The article studies the formation level of scientific research skills of students in higher agricultural education. A review of the literature covering the subject field of the study shows the relevance of involving students in research activities: forming a research agenda, substantiating the methodology and planning methodological tools, constructing a hypothesis, collecting information and formalizing the results of scientific work. In the empirical part of the study, based on a survey of 1098 students studying in the higher education system of the South of Russia, an assessment was made of the formation of research skills of future specialists. Effective tools of the educational process that ensure the development of cognitive motivation were identified: participation in research projects and competitions, preparation of publications, participation in the initiative “Startup as a diploma”. The results of the study can be used to improve the competence profile of graduates of the higher education system of Russia.