In an attempt for Russian schools to compete with their Western counterparts, the government announced that campuses and student housing will be built at the country’s universities. Currently, only two Russian universities, the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, and the Far Eastern Federal University, have such campuses. In the first phase of the project, five or six Russian universities will vie for RUB 40 billion ($1.3 billion), which will primarily come from undisclosed private sources. Sources cite Moscow State Industrial University, the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, and the Moscow State Technical University of Radio Engineering, Electronics and Automation as possible contenders for the funds. If the program is effective, it will be extended to more than 50 universities. Russia’s Agency for Strategic Initiatives will manage the project. Construction is slated to begin next year.

Source: University World News