Internationalisation of Russian universities as a way to improve their competitiveness

Abstract

The concept of internationalisation of higher education has only recently drawn attention of researchers. Naturally, there is no clear definition of the term, nor a wide range of frameworks and models. The research field is rapidly developing worldwide and, to a lesser extent, in Russia. Additionally, Russian higher education system has a goal of increasing the number of extra-budgetary sources, international students and academic staff. Thus, there is a need to examine to what extent the internationalisation processes in Russian universities have developed over recent years and identify the activities that should be implemented to allow universities to attain those goals and become more attractive to nationals of foreign countries. Therefore, the goal of the thesis is to provide recommendations to universities in Russia on how to implement internationalisation processes in order to attract foreign students to study. To achieve this goal, the analysis of the internationalisation concept was conducted; the characteristics of Russian higher education systems and obstacles for internationalisation were examined. On the basis of the analysis conducted in the thesis, the state of internationalisation activities in leading Russian universities was evaluated, as well as future plans for its development. Taking theoretical and practical issues into account, following recommendations were proposed. On the national and sector levels there should be more support for universities in internationalisation implementation, training of specialists in university management, and promotion of Russian culture and language internationally. Further, the institutional level of improvements concerns the development of internationalisation plans and management of internationalisation processes, accounting for their obstacles.