Russia to Complete Higher Ed Reform in Three Years
Russia plans to complete the transition to a new higher education model within three years, with no mass shift starting September 1, 2026. Students already enrolled or entering now can finish their studies under the old system, and existing 'bachelor' and 'master' diplomas will remain valid.
Consensus
- The full transition to the new higher education model in Russia is planned to be completed within the next three years.
- The mass transition of Russian universities to the new model will not begin on September 1, 2026.
- Students who have already been admitted or are currently enrolling in bachelor's and master's programs will be able to complete their studies under the previous standards.
- Diplomas with the qualifications 'bachelor' and 'master' will remain valid and legally recognized in the future.
- A pilot project for the new system began in 2023 and currently includes 17 universities.
- The new model involves a basic stage (4–6 years) followed by a specialized stage (1–2 years).
- Graduates from the specialized stage, equivalent to a master's degree, have been entering the job market for three years.
Points of divergence
- The transition will begin for certain specialties only in 2027. — vesti
- The new rules will apply to specific broad groups of specialties starting in 2027. — kommersant
- The new rules will apply to certain broad groups of specialties starting in 2026. — tg_rian_ru
Coverage (4 sources)
- Full transition to a new model of higher education is planned to be completed in the coming three years. Mass transition of Russian... — ТАСС (Telegram)
- Dates for transition to a new model of higher education have become known — Вести
- Ministry of Education and Science: transition to a new model of higher education will be completed in three years — Коммерсантъ
- Full transition to a new model of higher education is planned to be completed in the coming three years, reported by RIA Novosti in... — РИА Новости (Telegram)