The world internationalization of higher education is gaining momentum against the background of significant demographic changes in economically developed countries (aging of population, low natality) that encourage governments to attract and retain the youth from less developed regions. In these conditions, it is relevant to study migration attitudes of international students — their motives, plans and factors influencing decision to stay in Russia or leave the country after graduation. The purpose of the study is to determine value guidelines and attitudes of foreign students regarding continuation of their education, work and life in Russia and to identify key affecting factors. In 2024, the questionnaire survey of 168 foreign students-participants of the English-speaking Master program “Population and Development” in the Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education “The National Research University the Higher School of Economics” was carried out. The questionnaire based on the Likert Scale and further statistical analysis were applied. Additionally, official statistics data was used (VPO-1 form of the Minobrnauka of Russia). It is demonstrated that expectations of students regarding education in Russia are generally justified. The majority of respondents rates very high quality of education and life in Russia, accessibility of habitation, relatively low cost-of-living. The higher marks received accessibility of medical care and legal protection of students. At the same time, significant portion of students have no confidence in prospects of their employment in Russia. About two thirds of respondents believe that it will be difficult for them to find job after graduation that is conditioned, according their opinion, by not adequately favorable policy, mistrust of employers to foreigners and poor involvement of universities in job placement of graduates. About half of respondents feel themselves uncomfortable in Russia and plan to leave after graduation. About 40% of foreign students would like be admitted to citizenship of Russia. While the same number do not plan it.

sociological research, sociological survey, foreign students, educational migration, migration attitudes, value orientations, sociocultural adaptation.