AI Steps Out of the Shadows in Russian Higher Education

Russian universities are moving from cautious experimentation to official approval of AI tools in academic work, reshaping how students and faculty approach learning, research, and digital literacy

From Ban to Experimentation

For the first time, Russian students have been officially allowed to use AI tools when preparing their theses. The initiative, backed by 11 leading universities—including ITMO, Kazan Federal University, Novosibirsk State Technical University, National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE), and others—was launched as part of a joint project between Yandex and HSE.

More than 500 students have already used AI for tasks such as structuring texts, drafting literature reviews, generating early drafts, styling written work, and visualizing data. Survey results show that 60% used AI primarily for structuring, 51% for literature reviews, 47% for draft generation, 45% for data processing, and 42% for stylistic editing. Importantly, students view AI as a support tool—not a substitute for original academic work.

This project marks a major step in legitimizing AI in higher education. It spans both technical and classical universities, creating a shared framework for digital literacy and positioning AI as a key element of future academic environments.

Expanding AI in the Classroom

The pilot is expected to scale. Educational platforms with integrated AI tools, such as YandexGPT, could become valuable exports for countries modernizing their education systems. Domestically, more universities are expected to follow, adopting similar initiatives and building a unified digital learning ecosystem.

Faculty development will also play a central role. Training programs on AI use and prompt engineering are likely to grow, equipping both professors and administrators with practical experience in applying these tools.

Artificial intelligence is one of the most advanced technologies shaping modern society. Both students and professors are already using it. But to prevent plagiarism, ensure fairness, and maintain rigorous academic standards, we need shared rules. Bans are the simplest option, but not the most effective. Since our graduates will inevitably use AI in their careers, it’s better to teach them responsible use during their studies

Igor Remorenko

Rector of Moscow City University

Some universities have already set precedents. Moscow City University was the first in 2023 to officially allow AI in theses, provided students critically reframe the information. In 2024, HSE adopted YandexGPT, with surveys showing that nearly 60% of ITMO and HSE students now rely on GPT-like tools—while still fact-checking and refining outputs.

Debates Around Academic Integrity

Not all institutions are embracing the change. Kuban State University remains cautious, with faculty expressing concern that overuse of AI could undermine students’ independent analytical skills. Similarly, Northern (Arctic) Federal University capped AI contributions at 40% of a thesis, while administrators stressed that AI can assist with literature reviews or introductions but cannot replace original research.

Bauman Moscow State Technical University and MEPhI (National Research Nuclear University) have taken a more liberal stance, permitting AI use as long as plagiarism is avoided. “We ban plagiarism and cheating, not AI itself,” explained Alexey Egorov, a MEPhI admissions officer.

Toward Standardized Guidelines

The Yandex–HSE project illustrates that, when implemented responsibly, AI strengthens rather than weakens academic standards. In the coming years, more universities are expected to formalize AI use, supported by standardized policies and usage guidelines.

For Russia, this transition aligns with broader goals of digital sovereignty and workforce development. By embedding AI into academic practice, universities are preparing graduates for careers where these tools will be indispensable.