The scope, structure and purpose of the export of Russian higher education

Universities nowadays experience many challenges. One of the principal challenges is the intensification of competition in the world market of education. This seminar provides an analysis of the current export of Russian education from the viewpoint of two theoretical approaches.

First, the neoliberal approach, in which a university acts as an autonomous unit and attracts foreign students for making profit.

Second, the politico-economic approach, in which states compete with each other on the level of national education systems as well as increase their political influence through education.

By applying statistical data and the results of sociological surveys, Alena demonstrates that currently Russian higher education is exported primarily with a view of increasing the political loyalty of the members of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The other significant goal is making profit – primarily within the field of distance learning at the level of bachelor and specialist programmes.

Nevertheless, as several leading Russian universities show, an active policy of educational promotion can be effective, attracting talented students from both CIS countries and further afield.

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