Education and Science Minister Valery Falkov spoke in an interview with Kommersant, clarifying that discarding the Bologna system in Russia would not mean abandoning undergraduate and graduate studies. He framed the shift as a move toward a national approach that preserves the core pathways students rely on rather than erasing existing educational routes.
Falkov explained two key factors driving this stance. First, graduates from Russian schools and many citizens abroad show strong affinity for these forms of education. They value the structure and recognition of degree programs that align with their career goals. Second, the practical realities of the labor market in Russia mean that many positions require a master’s level qualification. In other words, a bachelor’s degree alone often does not suffice for progression, and the system must reflect this professional demand.
He also highlighted how the Bologna framework has become familiar to foreign students who come to Russia to study and then return home with credentials that are increasingly recognized in international contexts. This cross-border recognition helps keep Russia’s higher education competitive while still serving national needs.
Falkov stressed that the future lies in a distinctive combination of specialization, undergraduate study, and postgraduate programs. He cautioned against artificially restricting opportunities for advanced learning or creating artificial advantages for any single stage of education. A balanced ecosystem is essential, one that supports both broad foundational training and deep, field-specific expertise.
On May 24, Falkov reiterated that Russia intends to move away from the Bologna system and to build a higher education framework grounded in national priorities. He underscored that the long-term goal is a uniquely Russian educational model tailored to the country’s economic needs and aimed at maximizing opportunities for every student. The emphasis remains on aligning higher education with the interests of the national economy while maintaining high standards and global compatibility.