Russia preparing proposals to regulate private universities

Russia’s education watchdog is working with the government and other authorities on legislation concerning private universities, watchdog head Anzor Muzayev told the Federation Council on October 14.

Muzayev said the number of licensed private education organisations rose by 15% between 2021 and 2025, while those with at least one accredited programme increased by 39%. He linked renewed applications to changing demand after autumn 2022.

He said proposals had been submitted to the authorities involved and that several bills would soon be put forward for discussion. The report did not identify bill numbers or introduction dates.

Muzayev separately referred to an independent assessment bill that had already passed its first reading. He hoped it would be adopted before the new year, but did not say the legislative process was complete.

Science and Higher Education Minister Valery Falkov said Russia had 345 private higher education institutions, comprising 245 main institutions and 100 branches. Average entrance exam scores in that sector were seven points below those in state universities this year, he said.

Falkov also said a government roadmap was being prepared and restrictions on paid admissions alone were insufficient. He stressed that some private universities offered high-quality education.

The work comes amid Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko’s criticism of licensing. Her call to pause new licences is a separate proposal rather than an announced outcome of the measures under preparation.