Analysis of historical and modern approaches to teaching neurosurgery by professional communities and public authorities in the United States, the European Union and the Russian Federation makes it possible to develop a modern training program regarding content and duration. High-tech and dynamically developing specialty has acquired several large sub-specializations over the past decades. Each direction requires a long-term training and a special program. Training in neurosurgery in the modern world takes 5—7 years and involves acquisition of clinical and scientific knowledge. Some issues are brought up for discussion by professional community. Solution of these problems will provide an opportunity for international integration of the Russian training program for neurosurgeons. High level of neurosurgery in our country and a single educational space with the European community will allow exchanging students, adopting foreign experience and sharing our own experience.