In the Middle Ages and early modern times, unbaptized Jews were generally not allowed into Christian schools.
In the most developed countries, these restrictions were gradually lifted, at least officially. Only in Russia, Romania and Hungary (and after World War I, in Poland, as well as later in Hitler's Germany) official restrictions on Jews were maintained.
In 1887 the percentage for Jews to enter gymnasiums and universities was established, and was 10% in
, 5% outside it, and 3% in both capitals.
explained why Jews should be restricted: "Thanks to a
multi-thousand-year-old culture, they are an element stronger mentally and spiritually than the still uncultured ignorant Russian people..."
In a similar way in a conversation with in 1903, the Minister of Internal Affairs of Russia justified the restriction of access to higher education for Jews: "Otherwise we will not be able to provide it to Christians."