Distance Learning as Compared to Full-Time Programs in Higher Education (based on Russia’s official statistics)

Abstract

The indicators of development of distance higher education in Russia since 2000 until now are described as compared to full-time learning programs using the estimates based on the primary data obtained from the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia as well as official statistics. The study involves analysis of the chronological changes in the indicators of enrollment rates, the applicants per place ratio, the distribution of applicants by age characteristics and the level of educational attainment, the number of students and their gender composition, graduation as such and broken by the type of degree (Bachelor’s, Specialist’s, Master’s), the form of ownership of an educational institution (public/private), and the ratio of state- and self-funded places (which takes into account youth demographics, where possible). Data on the proportion of distance learning students in the 2017 enrollment rates is used to identify a series of trends that characterize the development of this form of education in particular federal okrugs and subjects of the Russian Federation.