The State Duma will consider a bill on paid education in its first reading

On February 18, the bill (No. 990640-8) introducing tuition fees for children of foreign citizens is expected to be considered in its first reading.

To this end, the bill proposes amendments to Article 78 of the Federal Law “On Education in the Russian Federation,” under which foreign citizens have the right to receive preschool, primary general, basic general, secondary general, and secondary vocational education on a paid basis, funded by individuals and legal entities in accordance with contracts for the provision of paid educational services.

In addition, it is proposed to limit the number of attempts to take the Russian language proficiency test free of charge during the year.

It is proposed to allow no more than three attempts to take the Russian language proficiency test free of charge during the year.

In the opinion of the authors of this initiative, this will reduce the burden on schools, save budget funds, and improve the quality of education. At present, the education of children of foreign citizens is paid for by taxes paid by Russian citizens. Adoption of the bill will make it possible to save budget funds that may be used, among other things, for additional payments to teachers, as well as to create a more comfortable educational environment for all participants in the educational process and help increase interest in learning Russian abroad.
Free education is planned to remain available only to Russian citizens.