Integration of Russian Higher Education System in EHEA. Problems and Achievements

• Author: Evgenia Karavaeva, Sergey Zapryagaev
• Pages: 48-59

European Integration - Realities and Perspectives. Proceedings 2015

48

Integration of Russian Higher Education System in EHEA.

Problems and Achievements

Evgenia Karavaeva1, Sergey Zapryagaev2

Abstract: The paper presents an analysis of the implementation of the guidelines of the Bologna process in

the Russian Federation. The estimations that are submitted in relevant national reports, as well as the degree

of achievement of target indicators in the relevant areas of the program of development of education in Russia

are discussed. The article presents the data to trace the dynamics of the participation of Russian universities in

the Bologna process and evaluate the results. For some major areas the key problems are identi fied that are

hindering the implementation of tools of the Bologna process in RF. Outlined the steps for Russian

Federation and European countries to implement of the Bologna Declaration and subsequent communiqués

Keywords: Bologna process; credit transfer system; Diploma Supplement

1. Introduction

The interaction of national higher education systems (HES) and comparable qualifications are

discussed in Europe since the mid 80's. As a result, in 1997 Lisbon Convention was ratified on the

joint recognition of academic qualifications. In 1998 the Sorbonne Declaration was signed on the

establishment of a common higher education system. Finally, in 1999, 29 countries signed Bologna

Declaration for European Higher Education Area (EHEA). Later, the Bologna process has captured a

growing number of countries because the EHEA principles were relevant to t he needs of education in

many countries. Russia joined officially to this process in 2003.

Impetus to the development process of building EHEA were successive meetings of HES ministers

since the Prague Summit in 2001, and later in Berlin 2003, Bergen 2005 London 2007, Leuven 2009,

Budapest/Viena 2010 Bucharest in 2012 and 2015 in Yerevan. But, if in Europe special programs

were developed to promote European higher education in order to increase its attractiveness and

competitiveness in the global space in Russian Federation (RF) the situation was somewhat different.

The RF does not participate in many European programs. Russia is not a member of the European

Economic Community. However, in Russia the gradual adaptation of basic EHEA principles to the

Russian higher education system occurs. Formally, the RF Law “On Education” i n 1992, opened

possibility to implement a two-level training programs and to support the international cooperation.

1 PhD, ACUR, Moscow State University, Russia, Address: Vorobiovy gory, MSU, main building, A-1006, Moscow, Russia,

119991, Tel.: +7 495 939 25 05, Corresponding author: karavaeva@rector.msu.ru.

2 Professor, PhD, Voronezh State University, Russia, Address: Un iversity pl.1, Voronezh, Russia, 394006, Tel.:

+79036529105, E-mail: zsa@main.vsu.ru.