Technical colleges and universities

The network of technical and vocational schools in the Vologda Oblast offers an opportunity to acquire a secondary education and almost any profession, which might be in demand here. Technical colleges provide training for employment in technical occupations. Technical education requires that students learn concepts, theory and design in addition to practical training. Two-year colleges offer a broad range of programs. For example, there are health programs (nursing, medical and dental assisting, X-ray technology); engineering technology programs (civil, electrical and architectural engineering); building trades programs (masonry, carpentry, home construction, wiring, plumbing); business occupations programs (secretarial, data processing, word processing, computer sciences, management, bookkeeping and accounting); agricultural programs (agricultural business, economics, sciences, technologies) and automotive technologies.

Vologda Pedagogical College


Vologda State University


Vologda State University


Cherepovets State University


Vologda Institute of Law and Economics




To obtain a degree, students are required to successfully complete courses not only within their speciality but also courses in general education such as Russian, mathematics, sciences and history. Most technical and vocational schools admit applicants who have a desire to take the vocational course, aptitude for the skills required (this is tested by exams) and a high school diploma (or secondary school certificate). Some technical and vocational colleges admit applicants taking into account secondary school grades.
Higher or postsecondary education builds on 11 years of education at the primary and secondary level. After completion of high school at about age 17, students may enter a college or university to work toward a degree, or they may enter two-year colleges or technical schools for other training.
New market conditions urge crucial changes in training and retraining of employees. Taking this into consideration a multilevel diversified training system has been established.
Most reputable vocational schools are the Vologda agricultural college, Veliky Ustyug agricultural technical college, Vologda medical college, Cherepovets medical college and Vologda rail technical school.
Higher education is provided by public and non-public (non-state) accredited higher educational institutions. The system of higher and secondary education in Russia is going through a transitional period. The main objectives of the reforms are: to decentralize the higher education system, to develop a new financial mechanism, to give more academic freedom to faculties and students. All secondary schools, institutes and universities until recently have been funded by the state. Now some universities have fee-paying departments. There are 32 state educational establishments, 5 state-run higher educational institutions, 2 affiliates with the state universities and 2 non-state educational establishments in the Oblast with about 43,300 students being educated there.
State higher education institutions:
• Vologda State University
• Vologda State Milk Academy
• Vologda Institute of Law and Economics
• Cherepovets State University
• Military University of Radio Electronics of the Order of Zhukov
Selecting an institution is a challenging task. Although so much variety can be bewildering, it has a positive side as well. With so many institutions to choose from, it is almost always possible to find one or more institutions that meet your academic needs and offer an environment in which you will be comfortable. Universities admit applicants who have a high school diploma and ask that an applicant take examinations. Very often universities and institutes may request a personal interview.
Admission to institutes and universities is very competitive. High level of competition for a limited number of spaces does not decrease the number of students willing to get a university degree.
University students have the opportunity to get involved in many social and extra-curricular activities throughout the academic year. Most of these initiatives are based on student interest and specific request. Following upon this various clubs are formed, e.g. movie club, special interest clubs. In other cases, students participate in numerous activities organized by their department or by their faculty. Most educational establishments provide a wide range of sports facilities either free or for a very low price. Students can choose from aerobics, basketball, weight lifting, volleyball and cross country skiing, to name a few.
Most students use university libraries which provide them with periodicals, maps, reading rooms and a collection of scientific literature. New materials are constantly acquired, particularly within the disciplines of academic departments and programmes. Technical and vocational schools, universities usually provide housing for students of another city.
The student council is the primary student government body. Members are elected at the beginning of each academic year and represent the student body on numerous university committees.
At the graduate level, students may enter into post-graduate courses to upgrade their professional skills. They lead after a minimum of three years to a candidate degree. After earning a doctorate, some students pursue further research under a postdoctoral fellowship. Continuing education has become increasingly important in Russian education in recent years.