Three-level system of personnel training in the USSR: fundamental foundations for the educational system of Russia
DOI: 10.23951/2307-6127-2026-1-8-22
The system of higher and secondary specialized education in the USSR was rightfully considered one of the largest and most effective in the world, providing training for highly qualified specialists in various sectors of the economy and science. In 1975, 4.8 million students studied at universities in the Soviet Union, and the annual graduation rate reached 700,000 graduates. The modern Russian educational system is based on the principles of integrating theoretical knowledge and practical skills. However, the introduction of foreign learning models often faces difficulties in adapting to Russian conditions, so the legacy of the Soviet school with a three-level training system is of particular importance. Modernization of the basic principles of the Russian educational system is required, namely the introduction of practiceoriented training programs, the development of applied skills and the creation of a unified educational ecosystem. The study is devoted to an overview of the fundamental elements of the Soviet system of higher and secondary specialized education. A comprehensive analysis of education in the USSR has been carried out, as well as expert analytical reports on the Soviet and Bologna systems. Historical examples, references and facts that had a positive impact on the training of specialists in the country are given. The problems of the modern Russian education system, including the difficulties of adapting foreign educational models, are considered. Special attention is paid to the need to modernize educational principles through the development of applied skills and the creation of a unified ecosystem. The traditional features of the Soviet higher education system are revealed. The special importance of resuming the three-level personnel training system in Russia was emphasized.
Keywords: the three-level training system of the USSR, training of profile personnel, mentoring, Bologna system, Uniform state exam (USE), succession programme, practice-oriented training
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Issue: 1, 2026
Series of issue: Issue 1
Rubric: GENERAL PEDAGOGY, HISTORY OF PEDAGOGY AND EDUCATION
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