Russia plans to increase the number of scholarships supporting foreign students who study at the country's universities. Russian Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov announced in Kazan that the goal is to exceed 3,000 this year.
Falkov made the announcement during a meeting with education ministers and university officials from foreign countries held as part of the Global Youth Summit. The minister said 2,000 scholarships were awarded last year and that this year's goal is to increase the figure to more than 3,000.
50,000 places for foreign students in Russia
Russian universities allocate 50,000 places for foreign students each year. The meeting in Kazan also provided an opportunity to discuss the need to increase this number.
Falkov said they would respond positively to requests to increase the number of places reserved for foreign students if the need arises.
What the scholarship package includes
The scholarship program for foreign students was launched for the first time last year in addition to the allocated study places. The support offered to successful and well-prepared students covers tuition as well as transportation, insurance, accommodation and stipend payments.
Falkov said this opportunity was an important factor for students wishing to study in Russia.