Journey to the Heart of AI: How Yandex Practicum Is Reshaping EdTech in Russia
As demand for AI talent accelerates, Russia’s Yandex Practicum is scaling its programs to train 10,000 professionals and positioning itself as a key player in international online education.
Scaling AI Education for the Real Economy
In 2025, the Russian online AI education market is estimated at 4.85 billion rubles. Against this backdrop, Yandex Practicum’s launch of a dedicated AI learning track is both timely and strategically significant—not only for the platform itself, but for the entire Russian IT sector.
Yandex Practicum plans to train about 10,000 AI specialists by the end of 2027—around a quarter of the total number of AI-trained professionals projected by Yandex. The expansion addresses rising demand for machine learning, data analysis, generative models, and automation experts.
Experts emphasize that AI-focused education is vital to building human capital and enabling technology adoption across the real economy. Russian companies will be better equipped to navigate digital transformation, while graduates will gain globally competitive skills.
Globally, top EdTech platforms such as Coursera, Udacity, and edX are investing in AI learning tracks in partnership with universities. Yandex Practicum follows a similar approach, aiming to establish a strong presence in CIS countries and potentially enter international markets.
From National Curriculum to International Export
Yandex Practicum’s expansion strategy also includes export potential. The platform is already active in Kazakhstan, offering programs in programming and data analytics. As of 2025, it hosts over 150 courses covering more than 50 digital professions.
If Yandex Practicum maintains its quality standards and launches courses abroad—particularly those spanning foundational to advanced machine learning and AI master's programs in collaboration with MEPhI—it could become a serious contender in global EdTech.
Domestically, the platform plans full integration of AI modules across all programs. Currently, AI content appears in 30% of its offerings; by 2026, this figure is expected to reach 100%. This will boost digital literacy for students and help IT professionals upskill in AI tools through continuous education.
Yandex Practicum is moving decisively toward full digital transformation. In 2023, it deployed YandexGPT to support students with theory, coding, and problem-solving. By late 2024, the platform added cybersecurity and foundational AI master’s programs. In early 2025, student numbers surged, and job interview invites for juniors rose by 38%, according to HeadHunter and Yandex Practicum data.
Beyond the Buzz: Quality and Competition
While the AI boom in education is undeniable, it also raises concerns—particularly around quality control. As institutions scale up, preserving the depth and practical value of training programs becomes essential.
As Igor Remorenko, rector of Moscow City University, noted: “AI won’t replace teachers. It will be replaced by a teacher who knows how to use AI.” His institution was the first in Russia to adopt official guidelines for integrating AI into coursework.
Russia’s EdTech sector also faces stiff competition from established global players with massive reach and strong reputations. Still, experts believe Yandex Practicum is well positioned to lead the local market and emerge as a key AI education hub.
Analysts anticipate the platform’s AI programs expanding into the CIS and Eastern Europe, deepening partnerships with universities through master's and professional development programs. Practicum’s 'Grade' service also offers a gateway to bring AI skills into corporate learning environments.
Facts & Figures
• AI is actively used in the education sector across 89 regions in Russia.
• Automated AI systems for national exam (EGE) monitoring are operational in 84 regions.
• 82.4% of educational institutions prefer domestic solutions for speech recognition and synthesis.
• According to a survey by the Higher School of Economics’ online campus, 76% of Russians who use AI support its application in education, while only 10% expressed a negative opinion.
