MOSCOW, January 19. /TASS/. The falling ruble exchange rate has triggered 30-35% hikes in cost of higher education in Russia, and some of the institutes have even switched over to education fees charged in hard currency, First deputy chairman of the Duma Committee on education Vladimir Burmatov confirmed at the State Duma on Monday, citing the results of first inquiries opened after complaints had been lodged.
"Institute administrations are not in the least embarrassed to release official new price lists on their websites, indicating the new prices in hard currency, or currency symbols, which is inadmissible in principle," Burmatov said. He also expressed surprise that the Science and Education Ministry did nothing to improve the situation and even denied the facts.
A maximum high cost of education — 35% up the previous amount, was reported at University of State Management which is subordinate to the Science and Education Ministry. The Moscow Fedorov State University of the Press followed suit, increasing first grade full time education for a bachelor's degree in 2015 by 29% University of People's Friendship has increased the cost of education at a pharmaceutical department of a medical faculty by 28%.
"Inflation rates went up by 11.4% last year, while the cost of education has been three times as much now," Burmatov said. He urged Duma deputies to find out the reason for such escalation of education prices. "We will turn over the data available to FAS (Federal Antimonopoly Service) and the Federal Service for Supervision of Education and Science. As regards the new price lists, where prices are indicated in currency symbols, we will have to open Prosecutor's checks," Burmatov said.