The relevance of the study is due to the fact that life priorities, professional preferences of Russian youth have changed, new values have been formed. However, higher education is rarely conducted in accordance with the values and motivations of students. The aim of our study was to determine the structure and content of the values and motivations of student. The study of value orientations of students was conducted using the "polar" questionnaire, revealing the life, material, moral, aesthetic and professional values of students. B. S. Kruglov's method "Determination of formation of value orientations" was also used in our study. The study revealed the structure and content of values and motives of studentsfuture teachers of one of the major universities. The results of the study are applicable for the pedagogical process of higher education.