Russian Ministry of Education and Science Denies Changes to University Admission Rules for Olympiad Winners
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Loading... - Bryce Landry
- 17 Oct 2024
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The Russian Ministry of Education and Science has denied reports about plans to revise the rules governing university admissions for winners of school Olympiads, according to a statement provided to RIA Novosti.
Recent rumors on Telegram channels claimed that the special right for Olympiad winners to enter universities without entrance examinations (BVI) could be restricted to first-level Olympiad winners only, excluding many other winners and prize recipients. The ministry, however, clarified that no such decision has been made.
Expert Discussions, Not Final Decisions
The ministry explained that various proposals regarding admission policies are being discussed within the expert community, but no concrete changes have been approved. Some of these ideas were raised on October 3 during a seminar for university admissions committee secretaries at the Higher School of Economics.
To be classified as a first-level Olympiad, competitions must meet certain requirements:
- Participation from schoolchildren representing at least 30 different regions of Russia.
- 35% of participants must be from non-graduating classes.
- 70% of the tasks at the final stage must be original and complex creative assignments.
Addressing Quotas for Budget Places
While no changes have been confirmed, the ministry acknowledged ongoing efforts to balance the number of Olympiad winners receiving budget-funded places at universities. The ministry previously discussed setting a quota to prevent more than 70% of budget places in any program from being allocated to applicants entering without entrance exams.
Ensuring Fair Treatment for All Applicants
The ministry assured that the legitimate interests of all applicants, including students in grades 8-10 who win the All-Russian Olympiad, will be respected. The goal is to maintain fairness in admissions while preventing any one group from disproportionately occupying budget-funded spots at universities.
This clarification aims to quell speculation and concerns from students and parents while indicating that any future policy changes will undergo further discussion and review within the expert community.
