Astrakhan State University (ASU) is the largest, multiprofile educational institution, educational holding, including 3 institutes, 13 faculties, 3 Scientific Research institutes, College of modern business international communications, service and tourism, 55 scientific chairs, a special department in the town of Znamensk and 5 representations (Astrakhan region).

There are many different kinds of educational services in it. They are preparation of specialists in main educational programs of higher education (training of Bachelors of Education, Masters training, preparation of specialists); post-university training (post-graduate and doctorate course); training in programs of supplementary education; preparation and rising qualification of specialists: making consulting educational services.

At present the University trains 12 thousand students, about 250 post-graduate and doctorate students. There are 12 corresponding Members of four Branch and International Academies of Science, 74 Professors, Doctors of Science, 260 Candidates of Science word in the University now.

There is also a scientific library with 500 thousand books and magazines, zoological, paleontological museums, the Center of Russian Languages Studies, the Center of Linguistics, the Center of Pre-University Preparation, Publishing house, Adults Teaching Centre, Job Centre for Graduates, Russian as a Foreign Language Centre.

• Biological Faculty, Astrakhan State University

• Astrakhan State Pedagogical Institute