Valery Falkov, who heads the Russian Ministry of Education and Science, put forward a plan to replace traditional undergraduate and specialist programs with four to six years of basic higher education. This proposal was shared on the Telegram channel of the Ministry. The idea is to rethink the established ladder of higher education by combining the strengths of不同 degree models into a streamlined core program that offers flexible study formats to accommodate diverse student needs and labor market demands. This marks a shift toward a more integrated approach to learning that aligns with evolving economic conditions and national priorities. [Source: Ministry Telegram report]
During a gathering of the Union of Russian Rectors at Moscow State University named after MV Lomonosov, the minister outlined the move away from a sharp split between undergraduate and specialist degrees. The proposal envisions creating core higher education programs that blend the best elements of both tracks, while allowing for adaptability in scheduling and course delivery. The emphasis is on building a durable, versatile foundation that can be tailored to individual career trajectories and employer requirements. [Source: Ministry Telegram report]
Falkov stressed that education should balance foundational knowledge with practical, applied skills to meet shifting demands in the economy and on the job market. He noted that the plan would be implemented with consideration for the president’s guidance, and could be rolled out in stages to suit the goals and needs of employers. Importantly, the differentiation of educational requirements for specialists with higher education would depend on the intended field of work and professional responsibilities. [Source: Ministry Telegram report]
The minister added that the establishment of core higher education programs would preserve the principle of interdisciplinarity and strengthen hands-on training for future personnel. After completing the first stage of higher education, students would have the option to deepen their study through specialized master’s programs lasting one to two years, residency, internships, assistantships, and graduate studies. This pathway is designed to maintain continuity while expanding opportunities for advanced study and practical experience within the same overall framework. [Source: Ministry Telegram report]
This proposal signals a broader shift in how higher education is structured, positioning core programs as a flexible hub that can accommodate varied academic interests and workforce needs. Advocates argue that a core model could reduce redundancies between degrees, promote smoother transitions between education and work, and provide a clearer route to in-depth specialization for those who choose to pursue it. Critics, meanwhile, question how the new system would ensure consistent quality across institutions and how funding and accreditation would adapt to the revised framework. The discussion continues as policymakers weigh the potential benefits against practical challenges, including curriculum design, faculty training, and student advising. [Source: Ministry Telegram report]
In practical terms, the envisioned core higher education programs would be designed to deliver a balanced mix of theory and practice, with interdisciplinary options woven throughout. Students could move from foundational study to more focused learning in master’s programs, residency experiences, or research-intensive postgraduate paths, depending on their aspirations and the requirements of their future employers. This approach aims to keep graduates adaptable, capable of navigating a dynamic job market while maintaining a solid knowledge base. [Source: Ministry Telegram report]