Matviyenko calls for pause in issuing university licences

Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko urged the Russian government on October 14 to suspend university licensing while problems in the sector are addressed, criticising standards at some private institutions.

Matviyenko estimated that roughly 350 private universities had emerged in recent years, many of which, in her assessment, merely imitated educational activity. She linked this to simplified licensing procedures and said permissions were effectively being issued on application.

She cited advertisements by intermediaries promising an educational licence within five days even without a curriculum, documentation or premises. This was her account of advertising claims, rather than a verified processing time applicable to every licence.

The speaker also said specialists consulted on the issue could name only 10 of approximately 350 private institutions that met the standards of higher education. The report did not identify those institutions or explain the assessment method.

Matviyenko said the problem had been discussed for three years and called for an end to licensing organisations she described as diploma sellers. Her remarks were a proposal to the government. The report did not announce an adopted suspension of licensing.