The principle of university autonomy and academic freedom laid down by Wilhelm von Humboldt, one of the founders of modern higher education in Europe, does not just take root in Russian higher education. The state (federal) administration, which we called “institutional execution”, determines the main forms of university activity. Nevertheless, the entry into the Bologna process (USE, GIFO, educational loans, etc.), the successful implementation of the 5-100 and 2030 megaprojects allow us to talk about the sustainable development of higher professional education. The issue of access to quality education and overcoming inequalities is discussed.