[usrnm]

That just isn't true in the context of higher education which is what's discussed here. You can still get free higher education in the best universities in Russia regardless of where you were born and raised in the country. There are a lot of problems in Russia and the system of education in Russia, but extreme elitism and exclusivity are not at the top of the list

[local_issues]

It's true when you want to do something with your shiny new degree, which is part of why so many Russians emigrate, and why the ruling class holds on

[usrnm]

Also not true in tech. Can't really say anything about other professions, but if you can code you won't have any problems finding a job in Russia. Again, regardless of where in the country you were born