The article presents a comparative analysis of Turkish and Russian higher education sector development, focusing upon private-state partnership in the academic sphere, the role of universities in contemporary life, and their integration into present-day European structures. The author describes prospects, constructive ideas, and six strategies in the Higher Education (HE) development of Turkey, vis-à-vis Russia, which are of interest in the context of current Russian academic system changes according to Bologna reforms and the increase of national competitiveness.