, and for students from non-CIS countries, I think, the cost of education and the reputation of a particular university play a more significant role. Therefore, in my opinion, attracting foreign students requires an understanding of the needs of different audiences, and simply attracting a candidate is not enough, it is also important that his expectations are met in the learning process. That is why I associate the achievement of the goal of 500,000 foreign students by 2030 not only with the expansion of registration, but also with the quality of education and the living conditions of the students. For me, the main measure of a successful export of education is that the graduate received a sought-after profession and was ready to recommend the Russian university to others. Exactly this result can ensure a sustainable interest in studying in Russia.

Kanskaya: Foreign students in Russian universities: there is interest, the task is to meet expectations 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. Kristina Kanskaya, Deputy Head of Regional and Local Policy of the Director of the Russian Youth Union, author of the Telegram channel Kanskaya: In my opinion, the interest of foreign students in higher education in Russia is mainly due to the combination of professional opportunities and accessibility to education. Everyone knows that Russia offers in-demand medical, engineering and IT programs, but in fact the list of in-demand professions is much wider. In addition to the fact that Russia provides high-quality educational programs, for many applicants from the CIS countries our country represents a familiar educational and cultural space, and for students from non-CIS countries, I think, the cost of education and the reputation of a particular university play a more significant role. Therefore, in my opinion, attracting foreign students requires an understanding of the needs of different audiences, and simply attracting a candidate is not enough, it is also important that his expectations are met in the learning process. That is why I associate the achievement of the goal of 500,000 foreign students by 2030 not only with the expansion of registration, but also with the quality of education and the living conditions of the students. For me, the main measure of a successful export of education is that the graduate received a sought-after profession and was ready to recommend the Russian university to others. Exactly this result can ensure a sustainable interest in studying in Russia.