The article presents the conceptual ideas of implementing mediation in higher education of Spain in comparison with the Russian practices. It describes mediation in education in terms of its development, general and specific models, its resources in the development of professional competence of university staff. Authors discuss didactic potential of mediation in higher education in the two countries. The article considers the empirical data obtained in simultaneously conducted research in Galician and Siberian universities for comparative analysis of the specific features and the methods implemented in Spain and Russia. It reveals the higher education staff awareness, attitudes and readiness to perform mediation techniques and its relevance in their professional activity. The research is sponsored by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (RFFR). No 18-013-00528  «The study of mediation practices in the field of education for harmonization of interethnic relations in a multicultural environment».