Starting from 2013, Russian students will be permitted to study at the most prestigious universities of the world at the expense of the Russian Government, as it is said in the Russian President's decree.

      According to it, about 4,5 billion rubles ($143 586 000) from the federal budget for 2013-2015 will be spent on the new project. At the same time, federal expenditures on one student won't be more than 1,5 million rubles ($47 862), so over 2000 students will gain a possibility to receive a state-paid education for three years.

      According to UNESCO's latest report, about 40 000 Russians studied at the foreign universitieslast year.

      An order of applicants selection for receiving an international education is not decided yet. Only the foreign universities which are included into the Government's approved list will take part in the project. In particular, these are the universities which are currently at the top of QS World University Rankings, The Times and Academic Ranking of World Universities, ARWU.

      All the graduated students will obtain positions at the biggest Russian companies and organizations, including public authorities, local bodies, public health and education organizations. They are also not prohibited to make their further career abroad.