Education Indicators 2024: How Education Is Changing in Russia

The Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge (ISSEK) of the National Research University Higher School of Economics presented the collection "Education Indicators: 2024". This publication presents key statistical indicators of the education system for 2022, based on data from Rosstat, the Ministry of Education and Science, the Federal Treasury, and analytical research by the Institute. This collection provides a comprehensive analysis of the state of education in Russia, making it an important resource for researchers, policymakers, and anyone interested in the development of the country's education system.

The collection contains data on student flows, including statistics on the enrollment of students after ninth grade in technical schools and colleges. It also provides information on the funding of educational institutions and the characteristics of teaching staff in kindergartens, schools, universities, and secondary vocational education institutions. In this article, we will examine key trends in these areas, which will provide a better understanding of current trends in the education system.

The "Education Indicators" collection presents key indicators for two types of secondary vocational education (SVE) programs: the training of skilled workers and employees, and the training of mid-level specialists. This publication, like previous reports, demonstrates a trend toward increasing student enrollment and graduation in the second type of programs. This demonstrates growing interest in obtaining mid-level specialist qualifications, which, in turn, contributes to the development of professional skills and improves the quality of the country's workforce.

In 2022, the number of students enrolled in mid-level specialist training programs in the secondary vocational education system increased by 8% compared to 2021. This year, 942,700 people were enrolled, while in the previous year, 870,900. The number of graduates also increased by 7%, reaching 612,500 compared to 573,800 in 2021. At the same time, the number of students in programs training skilled workers and employees remains significantly lower, although both admission and graduation rates in these programs remain stable.

The majority of applicants to secondary vocational education (SVE) programs are ninth-grade graduates. According to the Education Indicators collection, since 2020, less than 50% of them continue their education in high school. In 2022, this figure was 46%. This means that more than half of ninth-graders leave school after passing the Basic State Exam (BSE). In 2022, 40% of them entered programs training mid-level specialists, 10% chose blue-collar jobs, and 4% entered the labor market directly. Thus, there is a downward trend in the number of students continuing their education in high school, underscoring the importance of SVE programs in the preparation of qualified personnel.

Admission to colleges and technical schools is not limited to recent ninth-graders. A significant proportion of 11th-grade graduates also choose secondary vocational education (SVE) programs. In 2022, 22% of graduates who received secondary general education certificates chose SVE, and the majority of them enrolled in mid-level specialist training programs. This trend highlights the growing interest in practical training and in-demand professions among young people. Not only young people but also more mature candidates enroll in SVE programs for blue-collar workers and employees. They account for 10% of the total number of applicants. For mid-level specialist training programs, this figure is even higher – 21%. This demonstrates the growing interest in acquiring new skills and knowledge among the working population, which contributes to improved qualifications and competitiveness in the labor market. Admission to SVE programs often occurs during the academic year. According to statistics presented in the collection, 14% of students enrolled in skilled trades and office programs and 3% of first-year students in specialist programs are individuals with basic general education who dropped out of secondary general education programs in the reporting year. In absolute terms, the number of applicants is virtually the same—approximately 29,000 for both types of programs. This emphasizes the flexibility of the secondary vocational education system and the opportunity for students to continue their education at a convenient time.

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Admission to secondary vocational education organizations (SPO) subject to availability may continue until November 25. This means that 10th- and 11th-grade students have the opportunity to leave school at the beginning of the new academic year and enroll in a technical school or college, providing a certificate of basic general education. This approach allows students to continue their education and acquire a profession, which is important for their future careers.

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Many young people choose colleges to avoid taking the Unified State Exam. This reason is becoming one of the most common when choosing an educational institution. Students seek to acquire practical skills and knowledge that will help them more quickly adapt to the demands of the labor market. Colleges offer a variety of programs and specialties, allowing young people to receive a relevant education without having to take exams like the Unified State Exam. Such decisions are becoming increasingly popular among applicants seeking alternative paths to a successful career.

The decline in the number of ninth-grade graduates choosing high school may create the impression that the number of potential university applicants is also declining. At first glance, this may indicate a decline in interest in higher education due to the growing popularity of secondary vocational education (SVE). However, in practice, the situation is different. Many graduates who chose SVE still consider continuing their education at universities, indicating continued interest in higher education. Thus, despite changes in educational trajectories, demand for higher education remains high.

The share of high school graduates entering universities immediately after the 11th grade continues to grow. In 2022, 71% of graduates chose higher education, while in 2021 this figure was 68%. From 2015 to 2021, more than 10% of 11th-grade graduates chose employment over further education, but in 2022, this percentage dropped to 6%. These data indicate a growing trend among young people toward higher education, which may indicate the increasing value of a degree in modern society.

What could be the reason for this? It is possible that after ninth grade, schools exclude students they consider unprepared to successfully pass the Unified State Exam and enter universities. Thus, students who move on to high school are predominantly those who are focused on obtaining higher education in the future. This creates a situation where only motivated students remain in classes, which can impact the overall learning environment and academic performance.

The increase in the number of students choosing secondary vocational education (SVE) after ninth grade represents a positive trend. This process is driven by the fact that many of these students would have continued their education in technical schools and colleges after 11th grade anyway. Transitioning to vocational education at an earlier stage allows them to more quickly acquire the necessary skills and qualifications. Thus, accelerating the process of acquiring a profession not only contributes to the development of personal career prospects but also meets the labor market's need for qualified specialists.

College and technical school graduates are actively continuing their education at universities. According to 2022 statistics, 24% of graduates who completed mid-level specialist training programs entered higher education institutions. Among those who completed skilled worker and office worker training programs, this figure is 10%. In 2022, 939,400 students were admitted to bachelor's and specialist's degree programs, according to the Education Indicators information and analytical system. Of these, more than 17% were graduates of secondary vocational education programs. This trend confirms the importance and demand for higher education among young professionals.

In 2022, high school graduates accounted for 48% of the total number of those admitted to bachelor's and specialist's degrees. However, another group of applicants should not be forgotten: graduates of schools and secondary vocational educational institutions (SVE) from previous years. A special collection puts their share at 35%, while according to the Ministry of Education and Science, more than half of them are college and technical school graduates from previous years. The overall share of those entering bachelor's and specialist's programs with a secondary vocational education diploma in 2022 reached 37%. This indicator emphasizes the importance and significance of secondary vocational education as a path to higher education.

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The number of postgraduate students is growing in Russia. This indicates a growing interest in scientific activity and a desire to obtain higher education. The increase in the number of postgraduate students contributes to the development of science and education in the country, as well as to improving the quality of specialist training. Attracting young scientists and researchers to scientific projects plays a key role in the innovative development of Russia. The growth in the number of postgraduate students also reflects the trend towards deeper research in various fields, which in turn has a positive impact on the country's competitiveness on the international stage.

In 2022, 44% of students admitted to secondary vocational and higher education programs were enrolled in fee-paying places. This figure underscores the growing popularity of fee-paying education among applicants. Fee-paying educational programs are becoming increasingly popular, due to increased competition and expanding opportunities for obtaining a quality education.

In 2022, there was a significant increase in the number of students admitted to fee-paying places at higher education institutions. The number of those admitted to state-funded places amounted to 592 thousand, which is 38 thousand more than in 2021 (554 thousand). At the same time, 609.5 thousand students were admitted to fee-paying places, which is also an increase compared to the previous year (574.9 thousand). As a result, the share of fee-paying students at universities reached 50.7%, slightly exceeding the number of students in state-funded places. Despite this, there is a slight decrease in the share of fee-paying students compared to previous years, and the rate of change remains moderate.

In 2019, 55% of students studying for bachelor's, specialist's, and master's degrees chose fee-paying education. The share of all students studying on a fee-paying basis in 2019 was 53.5%. For comparison, in 2015, this figure was higher - 59.4%. By 2022, the percentage of students studying on a fee-paying basis will decrease to 51.4%, which is two percentage points less than in 2019 and eight percentage points less than in 2015. This indicates a downward trend in the proportion of students choosing fee-based education.

In 2022, fee-based admission to mid-level specialist training programs in secondary vocational education amounted to approximately 43%. This figure has increased slightly compared to 2019, when it was 41.8%. The proportion of students studying on a fee-based basis shows more noticeable changes: in 2015, this figure was 29.6%, in 2019 it increased to 35.8%, and in 2022 it exceeded 40%. This growth indicates a growing interest in fee-based educational services in secondary vocational education.

In 2022, only 9.8% of students were admitted to worker and office worker training programs on a fee-based basis. This indicates that the majority of students finance their education from the state budget. Compared to 2019, when fee-based admission was 5.8%, this represents a positive trend. The share of fee-paying students in the total student population is also steadily increasing, although it remains low: in 2016, this figure was 1.6%, and by 2022, it had risen to 6.8%. Interest in fee-paying education is clearly growing, which may indicate changes in the training system and student preferences.

Higher-level programs, such as doctoral and residency programs, often require a fee-paying basis. In 2022, 60% of doctoral students were admitted to fee-paying places. In contrast, in 2021 and 2020, more than 60% of students were admitted to state-funded places. Admission to residency shows more stable trends: over the past few years, more than 40% of students have been studying on a fee-paying basis.

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Children's Education Costs: Key Family Expenses

Children's education is one of the most important family expenses. Parents strive to provide their children with a high-quality education, which often requires significant financial investments. Key education costs include school fees, additional courses, tutors, and study materials.

School fees take up a significant portion of the budget. This applies to both public and private schools, where costs can vary depending on the level of education and services provided. Private educational institutions typically offer a wider range of additional opportunities, which is also reflected in the cost of tuition.

Additional courses and activities are becoming increasingly popular among parents seeking to develop the skills and talents of their children. These could include courses in foreign languages, music, sports, or art. Such activities require additional investment, but they contribute to a child's comprehensive development.

Tutoring services also play a significant role in education costs. Many parents hire specialists to help them master the school curriculum or prepare for exams. This allows children to receive a personalized approach to learning and a deeper understanding of subjects.

Furthermore, significant expenses can be incurred for the purchase of educational materials, such as books, notebooks, stationery, and equipment. Each year, requirements for educational materials become increasingly stringent, further increasing family costs.

Thus, the cost of children's education includes a variety of items, from school fees to additional courses and materials. Budgeting and understanding all potential costs will help parents ensure their children receive a high-quality education and development.

The ratio of graduates with training in various fields of activity remained stable from 2019 to 2022. During this time, previously established trends were observed to consolidate, indicating stable preferences in the education system. Data analysis shows that certain areas of training remain in demand, which may influence students' choice of future profession.

The "Education Indicators" collections separately analyze the training of personnel for the digital economy. The data presented indicate a steady increase in the share of students studying IT professions and specialties in secondary vocational education (SVE). However, the increase is modest. In 2022, students in IT-related programs for blue-collar workers and office workers accounted for 7.5% of the total number of students (compared to 7% in 2021). In mid-level specialist programs, this figure increased to 13%, compared to 12.1% in 2021. This trend indicates an increased interest in IT education, which is an important aspect for the development of the digital economy.

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Private colleges are surrounded by many myths and stereotypes that can mislead potential students. It's important to dispel these myths and consider the facts to make the right choice about your education.

The first myth is that private colleges offer a low-quality education. In fact, many private institutions are highly accredited and offer programs that meet modern standards. They often partner with the industry, ensuring students have up-to-date knowledge and skills.

The second myth concerns the high cost of tuition. While private colleges may have higher tuition, many offer significant financial aid and scholarships, making education more accessible to students from diverse backgrounds.

The third myth claims that private colleges do not provide sufficient career preparation. In reality, many offer internship and practicum programs, which help students gain real-world experience and make valuable contacts in their field.

The fourth myth concerns the lack of diversity among private college students. In reality, private institutions strive to create a diverse and inclusive learning environment, attracting students from diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Finally, the fifth myth is that private college graduates are less likely to find employment. On the contrary, many employers value private college graduates for their specialized knowledge and skills, as well as their ability to think critically and adapt.

Therefore, it is important to consider the facts and dispel the myths about private colleges to make an informed choice that will help you achieve your educational and career goals.

Staff training is an important aspect for all groups of specialties and fields. The effectiveness of this training can be assessed based on data on graduates of secondary vocational education (SVE) and higher education programs. An analysis of graduation statistics shows how successfully educational institutions cope with the task of preparing qualified specialists who meet the current labor market requirements.

From 2019 to 2022, there was a slight decrease in the number of graduates from programs in the field of "Engineering, Technology, and Technical Sciences," which fell from 125,000 to 107,000 people. The main reason for this decrease was a sharp decline in the number of specialists studying in fields related to industrial ecology and biotechnology. While the number of graduates with such degrees in 2019 totaled almost 26,000, in 2020 this number fell to 4,400 and continues to decline. This trend indicates the need to revise educational programs and adapt them to the labor market demands in these key fields.

Other fields have seen growth during this period. In particular, the number of graduates in mechanical engineering and construction increased slightly. This indicates growing interest in these professions and the need for qualified specialists in the labor market.

The social sciences have seen a significant increase in the number of graduates. From 2019 to 2022, their number increased from 19,600 to 32,000. This increase is primarily due to growing interest in service and tourism professions, including such specialties as cooks, pastry chefs, waiters, bartenders, hairdressers, and guides. The number of graduates in these fields has almost doubled, increasing from 13,400 to 26,400. This trend demonstrates the demand for professionals capable of providing a high level of service and meeting the needs of customers in the tourism and service industries.

Secondary vocational education (SVE) programs are seeing an increase in the number of graduates in both engineering and social sciences. These programs are more popular than blue-collar and white-collar training, underscoring their importance for training qualified specialists.

In 2022, 249,000 mid-level specialists graduated in engineering and technical sciences, an increase of 9,000 compared to 2021. The most significant growth was observed in computer science and computing, where the number of graduates increased from 30,000 to 41,000 over three years. This trend underscores the growing demand for qualified personnel in high technology, which is associated with the development of the digital economy and the need for IT specialists.

In the social sciences, the number of graduates increased from 143,500 to 180,000 during this period. The most significant growth is observed in legal specialties, as well as in the fields of economics and management. Law programs cover such areas as law enforcement, judicial administration, and social security law. Economic and management specialties include accounting, finance, banking, merchandising, and commerce. This indicates growing interest in these areas and the need for qualified specialists in the labor market.

In 2019, the number of graduates in the field of law was 48,000, and by 2022, it increased to 71.5 thousand. In the field of economics and management, the number of graduates reached 73,000 in 2022. The increase in the number of graduates in these fields indicates increased interest in legal and economic specialties, which may be due to changes in the labor market and the need for qualified specialists.

The number of engineers graduating from higher education programs in 2019-2022 decreased from 250,000 to 233,000 people. Of all engineering and technology-related programs, only computer science and computing programs showed growth. At the same time, such popular programs as construction engineering and technology, electrical and thermal power engineering, applied geology, mining, oil and gas engineering, and ground transportation engineering and technology saw a decline in the number of graduates. This indicates a need to revise educational programs and attract students to less popular, but important, engineering fields.

According to ISSEK experts, starting in 2021, there has been an increase in the number of students choosing engineering majors and specialties. This suggests the possibility of overcoming the negative trend associated with the decline in graduates in this field. Increased interest in engineering specialties can positively impact the labor market and contribute to the development of technology and innovation.

The social sciences, including higher education programs such as economics and management, law, sociology, service and tourism, as well as popular disciplines such as advertising and public relations, are experiencing a decline in the number of graduates. In 2019, the number of graduates was 396,000, while in 2022, this figure will decrease to 323,000. This downward trend in the number of specialists in these fields may impact the labor market and the need for professional personnel.

The graduation rate of specialists in economics and management decreased by 50,000, and in law, by 21,000. This decline is not due to a decrease in the popularity of these programs, which remain in demand among applicants. The main reason is the closure of many fee-paying programs at private universities in recent years. Thus, despite the decrease in the number of graduates, interest in these specialties remains high.

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Admission to universities: interesting facts about paid education of humanities

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of students, Students studying humanities. However, many of them face the need to pay tuition. This is due to several factors. Firstly, humanities programs often lack sufficient government funding, which leads to higher tuition costs. Secondly, low competition for state-funded places makes fee-based education a more common choice among applicants.

Furthermore, many students choose fee-based programs to receive a higher-quality education and access to additional resources, such as practical training and internships. Thus, the issue of fee-based education for humanities students is becoming an important topic of discussion, especially in the context of changing educational policy and increasing demands on the quality of education.

The data collection shows a trend towards a decline in the number of teachers in general education schools. In 2021, 1 million 83.4 thousand teachers worked in the education system, and in 2022, this number decreased to 1 million 79.6 thousand. As a result, while in 2021 there were on average 19 students per teacher, in 2022 this number increased to 20. This situation is concerning, as the increased workload on teachers may negatively impact the quality of education.

In Russia, women make up 89.1% of teachers, confirming the predominance of women in the teaching profession. The age structure of teachers remains stable, especially in terms of the proportion of young professionals. The growth rate of teachers over 60 is similar to the rate of influx of young teachers, which in recent years has amounted to approximately 14% in each age group. This indicates an aging of the teaching staff in schools, which requires attention to attracting and retaining young personnel in the education system.

Analysis of the distribution of teachers by age group at the beginning of the school year, as a percentage, allows us to assess the age structure of the teaching staff. This is important for understanding the human resource potential of educational institutions and planning professional development. Studying the age distribution of teachers helps identify training and support needs and promotes a positive team atmosphere. Understanding the age distribution can also influence recruitment strategies and the development of existing staff.

Values in columns may not add up to 100% due to rounding. Data is obtained from the Education Indicators statistical digests for the period 2020 to 2024. These sources contain up-to-date information on the state and trends in the education sector, allowing for more accurate analysis and interpretation of statistics.

The education workforce situation remains challenging. There has been a decline in the number of kindergarten staff and teachers in higher education institutions. At the same time, there has been a slight increase in the number of teachers in secondary vocational education institutions. This indicates the need to review personnel policies and attract qualified specialists to the education system.

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Russian universities are experiencing a significant decline in the number of full-time faculty under 30. This is concerning, as young professionals play a vital role in updating the educational process and implementing modern teaching methods. A lack of young professionals can negatively impact the quality of education and the innovative development of universities. This situation requires attention and the search for effective solutions to attract and retain young faculty in the higher education system.

In the coming years, the problem of teacher shortages at all levels of education, starting with primary school, will become pressing, despite the continued growth in student numbers. This will lead to an increase in the average student-teacher ratio, which may negatively impact the quality of the educational process and the individual approach to each student. The situation requires attention and effective solutions to ensure an educational environment capable of meeting the needs of a growing student population.

At the beginning of the 2022/2023 academic year, there were 17 million 745 thousand schoolchildren in Russia, which is 430 thousand more than the previous year. This indicates a continuing growth in the number of students in vocational and higher education. The increase in the number of schoolchildren creates prospects for the further development of the educational system and demand for educational programs in Russia.

The demographic trend associated with the growth in the number of children is already beginning to decline, which is confirmed by statistics on the number of children participating in preschool educational programs.

In 2022, the number of preschool children was 7 million 8 thousand people, which is less than in 2021, when there were 7 million 340 thousand. The decline in the number of children has been observed since 2019. This isn't due to parents sending their children to kindergarten less often—in fact, the preschool enrollment rate continues to rise. The main reason is the declining birth rate, which is leading to a decline in the number of newborns.

In a few years, when today's schoolchildren complete their education, the number of first-graders will decline significantly. This will lead to a decrease in the overall number of students in educational institutions. According to the RANEPA demographic forecast, the peak enrollment is expected in 2026, after which a rapid decline in student numbers will begin. A decline in the number of schoolchildren may affect the educational system, funding, and personnel policy in schools.

Education Indicators 2024: How Education Is Changing in Russia

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