The initiative by Russian humanitarian agency Rossotrudnichestvo is offering a new pathway for African students seeking higher education in Russia.

The preparatory faculties allow aspiring students to study the Russian language and technical subjects for 10 months, preparing them for seamless integration into Russian universities.

“Previously, students would arrive in Russia and spend a year studying the Russian language before starting their chosen specialization,” Alexander Evstigneev, Head of the Russian House in Ethiopia, told panafrican.email. “Now, we bring the preparatory faculty directly to Africa, providing students with a head start and saving them valuable time and money.”

According to Evstigneev, “this technical focus allows universities to assess the applicants’ abilities and offer them scholarships within the Russian government’s program.”

He noted that the initiative has been met with enthusiasm, with Ethiopia’s recent entry into the BRICS group of nations contributing to the growing interest in Russian education.

“There’s also a sense of solidarity, particularly among younger generations, as they see Russia as a strong force against a unipolar world,” Evstigneev stated.