University Rector Viktor Martynov proposed introducing long-term internships for students in oil and gas companies

Rector of the Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas (National Research University) Viktor Martynov proposed introducing additional paid internships of up to six months for students majoring in oil and gas. He announced this at the "Three Missions of Russian Education" forum on June 16, 2026.

According to Viktor Martynov, second internships after the fourth year, with specialized work placements and paid accommodation and travel expenses, will allow young professionals to more quickly immerse themselves in the profession and improve the quality of training.

"Many employers are willing to provide work placements for interns; this idea is being discussed in the industry. We are in dialogue with leading industry companies. It is important that the content of the internship be as practical as possible, which requires the active participation of companies and mandatory quotas for work placements for student interns," Viktor Martynov emphasized.

A pilot project to transition higher education from two levels of professional education—bachelor's and master's—to specialist degrees is ongoing in Russia.

"Leading oil and gas universities, together with the Council for Professional Qualifications, which includes leading industry companies, must develop a unified position on the content of specialist degrees," the rector noted.

He also proposed making accreditation of specialized curricula mandatory with the Council for Professional Qualifications of the Oil and Gas Complex to improve the quality of specialist training. "Currently, not all universities undergo professional and public accreditation. We need to make the procedure mandatory, and link admissions targets for oil and gas programs to the number of accredited programs," noted Viktor Martynov.

The rector also called for lifting the restrictions on admission to the Oil and Gas program, including it in the state-supported educational loan program.

"Preferential lending will expand access to specialized education and help reduce the talent shortage in a field that is a priority for Russia's technological leadership," noted Viktor Martynov.

Restrictions on fee-paying places in the Oil and Gas Engineering and Oil and Gas Engineering and Technology programs were introduced in 2025.

According to the rector, the number of fee-paying places in the Oil and Gas Engineering program should be increased; this idea is being discussed within the industry.