Do you need a master's degree? What is the difference between a bachelor's degree and a master's degree - how many years to study, how to get a diploma How to enroll in a master's program without entrance examinations

In 2010 academic year All Russian universities should switch to a two-level education system. What is its meaning?

Who came up with the two-tier system?

It is precisely under this scheme - first a bachelor's degree, and then, if desired, either a master's degree or employment - that students in Western universities have been studying for a long time. When it came to the fact that Russia would enter the Bologna process (and this is necessary in order for diplomas from our universities to be recognized throughout the world), they started talking about the need to transfer our educational institutions to two-level education.

State Duma deputies legalized this system at the end of 2007. Every year more and more universities switch to it.

How many years do you have to sit at a desk?

The bachelor's program lasts 4 years. A bachelor's degree is a full-fledged higher education. The diploma of such a graduate will say: “awarded a bachelor’s qualification (degree) in such and such a field.” A master's degree is two more years at the institute. It is intended for those who want to go into science or become a teacher. That is, deepen your knowledge in your field as much as possible.

Nevertheless, some universities will retain the traditional five-year program, or specialty. Specialist diplomas will be issued where there are “specialties that ensure the security of the individual and the state.” These are, for example, military and engineering schools. Medical universities will also retain their special system of training specialists.

By the way, in addition to this situation (11th grade of school - bachelor's degree - master's degree), there are others. For example, a boy or girl can first go to college after the 9th grade, and only then apply to a university. At the same time, you will then have to study for a bachelor’s degree not for four, but only for three years. If at a university a young man continues his studies in the same field as in college.

Will there be enough places in the master's program for everyone?

To enroll in a master's program, you will have to pass exams. It is clear that there will be fewer budget places there than in bachelor’s programs. For example, in one of the largest Russian universities - the Financial Academy under the Government of the Russian Federation (FA under the Government of the Russian Federation), its rector Mikhail Eskindarov said at a recent online conference in KP, this year there are 570 budget places in undergraduate courses (full-time). ) and only 100 - in the master's program.

One way or another, the number of places for master's degrees in all universities will be different. It depends on the quality of training, personnel and material capabilities educational institution.

The most talented young people will be able to study for a master's degree for free.

Those who pass the exams worse, if, of course, there are enough places, will be enrolled in paid training. It is quite possible for those who have studied at a university for 5 years to continue their studies in a master's program. But they will have to pay for this pleasure, since it is believed that for a specialist graduate this is already a second-level higher education.

Is this a normal education?

The two-tier education system has many opponents. Some are sure: bachelors are the same as dropped out students. Representatives of leading universities that have switched to new system preparations without waiting for the law to appear, they do not agree with this. Among the leaders is the Moscow State Technical University them. N.E. Bauman (MSTU named after Bauman), and Russian University Friendship of Peoples (RUDN), and Moscow state institute international relations (MGIMO).

Professor, scientific director of the Faculty of Psychology High school Economics Vladimir Shadrikov in an interview with KP noted that two-level education allows the introduction of more flexible courses. For example, at the HSE Faculty of Psychology, there are three highly specialized master’s programs for one bachelor’s program. Another plus is that the “bachelor’s - master’s” system allows current students to think about a career much earlier.

And without compromising your studies. This is also confirmed by international experience: almost 80 percent of graduates of American universities graduate from their alma mater with a bachelor's degree.

What do employers think?

Many fathers and mothers of current applicants doubt whether they should send their beloved child to a bachelor’s degree. Will a young man with such an education then find a prestigious job? The director of marketing and PR group of HeadHunter companies thinks differently:

For an employer, it is primarily higher education as such that is important. When publishing a vacancy, few people indicate: “Masters required” or “Bachelors required.” At the same time, applicants often avoid the word “bachelor” in resumes and interviews, focusing on higher education.

In these cases, they are guided by the consideration that a bachelor's degree implies an opportunity to obtain a master's degree, which may seem to the future boss to have been missed. Therefore, they try to avoid pressing questions from the HR manager.

Companies value the knowledge and experience of the employee they hire. And sometimes the line “master’s degree” can play a decisive role in choosing one of two applicants.

It is also undeniable that for many professional fields (especially marketing and journalism), two years is more important practical experience than two years spent in lectures. This situation is unlikely to change in the near future. Although for areas of activity where fundamental knowledge is needed - economics, law, pharmaceuticals, psychology - a master's degree should be a priority.

Content

Nowadays, young people have access to two-level higher education. Every student who in the future wants to become an excellent specialist in his chosen profile must clearly understand bachelor's and master's degrees - what they are and how these degrees differ from each other. The difference between them is significant, each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Find out what are the features of these academic degrees.

What is a bachelor's degree

This is the first, basic stage of academic education. The conditions for accessing it are simple. You need to receive a secondary, secondary specialized or vocational education. You can enroll after graduating from the 11th grade of a school, specialized college, technical school, or college. There is a misconception that a bachelor's degree is an incomplete higher education. This is not true. A bachelor's degree is the first full-fledged level of higher education, with which a person has the right to get a job in his specialty.

How long do they study?

Usually, educational process lasts four years, although there are exceptions. A student receives an academic bachelor's degree after passing exams. It is worth noting that there are a number of specialties that, even basic level impossible to master in 4 courses, especially in the medical and technical fields. Training at such faculties is divided into other stages that do not fit into the general concept of the European educational standard.

Bachelor's program

The plan is focused on giving the student practical knowledge in his chosen specialty. Narrowly focused disciplines in educational program Hardly ever. If they are enabled, then with minimum quantity hours, and provide only basic knowledge. The bachelor's degree was initially conceived for the student to choose a narrow specialty and consciously continue studying in it at the master's level. In Russian practice, this stage has become relatively independent.

Bachelor's degrees have recently been divided into two categories based on a number of characteristics and tasks assigned to students, although this innovation is not yet practiced everywhere. Types of the first stage of academic education:

Applied. For students who plan to get a job immediately after graduating from higher education. Practical training is underway. The form of study at the applied bachelor's degree is full-time/full-time only.
Academic. Professional training for bachelors planning to enroll in a master's program in the future. The emphasis is on research work, a lot theoretical courses. You can study both full-time and part-time.

Bachelor's degree in Russia

The program began to be introduced into the practice of our country after the signing of the Bologna Convention. The reform implies the gradual creation of a single educational space of the European standard. Higher education in all countries should be two-stage: bachelor's and master's degrees. Previously, students received a specialist diploma after studying for 5-6 years. Now they are gradually moving away from this practice, but so far the “specialty” level has not been completely abolished, because not all professions can be mastered in 4 years, even at a basic level.

What is a master's degree

This is the second stage of higher education, but to gain access to it you must obtain the first. A person is considered a master after he has completely completed educational process. Bachelors and people who received a specialty before the Bologna system was introduced can enroll in a master's program for free. The course of subjects is selected so that the student is maximally immersed in practical and scientific activities.

The programs are led by teachers of the highest qualifications, doctors of science. From the very first semester, each student is assigned a mentor from among them. Under the guidance of a teacher, a person chooses a direction scientific research and defends his master's thesis. Until the moment a student defends his dissertation, he is a master's student. During the training, he acquires teaching skills and upon completion of the program can work as a teacher.

Why is it needed?

Many people don’t understand why go to lectures for some more time, if after a bachelor’s degree you can immediately get a job. A master's degree is necessary for a person to have the right to occupy leadership positions. To get a job in a number of specialties, you also need to obtain a second level of higher education. In addition, you can complete a master’s program in order to receive an education in a specialty other than your originally chosen one.

What gives

Education is not easy, but it brings many benefits. After graduating from the master's program, you will receive the following opportunities:

You will be able to occupy leadership positions and work in specialties that require both levels of higher education.
Professional growth will be fast even under conditions of high competition.
You will receive a lot of useful and in-depth theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
If you realize that you have chosen your specialization by mistake, then the master's program gives you the right to change it.
The scholarship and other social guarantees (a place in a dormitory, etc.) will be extended for another number of years.
The path to graduate school and teaching will be open to you.

Do I need to go to a master's program after a bachelor's degree?

Each person makes this decision personally. It would be objectively unfair to say that a bachelor’s degree is an inferior education. However, before deciding whether to enroll in a master's program, think about the following opportunities that it provides to a university graduate:

the diploma is recognized internationally;
experience working with foreign teachers;
carrying out developments and research for PhD work;
equivalence of foreign scientific qualification PhD.

How to apply for a master's degree

Receiving the second stage of higher education is possible only after completing a bachelor's degree. It will be necessary to pass an oral comprehensive interdisciplinary examination in the field of study. Its content and procedure are determined by each university, so they differ everywhere. The results are assessed on a 100-point scale in accordance with the requirements of the Bologna system. The training lasts two years. You don’t have to enroll right away; first, you can work in your specialty for several years.

Who can apply

To submit documents you must have a higher professional education. A bachelor's, specialist's, or master's degree is suitable. Additional documents required are an application, an identity card, a medical certificate and several photographs. To enroll on a budget basis, you need to have either a bachelor's degree or a specialty obtained before the Bologna process. Master's education may not be related to the last time chosen direction of fundamental training.

Master's degree in another specialty

In the process of obtaining higher education, you will be able to change its direction. You can take any specialty, but practice shows that it is preferable to choose a related one. However, if you are confident that you have the necessary knowledge to pass entrance exam in a completely different profession, there are no obstacles. A master's degree after a bachelor's degree in another specialty is available in any Russian university and even outside the country.

Paid by employer

Labor legislation lists compensation and guarantees for workers who professional activity combined with training. For example, master's programs in a number of specialties, especially highly scientific ones, are financed by the employer, to whom the funds will be transferred by the state. If admission is the employee’s personal initiative, then he will have to pay for training; the company can only provide leave at its own expense.

If the second scientific level is necessary for an employee to advance his career in a particular organization, he does not have the right to fire him. In this situation, two scenarios are possible:

The employer pays all expenses related to education. This is done if the company is very interested in the employee.
The company provides days of paid leave to attend preparatory courses, lectures, and take exams.

What is the difference between a bachelor and a master?

The difference between these levels of education is not only the number of job opportunities. What is the difference between a bachelor's degree and a master's degree, which is better? A few examples:

Only a bachelor's degree can enroll in a master's program.
Only a student who has an academic master's degree has the right to study in graduate school.
Bachelor's degree lasts four years. In the master's program - two.
The second stage of higher education can be obtained in a specialty other than the one you acquired as a bachelor.
Who is a Bachelor? It is focused on labor activity, practical use acquired knowledge. The master's program prepares students for work in the research field.
The second stage of higher education is not available in all educational institutions.

Can I apply for a master's program at MGIMO?

Any citizen of Russia or a foreign country who has a bachelor's, specialist's or master's degree can enroll in MGIMO's master's program.

Is it necessary to enroll in the MGIMO master's program in the same field of study (specialty) in which you received your previous education diploma?

You can enroll in any master's program in any field of higher education. This is one of the advantages of a master's degree. However, it is important to remember that you, like any master’s degree applicant, will have to pass an entrance test in your specialty, the level of requirements of which corresponds final exam Bachelor's degree in the relevant field of study.

Can I apply for a budget place?

In accordance with Part 3 of Article 5 of the Federal Law of December 29, 2012 No. 273-FZ “On Education in Russian Federation"(hereinafter referred to as the Federal Law) You can apply for places financed from the federal budget (on a competitive basis) if you are a graduate of a bachelor's degree or a certified specialist (i.e., you studied in a specialist program before the implementation of the Federal State educational standards- Federal State Educational Standard). For persons with a master's and/or specialist's diploma, master's studies are possible only on a contractual basis, since, according to Part 8 of Article 69 of the Federal Law, it will be a second higher education.

How does a “specialist” diploma differ from a “certified specialist”?

The distinctive features are the specialty code and the graduate’s qualifications. The diploma of a “certified specialist” in the column “qualification (degree)” contains an entry like “economist”, “economist-manager”, “lawyer”, “political scientist”, “public relations specialist”, etc., and the code The specialty corresponds to the State Educational Standard of Higher Professional Education.

In a “specialist’s” diploma, in the “qualification (degree)” column, as a rule, there is a record of the form “awarded a qualification (degree) specialist in the field of training (specialty)” and a specialty code in accordance with the Federal State Educational Standard for Higher Professional Education. In addition, the year of beginning and ending of training matters. Persons enrolled in specialty programs after January 1, 2011, upon completion of training, receive exclusively a “specialist” diploma.

The compliance of the State Educational Standard for Higher Professional Education and the Federal State Educational Standard for Higher Professional Education can be viewed.

Are there any benefits provided when enrolling in a master's program?

In accordance with Article 71 of the Federal Law, special rights, benefits, and preferential rights during enrollment are provided only for admission to undergraduate and specialty programs. The provision of benefits, special rights, advantages when entering a master's program is not provided for by the Federal Law, admission rules and other documents.

Is it possible to get extra points on admission?

In accordance with the Rules for Admission to MGIMO of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, when entering a master's program, you can receive additional points for having the following: individual achievements:

	Individual achievements	Number of points awarded*
	Having the status of champion and medalist of the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games and Deaflympic Games, world champion, European champion, winner of the world championship, European championship in sports included in the programs of the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games and Deaflympic Games.
	Availability of a gold insignia of the All-Russian Physical Culture and Sports Complex “Ready for Labor and Defense” (GTO) and a standard certificate for it
	Possession of a higher education diploma in a specialized program with honors.
	Possession of a higher education diploma with honors.
	Availability of publications in leading peer-reviewed scientific journals ** .
	Having the status of a winner or prize-winner of the Interuniversity Student Olympiad in Economics “Managing the Market Value of Companies in the Digital Economy”***.

*Individual achievements are calculated by assigning points on a 10-point scale. total amount points awarded for individual achievements cannot exceed 10 points.
** Leading peer-reviewed scientific journals include publications included in the List of Russian peer-reviewed scientific journals, in which the main scientific results dissertations for the academic degrees of Doctor and Candidate of Sciences in the current version at the time of application. The current version can be found on the VAK websitehttps://vak.minobrnauki.gov.ru .
*** Individual achievement is taken into account only for admission to master's programs in the areas of training "Economics" and "Finance and Credit".

Draw your attention to: documents confirming the presence of individual achievements are provided to the admissions committee of the master's program when submitting an application.

What is the cost of studying for a master's degree on a contractual basis?

The cost of tuition depends on the master's program you choose and is finally approved at a meeting of the Academic Council of the University in May of each year. Data on tuition fees for master's students are posted on this page.

Are there any tuition concessions available?

Regarding forms of payment for training and provision of benefits, please contact the Sector for Educational and Contractual Work by phone +7 495 234-84-89.

I am a Russian citizen, but have a bachelor's/master's degree from a foreign university. Can I apply for a master's program at MGIMO?

You can, but on the condition that your diploma is recognized as corresponding to the level of a Russian diploma of this level of training. To do this, you will need to go through the diploma recognition procedure at MGIMO. This requirement applies to all graduates foreign universities, regardless of their nationality. At the same time, the nostrification requirement does not apply to higher education diplomas obtained in states with which the Russian Federation has agreements on the recognition and equivalence of educational documents, as well as issued by universities from the list established by the Order of the Government of the Russian Federation “On approval of the list of foreign educational organizations that issue documents on education and (or) qualifications recognized on the territory of the Russian Federation."

And it is very important before submitting documents to check whether the document on education of a foreign university requires consular legalization or an apostille - information is available on the website https://nic.gov.ru/ru/proc/lega

I am a citizen of a foreign country. Can I apply for a master's program at MGIMO?

All foreign students wishing to study in a master's program must register on the website and submit a package of documents to the master's admissions committee in accordance with the standard procedure. Official documents, including educational documents, issued on the territory of foreign countries must be legalized in the prescribed manner in the country of issue. The accuracy of the translation and the authenticity of the translator's signature must be notarized.

After submitting documents, you must pass entrance tests.

Detailed information on visa support issues can be obtained.

I am a citizen of the Republic of Belarus. Can I apply for admission to places financed by federal budget allocations?

Citizens of the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and the Kyrgyz Republic can enroll in master's programs in places financed by appropriations from the Federal budget of the Russian Federation on the basis of a common competition with citizens of the Russian Federation.

How to apply to the full-time master's program at MGIMO?

To submit documents to the master's program at MGIMO University you must:

Fill out the registration form and master's degree applicant questionnaire in electronic form on the website. For applicants to international master's programs and programs of two or more diplomas registration form available from March 1, 2020, for applicants to other full-time master's programs from May 1, 2020.
Visit the Master's Admissions Committee. The admissions committee for master's programs (full-time programs) will remain open from June 17 to July 20, 2020 in room 112 (first floor of the new building). The list of required documents can be found.

In addition, we draw your attention to the fact that for joint and targeted master's programs, the list of documents and deadlines for accepting documents may be different. Please contact the coordinators of the relevant programs.

How to find out the number of budget and contract places for a specific master's program?

This information is available on and from June 17, 2020 at admissions committee master's degree (room 112, new building, first floor).

How many full-time master's programs can I apply to?

You can apply to a maximum of two full-time master's programs, indicating their priority. If you qualify for both programs, you will be enrolled in the program that you indicated as your first (priority) choice. Subsequent revision of program priorities is not permitted.

What entrance tests are required for full-time master's programs?

For admission to most MGIMO master's programs, there are two entrance tests: in a foreign language and in the specialty (depending on the chosen field of study and the master's program). More detailed information about entrance examinations can be found in the description of master's programs and entrance examination programs.

I chose two master's programs in different areas for admission. Will I be able to take both entrance tests in a foreign language and in my specialty?

Entrance tests in foreign languages for master's programs of all directions will be held at the same time, but in different classrooms. If you are more than 15 minutes late, applicants will not be allowed to take the entrance examination.

Entrance tests for the specialty will be held according to the approved schedule. For a number of programs, tests will take place at the same time, so on the day of the exam you will still need to decide which master's program is more important to you.

What foreign language can I take in the entrance test?

You can take any foreign language from the list of those available for the programs in the areas of “International Relations” and “Foreign Regional Studies”. The remaining programs provide for passing only the main European languages (English, French, German, Spanish and Russian (for citizens of Kazakhstan, South Ossetia, Belarus, Abkhazia, Kyrgyzstan and citizens with the status of compatriots, passing Russian as a foreign language as an entrance language is not allowed) ). Citizens of foreign countries can take Russian as a foreign language. The required level of language proficiency is C1. Please note that some programs have restrictions on the foreign languages they can take. In the master's program, as a rule, you will study exactly the language that you took as an entrance language.

Applicants applying to MGIMO master's programs (except for the program "Training translators for international organizations" in the areas of training "Linguistics" and " Teacher Education"), have the opportunity to count (in terms of MGIMO points) the result of passing international exams in a foreign language as an entrance test to the MGIMO master's program. This option applies to certain types of international exams in English, French and German languages. The table for converting the results of international exams in foreign languages into MGIMO points can be found at this link.

In which master's programs is it possible to study two or more foreign languages?

In master's programs in the areas of training “Foreign Regional Studies”, “Pedagogical Education” and “Linguistics”, the study of two foreign languages is mandatory:

in the master's program in the field of study "Foreign Regional Studies" it is mandatory to study the language of the region of specialization and in English, while proficiency in these two foreign languages must be at least level B2 - C1;
In the master's program in the areas of training "Pedagogical Education" and "Linguistics" it is mandatory to study English as a first language and French or Spanish as a second language. At the same time, fluency in French and Spanish languages- not lower than level B1.

Students enrolled in master's programs in the field of preparation “International Relations” have the opportunity to choose a second foreign language from the list of other foreign languages studied in this course, provided they have proficiency in it at a level not lower than level B2 - C1.

Students in all other master's programs can optionally study any of the foreign languages presented at MGIMO on a contractual basis at the MGIMO Center for the Study of Foreign Languages.

What are the dates? entrance examinations?

Entrance tests in 2020 will be held in two waves.

In the first wave during April-June entrance examinations will be held for applicants entering the international programs: "Governance and Global Affairs"(“Management and global problems»); “International Relations in Eurasia: Politics, Economics, and Ideologies”(“International relations in Eurasia: politics, economics and ideologies”); "WMD Nonproliferation, Nuclear Policy and Global Security"(“Global security, nuclear policy and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction”); "Multilateral Diplomacy"(“Multilateral Diplomacy”) in partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR); "International Politics and Global Politics"(“Global Politics and International Cooperation”); "External Relations of Regions"(“External Relations of the Regions”) in partnership with the University of Cagliari, Italy; "GR and International Lobbying"(“GR and international lobbying”) in partnership with the University of Florence, Italy; "International Political Consulting"(“International Political Consulting”) in partnership with the University of Nicosia, Republic of Cyprus; "Political Consulting and International Relations"(“Political consulting and international relationships") in partnership with the University of Pisa, Italy; "Russian Politics Studies"(“Russian Political Studies”) together with Moscow State University. M.V. Lomonosov; "Post-Soviet Public Policy"(“Public Policy in the Post-Soviet Space”) together with Moscow State University. M.V. Lomonosov; "Oil and Gas Sector Economics and International Energy Policy Issues"(“Economics of the oil and gas industry and problems of energy policy”) in partnership with Bocconi University, Italy; “Russia and China: economic and political trends in Eurasia”; "Corporate Governance and Global Network Diplomacy"(“Corporate governance and global diplomacy”, profile “Management”); "International Management"; "Training of international middle managers"; "International Public and Business Administration" in partnership with the University of Macerata, Italy; "Digital Public Governance" in partnership with the University of Capienza, Italy; "Smart City Management" in partnership with Yonsei University, Republic of Korea.

Second wave of entrance examinations for all other master's programs, will pass in July according to the approved schedule.

Are nonresident master's students provided with dormitories during the period of passing entrance exams?

Yes, there is such an opportunity - on a contractual basis. Please contact the Office of Dormitory Affairs by phone +7 495 229-54-05.

Is hostel accommodation provided for the period of master's studies?

Yes, it is provided, but not guaranteed, due to the significant increase in the number of nonresident students in recent years. You are kindly requested to submit your application for a hostel before leaving Moscow after passing the entrance examinations! Places in the dormitory are allocated in the order in which applications are received from enrolled applicants. Therefore, there is no complete guarantee that you will immediately move into a dormitory by submitting an application upon arrival to study at the end of August.

Today, many graduates of bachelor’s, specialist’s, and master’s degrees who decide to continue their studies at the master’s degree are concerned about one question:

What categories of persons have the right to study in a master's program for free?

Let's consider the situations of admission to a master's program on a budget for bachelors, graduate specialists and masters.

1. Admission to a master's program with a bachelor's degree is considered as receiving the first higher education. At the same time, you have every chance of enrolling in a master's program on a budget-funded form of education on a competitive basis.

2. Admission to a master's program with an old-style "certified specialist" diploma, for those graduates who were still studying at levels, and not at the stages of higher professional education, introduced in 2012, allows enrolling in a master's program on a budget.

3. Admission to a master's program with a new specialist diploma is considered as receiving a second higher education. Therefore, you can only apply for a contract form of training.

4. Admission to a master's program with a master's degree is considered as receiving a second higher education. Master's studies in a new specialty can only be carried out on a paid basis.

Let us recall that the new law “On Education of the Russian Federation”, which came into force on September 1, 2013, describes the full structure Russian education. Let's turn to Russian laws to prove the right of “certified specialists” to study in a “free master’s program.”

Master's programs for certified specialists are free

Proof:
1. New law on education (Article 69, part 8) defines those cases when obtaining a higher education is considered as a second higher education. This norm duplicates article 6, paragraph 5 of the law “On higher and postgraduate vocational education» for master's programs.

2. In the 8th part of Article 69 of Law No. 273-F3, master’s studies at the expense of the budget (master’s programs are free) are considered as a second or subsequent higher education for persons with a master’s or specialist’s diploma.

3. Previously, there was an exception to this rule: Article 4, Part 4 of Federal Law No. 232-FZ of October 24, 2007 (as amended by Federal Law of November 10, 2009 No. 260-FZ). According to this exception: persons with a diploma qualifying as a “certified specialist” could study in a master's program for free. IN in this case obtaining an education is not considered as obtaining a second higher education.

4. In Article 121, paragraph 21 of Federal Law No. 185-FZ, the law of October 24, 2007 No. 232-FZ was declared completely invalid, including Art. 4. Note that the terms, including the names of documents on qualifications and education, were preserved in the new Federal Law No. 273-F3.

5. Let’s consider article 60, part 7, clause 3. A specialist diploma means a document confirming receipt higher education specialty. This means that the concept of a specialist diploma in the Education Law does not include a “certified specialist” diploma.

6. Let us conclude: in Article 69, Article 8, Part, Clause 2 of the Federal Law “On Education in the Russian Federation,” there is no indication of persons who have “certified specialist” diplomas. Therefore, obtaining a master's degree for certified specialists is not considered as a second or subsequent higher education.

So, from September 1, 2013, certified specialists have the right to enroll in a master's program on a budget and study for free.

The entry in the column for “certified specialists” and “specialists” is different

According to the Law of the Russian Federation of August 22, 1996 No. 125-FZ “On Higher and Postgraduate Professional Education,” a “specialist” or “certified specialist” diploma determines the conditions for admission. We remind you that “certified specialists” can study for a master’s degree for free.

1. Thus, a certified specialist in his education documents in a certain column under the name “qualification” has an entry like “Chemist”, “Geographer”, etc.

2. The same persons who have the qualification “specialist” have the entry “Specialist” in the corresponding column.