Development of the higher education funding system in Russia

This article examines the organizational mechanism for financing the higher education system in Russia with the aim of identifying its key problems. The study involves a structural analysis of statistical data from the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education and a time series analysis, which helps to identify current trends and issues hindering the improvement of the higher education system and the quality of student training. Specifically, the mechanism for forming the state assignment was described, taking into account the interaction between educational institutions, regional authorities, and the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education. Based on international experience, approaches to modernizing the funding scheme are proposed. The analysis of statistical data revealed current trends and systemic problems hindering the development of higher education and the improvement of student training quality. Specifically, the study identified a critically low share of funding from commercial organizations - the primary consumers of highly qualified personnel. The analysis also indicated a shift in the funding structure towards extra-budgetary sources, highlighting the growing role of fee-based education. The results demonstrate that, despite positive dynamics in absolute funding figures, resources need to be allocated more efficiently to address graduate employment and align educational programs with labor market demands. These identified issues delineate key priorities for developing higher education and its financial framework. The solutions proposed in the study, including fostering public-private partnerships and refining the state assignment mechanism, can form a basis for enhancing the financing system of Russian higher education. The authors declare no conflicts of interests.

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