Russian Ministry of Education Strengthens International Cooperation: Representatives of the Chinese Embassy Visited MSUPE

On May 8, a meeting between representatives of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China and the leadership of Moscow State University of Psychology and Education (MSUPE) took place at the main building of MSUPE on Sretenka, with the active participation of the Russian Ministry of Education.

The event began with an introductory tour of the university. The guests visited the library and the Toy Museum created at the Center for Interdisciplinary Research of Modern Childhood.

Then, the participants officially discussed possible areas of cooperation between Chinese colleagues and MSUPE – particularly in the fields of psychology and education, joint research, and the exchange of best practices.

During the meeting, German Dmitrievich Zubovich, Deputy Director of the Department for the Integration of the National Education System and International Cooperation of the Russian Ministry of Education, noted the significance of the event in the context of developing Russian-Chinese relations:

"Russian President Vladimir Putin signed an order to hold the years of Russian-Chinese cooperation in the field of education in 2026–2027. This decision was made to further develop Russian-Chinese relations and expand bilateral ties in the field of education.

Moscow State University of Psychology and Education is a key participant in the psychological service of the Russian Ministry of Education. As a leader in evidence-based psychological assistance practices, MSUPE plays a significant role in strengthening partnerships in this area".

Arkady Aronovich Margolis, Rector of MSUPE, introduced the guests to the university's history, its scientific traditions, and its current position in the Russian system of psychology, education, and the social sphere. He also emphasized the contribution of the Russian Ministry of Education – the university's founder since 2020 – to MSUPE's development.

Arkady Aronovich drew attention to similar problems in the field of psychological assistance in Russia and China and outlined the potential for collaboration:

"Most of the problems related to psychological assistance in the education system look roughly the same in China and Russia. There are not many highly qualified specialists, and the need for their help significantly exceeds their numbers. The tasks they need to solve require lengthy training.

Our joint work could become an effective solution to this problem. Our university has extensive experience in this area. We are the developers of seven professional standards that form the basis of both personnel training programs and qualification assessment programs.

Specifically, our university is the main developer of the professional standard 'Educational Psychologist.' This is a foundational standard describing the work of school psychologists. All training programs for specialists in this field have been developed on its basis".

Cao Shihai, Minister-Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Russia, confirmed the interest in developing academic mobility and expanding joint educational initiatives:

"According to statistics, the number of students studying in our two countries under academic mobility programs has now reached 100,000 people. There are already more than 70,000 Chinese students studying in Russia.

We will continue to facilitate Chinese students coming to Russia to study at leading universities, including MSUPE. We would also welcome Russian students at universities in China.

In the field of higher education, there are currently 15 associations of specialized universities, including associations of pedagogical universities. These universities are involved in international cooperation – particularly in research and academic mobility. Our countries are conducting more than 130 joint educational projects.

Today, the Rector of MSUPE spoke about many of the university's projects. We would like there to be more such projects between our countries. MSUPE has a serious scientific and practical base. We greatly hope for the development of cooperation with your university".

Following the meeting, both sides expressed strong interest in further cooperation. In the near future, specific proposals will be formulated for the development of joint scientific research, educational programs, and the exchange of best practices between MSUPE and Chinese partners.