Changes in education from September 1, 2025: in schools, universities, and colleges

School Schedule
School Workload and Unified Schedule
Changes in Curricula and Their Unification
Tests at School
Homework at School
Teacher Development
Exams for Admission to a University after College
Admission to Universities on a Fee-Based Basis
Career Guidance for Students of Universities and Colleges
What else to expect in colleges (and high schools)

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With the start of the new academic year, we are faced with various changes. In this article, we will briefly consider what innovations await schools, universities, and colleges from September 1, 2025. The main changes concern educational programs, teaching and assessment methods, as well as the introduction of new technologies into the educational process. We will analyze how these changes will impact pupils and students, as well as teaching staff. Details about the upcoming reforms will help you better prepare for the new academic year and make the most of the opportunities they offer.

Academic schedule, academic workload and unified schedule, changes in curricula, tests and homework in schools.
Advanced teacher training.
Exams for admission to a university after college.
Admission to universities for fee-paying places.
Career guidance for students of universities and colleges.

Transition to the 10th grade after the 9th and admission to colleges.

Academic schedule in schools

On September 1, the order of the Ministry of Education of Russia dated October 9, 2024, No. 704 comes into force. This order contains numerous changes to federal educational programs for primary, basic, and secondary general education. These changes are aimed at updating curricula and improving the quality of education, which is important for developing competitive knowledge and skills in students. Changes to the class and leisure schedules in educational institutions allow each school to independently set its own schedule, choosing between a 5- and 6-day school week. It is important to take into account current legislation and health standards. Schools may use various educational organization schemes, such as quarters, trimesters, or individual schedules. According to the new requirements, the academic year for basic general education must be 34 weeks long. It is important to note that the duration of academic periods in the first semester must not exceed 8 weeks, and in the second semester, 11 weeks. This is a change from previous regulations, where the maximum duration of the second semester was 10 weeks. These changes are aimed at streamlining the educational process and providing a more comfortable environment for students.

In emergency situations, including military operations, general education institutions have the right to introduce additional holidays during the school year from September to May. This may result in the academic process shifting to the summer months. This practice was previously in place, but it is now enshrined in law, allowing educational institutions to respond more flexibly to changing circumstances and ensure student safety.

The minimum holiday duration for 10th grade students is at least 126 days, and for 11th grade students, at least 42 days. These periods are necessary to ensure students have adequate rest and recuperation. Proper distribution of study time and holidays helps to improve academic performance and the psycho-emotional state of high school students.

Reading is an important aspect of self-development and acquiring new knowledge. It opens up a wealth of opportunities, allowing us to delve deeper into various topics and broaden our horizons. Regular reading not only improves comprehension and analysis skills but also promotes critical thinking. We recommend setting aside time to read books, articles, and research to stay up-to-date on current trends and news. Investing in reading is investing in your future and personal growth.

An optimal study schedule includes several key aspects, such as the start of lessons, the length of the school week, and the organization of the learning process. It is advisable to start lessons in the morning, when students are most alert and able to concentrate. This promotes better comprehension of the material and increased learning activity.

The length of the school week also plays an important role. A four- or five-day school week allows for a distributed workload while providing sufficient time for rest and recovery. It is important that each school day includes a variety of activities, which helps maintain student attention and interest.

In addition, the length of lessons should be taken into account. The optimal duration for one lesson is between 40 and 60 minutes, which allows for a deeper immersion in the material being studied without feeling tired. It is also important to include breaks to help students regain concentration and energy.

Ultimately, the ideal study schedule should be flexible and adapted to the needs of students, which will ensure the maximum effectiveness of the educational process.

Academic Workload in Schools and a Unified Schedule

Order of the Ministry of Education dated October 9, 2024, No. 704 establishes the maximum permissible academic workload for schoolchildren per week depending on various federal curricula. These plans may provide for either a 5-day or 6-day school week, as well as a different set of compulsory subjects. For example, some programs include not only Russian language classes, but also native language or a second foreign language. Each curriculum contains a detailed schedule of total hours for all subjects, which is aimed at optimizing the academic workload and creating a comfortable learning environment for students.

The Ministry of Education has developed lesson schedule options for grades 1–11 for the 2025/26 academic year. This unified lesson schedule, announced in April, is aimed at reducing the teaching load and evenly distributing the learning process. This new approach to scheduling will allow teachers and students to plan their time more effectively, which will positively impact the quality of instruction and the comprehension of educational material.

Taking into account the various federal curricula and the structure of the 5- or 6-day school week, the following educational program options have been developed. These programs provide a variety of approaches to teaching and allow for the adaptation of the educational process to the needs of students, taking into account modern requirements for the quality of education.

five schedule options for grades 1–4;
six schedule options for grades 5–9;
19 schedule options for grades 10–11.

Methodological recommendations for the application of unified schedule options allow schools to adapt the chosen approach depending on their staffing and material-technical conditions, as well as taking into account the characteristics of the student body. These recommendations also emphasize several key principles. For example, it indicates how to properly distribute the academic workload throughout the week. There are two approaches: the first involves increasing the workload towards the middle of the week, and the second involves having a “lighter” day in the middle of the week. This enables schools to optimally organize the educational process, taking into account the needs of students and the resources of the educational institution.

Changes in Curricula and Their Unification

Order of the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation dated October 9, 2024, No. 704 introduces unified lesson plans for core subjects. This initiative is aimed at ensuring the unity of the educational process in educational institutions. The new plans detail the topics of each lesson in specific subjects for the entire academic year, which will allow teachers to more effectively organize instruction and ensure high-quality education. The implementation of these plans also promotes the harmonization of curricula and the standardization of approaches to teaching, which is important for achieving equal educational outcomes for all students.

For each subject, a list (codifier) of requirements for the results of mastering the educational program, distributed among classes, has been developed. This means that there is a list of content elements that are tested in the OGE and USE. The main goal of this codifier is to more accurately adapt the educational process to state certification requirements, ensuring that educational outcomes meet established standards. The content of the history and social studies curricula has been revised to improve the quality of education. In grades 5–7, the number of hours allocated to history, including the history of one's native land, has been increased. In grades 8–9, the distribution of hours between general history and the history of Russia has been adjusted, allowing for a more in-depth coverage of key topics. Social studies will be introduced starting in grade 8, eliminating its study in grades 6–7. This change was made possible by the redistribution of instructional time, which ultimately increases the hours devoted to history. Initially, it was planned to exclude social studies from the 8th grade, but this decision was abandoned.

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In some schools, physical education classes can become more diverse by introducing sports such as tennis, biathlon, martial arts, golf, and rock climbing. However, the implementation of these initiatives depends on the capabilities of educational institutions and the climatic conditions of the regions. As a result, the mandatory and optional modules of the physical education curriculum are expanding with new sports areas, which contributes to the broader development of physical education among students.

Tests at school

According to the order of the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation dated October 9, 2024, No. 704, test procedures, including assessment activities, should not exceed 10% of the total amount of instructional time allocated for the study of a specific subject during the academic year for a particular class. This innovation is aimed at optimizing the educational process and reducing the workload on students, providing a more balanced approach to knowledge assessment.

The duration of the written test is from one to two lessons, with each lesson not exceeding 45 minutes. This time allows students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the subject. Proper time management ensures that all assignments are completed efficiently and on time.

Practical work, including laboratory, interactive, and other forms, may take one lesson, the duration of which does not exceed 45 minutes. These classes are aimed at in-depth study of the material and the development of students' practical skills.

Homework at School

For elementary school, a limit has been established on the total amount of homework for all subjects, which should not exceed the recommended completion time for each class. This rule is aimed at optimizing the educational process and providing a comfortable environment for children. Given the age characteristics of younger students, it is important that the amount of homework is appropriate for their abilities and does not cause stress. Proper allocation of time for homework contributes to better assimilation of the material and the development of independent work skills.

1 hour - for 1st grade;
1.5 hours - for 2nd and 3rd grades;
2 hours - for 4th grade.

Teachers are advised to assign homework during the current lesson, and if there is an electronic journal, to duplicate it in the system no later than the end of the school day. For assignments that require significant time to prepare, such as reports, essays, presentation design, or memorizing poems, it is important to give students sufficient time to complete them. This will help improve the quality of assignments and allow students to better assimilate the material.

In the future, homework may become mandatory for all classes or be eliminated altogether. State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin recently voiced his opinion on abolishing homework. He attributed this not only to the excessive burden placed on students but also to the fact that, with the development of AI technologies, homework has become a "waste of time." This is because many students now use AI tools, which reduces the level of independent assignment completion. This statement sparked widespread public outcry, and Vyacheslav Volodin announced that the State Duma would begin working on changing approaches to homework in Russian schools. This could mean reconsidering educational methods and finding more effective teaching methods that meet modern requirements and student capabilities.

Teacher Development

Starting September 1, 2025, advanced training for school teachers and retraining of specialists from other professions for teaching in schools will be conducted only by organizations accredited in accordance with the new requirements. This change is aimed at improving the quality of education and standardizing the training of teaching staff. Now only qualified institutions will be able to provide programs that meet modern educational standards, which will ensure a higher level of training for future teachers and specialists.

state and municipal educational organizations and organizations whose founders or one of the founders is the Russian Federation, its constituent entities or municipalities;
state companies or corporations and companies in whose authorized capital there is a share of the Russian Federation, its constituent entity or municipality;
educational organizations that carry out educational activities in the federal territory "Sirius", on the territories of the Skolkovo Innovation Center, in innovative technology centers;
all-Russian sports federations (in terms of additional professional education in the field of sports).

A new restriction was introduced in April. This does not mean that school teachers are deprived of the opportunity to study on courses conducted by other organizations, in addition to the approved ones. Teachers can undergo training, but it will be considered only personal development and will not be recognized as official professional development.

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Myths about the teaching profession that cause dissatisfaction among

There are many misconceptions about the teaching profession that not only distort reality but can also negatively impact the perception of this important profession. One common myth is that teachers only work 18 hours a week. In fact, educators often spend significant time outside of class preparing materials, checking homework, and communicating with parents.

Another myth claims that teaching does not require special skills and qualifications. However, in practice, this profession requires in-depth knowledge of the subject matter, pedagogical skills, and the ability to adapt to a variety of educational situations. Teachers continually improve their professional skills through courses and seminars.

Furthermore, there is a perception that teachers receive high salaries and have numerous benefits. The reality is that many educators face low pay and a lack of resources to fulfill their responsibilities. These myths not only cloud the perception of the profession but also hinder the attraction of new specialists to the field of education. It is important to dispel these misconceptions and create a more objective impression of a teacher's work.

Exams for admission to a university after college

This year, the State Duma passed a law that allows graduates of colleges, technical schools, and other secondary vocational education institutions (SVE) to enter universities without having to take the Unified State Exam. This is possible thanks to internal entrance examinations, which will be conducted only for those programs whose profile corresponds to the specialty or profession obtained in SVE. Each university will independently determine the correspondence of profiles, as well as the form and list of internal examinations. These changes open up new opportunities for applicants and simplify the process of admission to higher education institutions.

The amendments will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will be applied as part of the 2026 admissions campaign. You can find additional information on this issue in our previous article.

Applicants for the class of 2026 planning to enroll in universities with secondary vocational education should closely monitor the websites of their chosen educational institutions for updates. It is important to clarify which higher education and secondary vocational education programs are considered eligible, as well as which Unified State Exam (USE) subjects must be taken for successful admission. Particular attention should be paid to information about programs that are potentially "ineligible" to avoid any unpleasant surprises. All necessary information must be published on the university websites no later than January 20, 2026, so it is recommended to check the information regularly for relevance.

If you are required to take the Unified State Exam (USE) for admission, it is important to register for the required subjects no later than February 1, 2026. In some regions, online registration is available through the websites of regional information processing centers (RIPCs) or other government agencies. For example, Moscow residents can use the mos.ru portal to submit an application. You can also submit your application in person at special registration points at your place of residence. Don't miss the opportunity to register on time to avoid complicating your admission plans.

Admission to universities on a fee-paying basis

On September 1, 2025, a new law will come into force in Russia that will limit fee-based admission to higher education institutions. According to this legislation, by December 1, 2025, the Government will approve the procedure and conditions for determining the list of fields of study and specialties for which the maximum number of places for fee-based admission will be established. This means that universities will be required to adhere to restrictions on the number of students admitted on a fee-paying basis, which will allow the state to control the number of fee-based places and ensure a more equitable education system.

According to statements by representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science, the restrictions will primarily affect in-demand fields of study, such as economics, management, and law. This is due to the fact that the higher education system produces a significant surplus of specialists in these fields. State-funded places in these fields are limited, leading to a high level of fee-paying admissions. These restrictions will apply not only to public but also to private universities, which will impact applicants' choices and the structure of the educational market. The 2025 admissions campaign has undergone changes related to an increase in the number of fee-paying places at universities. Universities are now restricted from increasing the number of fee-paying places at their own discretion during the admissions process, even if they are in high demand. Consequently, in the future, it will be necessary to pre-establish a limit on the number of fee-paying places in certain fields. The full list of such areas will be known only by the end of 2025.

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Reduction in the number of paid places In high-demand programs, this leads to increased competition for these places. This means that higher passing scores will be required for admission to fee-paying programs than before. Competition for fee-paying places will be comparable to competition for state-funded places. Previously, tuition fees acted as a natural filter, allowing everyone with the minimum required scores to be admitted. Now, however, the situation will change, and applicants should prepare for higher admission requirements.

The new law introduces a special educational loan, which will be available exclusively to students enrolled in fee-paying programs and majors that support Russia's technological independence and leadership. The list of such programs will be approved by the government. This mainly concerns engineering specialties, which emphasizes the importance of technical education for the development of the country.

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Also study:

VTsIOM conducted a study that identified four key aspects of student training in universities and colleges for future professional activities. The first observation concerns the lack of practical skills among graduates, which indicates the need to integrate real-world work tasks into the educational process. The second is the low degree of interaction between educational institutions and employers, which makes it difficult to adapt curricula to labor market requirements. The third observation concerns outdated educational methods that do not always correspond to modern trends and technologies. The fourth important observation is related to the insufficient career orientation of students, which emphasizes the importance of career guidance activities and consultations for choosing a future profession. These findings emphasize the need to reform the educational system to improve the quality of specialist training.

Career guidance for students of universities and colleges

The Russian Ministry of Labor has developed a procedure for interaction between employment services and educational institutions as part of a project on career guidance and routing of youth. This was announced by the Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Russian Federation Anton Kotyakov. This project is aimed at improving the career prospects of young specialists and facilitating their integration into the labor market. An important aspect is the creation of a unified system that will help young people choose a career and acquire the necessary skills for successful employment.

University and college students will receive a newsletter inviting them to start their careers and build a portfolio on the "Work in Russia" portal. This portal will provide access to 15 different services aimed at career guidance, employment, and professional development. Career consultants will reportedly provide individual consultations to each student, helping to minimize potential difficulties in the job search and recommend relevant services. Additionally, specialists will identify options for industrial or pre-graduation internships and assist final-year students in finding paid internships. Thus, the initiative is aimed at supporting young people in building successful careers and facilitating the employment process.

What else to expect in colleges (and high schools)

In 2026, ninth-graders in Russia can expect changes to the admissions process to colleges and technical schools. To receive a high school diploma and transfer to secondary vocational education, they will only need to pass two mandatory exams: Russian language and mathematics. Those planning to continue their education in grades 10-11 will need to pass two mandatory subjects, as well as choose two more exams of their own choice. These changes can significantly simplify the admissions process for many students and make it more accessible.

In 2025, an experiment was conducted in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Lipetsk aimed at increasing the accessibility of vocational education and eliminating the shortage of specialists in blue-collar jobs. Students who chose to take only two exams to enter secondary vocational educational institutions were effectively guaranteed admission to a college or technical school in their region. However, there was no guarantee of admission to their preferred institution or chosen specialty, as each of the three cities had its own approaches to addressing these issues.

The results of the experiment in the three cities revealed differences due to the unique conditions under which it was conducted. In Moscow, ninth-graders were offered a wide choice of secondary vocational educational institutions (SVE) and a variety of professions and specialties, including not only blue-collar jobs. As a result, 34.5% of Moscow ninth-graders applied to take both mandatory state exams (OGE), exceeding preliminary estimates. In response to the high interest, local authorities decided to increase the number of state-funded places in colleges and technical schools. Thus, this approach to choosing educational institutions has proven to be highly popular among students.

In St. Petersburg, the opportunity to obtain a certificate and then enroll in college based on two OGE exams is only available for a limited number of professions, primarily related to blue-collar jobs. This alternative path has not been widely adopted by ninth-graders, as only 7.7% of students took advantage of it.

This system is expected to be implemented nationwide. However, it is still unclear whether the process will be similar to the past experiment, when regions were given the opportunity to independently determine the details of implementation, or whether uniform rules will be established for all regions.