The government in Russia has announced a bill aiming to make it easier for international graduates from the country's universities to obtain citizenship.

Russia plans to boost the number of African students studying in the country and supported by the Russian federation bursaries by at least 12% per year.

Project 5-100 targets won't be met but Russia has nevertheless seen progress in the internationalisation and development of its higher education sector.

Russia-based edtech startup MAXIMUM Education that assists students with exam preparation has raised $6.8 million in Series B to scale up operations.

Following reports that the Anglo-American School of Moscow was to go without 30 incoming teachers following a visa dispute, Russia’s foreign ministry has granted several of those requested.

Beyond the top tier countries that dominate headlines and enrolment figures, many others are developing infrastructure and reputation for servicing international students whose budget or visa issuance officer can’t accommodate a “heritage” destination. Chris Parr assesses some of the emerging study hotspots.

The Peoples' Friendship University of Russia is working on a collaboration program with African universities, with the backing of the Moscow government.

Russian education agents have voiced concerns over access to US B-category visas, including for group students, while biometric requirements for other destinations are hurting visa issuance for prospective students outside of three major cities.