We cannot stay still

According to experts, today in Russia, almost half of the students pay for their higher education. And not only at student-funded departments of state universities but also at private universities, of which there are about 200 in the country. 

In recent years, it has become clear that private education is becoming synonymous with quality. The average USE scores of "self-funded students" in state universities and those who were enrolled in private universities were almost equal. 

How do private universities train specialists today? Is it possible to enroll in a private university in a budget-funded place? 

Vladimir Zernov, Chairman of the Association of Private Universities of Russia, Rector of RosNOU, answers the questions of "RG" (Rossiyskaya Gazeta daily newspaper). 

Vladimir, what areas of study are at the peak of popularity among applicants of private universities today? 

Vladimir Zernov: It is difficult to distinguish the most popular training directions of this year. High-quality programs in all universities were in demand. Of course, everything related to artificial intelligence, IT, and nanotechnology is in the first place. A very popular direction in private universities is culture and art, - the competition for admission is huge, and the number of students enrolled is more than decent. Paradoxically, private universities have also recruited economists with a vengeance. There is not a single private university where there would be a shortage of budget-funded places, while state universities have announced an additional enrollment. 

The state allocates budget-funded places to some private universities that have confirmed the quality of their education. How many students can they teach at public expense? 

Vladimir Zernov: Private universities received access to the admission control figures only 9 years ago. Even then, the state promised that universities would receive a quota for 8-10% of places from the total enrollment. In reality, this is, alas, at best about 1%. In addition, it is not a fact that places in certain training directions will remain. Last year state gave a place, but this year they may not give it. And what should the university do with the base, with the equipment? It is idle, and private universities pay taxes. In short, we do not have enough state support. Almost all former socialist countries, as well as India, Iran, Turkey, and especially China, have state programs to support private education, where clear and easy-to-understand "rules of the game" are set. Unfortunately, there is no such program in Russia yet. 

All private universities with state accreditation teach students according to federal educational standards. Now the 2+2+2 system is being implemented in universities in which students will be able to choose the direction of professional training not after 4 years of bachelor's degree, but already from the third year. How does this work in private universities? 

Vladimir Zernov: I am very glad that we have finally come to this. Although, frankly speaking, there is nothing supernova here. About 40 years ago, there was something similar at Phys Tech: students received a "base" in the first years, then chose a profile and immediately attached themselves to a department or laboratory, where they practiced and did research. And today it is a trend of the time. Almost all private universities supported this system. The most important reason: students after two years of study can already start earning a living. The second reason is that it will be much easier to transfer from a university to another university. And the third pro is the opportunity to return to the system of basic departments, where leading scientists are preparing a shift for themselves.

Private universities work according to state standards. Do they suit you? Do you want to change something in them? 

Vladimir Zernov: All private universities teach according to the standards. Moreover, we probably perform them more scrupulously than state universities. The reason is clear: in case of an error, we will be asked in full. But I would like to expand the scope. My deepest conviction is that any rigid standard hinders development. We have discovered and are studying nanotechnology. But is this the peak of development? No! There are already femtotechnologies - something that is even less "nano". This is the future, but there are no standards for the study and teaching of femtotechnologies. But we cannot stand still because of this. 

The discussion of the criteria for obtaining indefinite accreditation by universities has begun. What suggestions could you make? 

Vladimir Zernov: There are consensus criteria for world rankings for universities all over the world. Of course, they cannot be absolutely guided by them, but it is necessary to take them as a basis. I would certainly take a student assessment as a basis, and necessarily, the level of the digital infrastructure of the university. Of course, we also need requirements for the teaching staff. But the main criterion, in my opinion, is how effectively scientific skills and knowledge are implemented at the university. 

The source (in Russian): https://rg.ru/2021/09/22/chastnym-vuzam-v-rossii-ne-hvataet-gospodderzhki.html