A new school year has started in Ukraine: top 10 changes that await teachers, students and pupils

The new 2025-2026 academic year in Ukraine will start with a number of updates in the educational process. Unlike previous years, all changes have been carefully prepared in advance and will not come as a surprise to schools, teachers and parents.

At the same time, the Ministry of Education and Science has prepared a number of innovations, the introduction of which is planned for the new academic year. They will affect both teachers, pupils and parents. Let's consider what to expect and what to prepare for in 2025-2026.

Duration of the school year

The school year 2025/2026 in Ukraine will last from 1 September 2025 to 30 June 2026. The actual dates of the end of classes, last bell and summer holidays are determined by the pedagogical council of each school, so the dates may vary from school to school.

Termination of funding for small schools

From 1 September, small schools with less than 45 children will no longer receive state funding. The main reason is the failure of educational institutions to fulfil their educational objectives.

Additional payments to teachers

From 1 September, the special additional payment to teachers working in difficult conditions will increase from UAH 1000 to UAH 2600. The minimum payment will be 2000 UAH, the amount will be proportionally increased when working above the rate.

Renewal of the content of education

On 1 September 2025, the piloting of the Education for Life policy, which continues the reform of the New Ukrainian School, will begin. The project covers grades 5-6, including science, arts and technology, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary connections and modern educational approaches.

The subject "Defence of Ukraine" for grades 10-11:

• increasing the load to 2 hours per week

• abolition of the gender division

• emphasis on practical skills, medical training and countering misinformation

• involvement of veterans and specialists in teaching

Educator Certification

Effective 1 September 2025, the certification process for educators is being updated:

• minimum load of 0.25 per subject area

• the possibility of retaking the certification and challenging the results

• the certificate is valid for 3 years from 1 January of the year after successful completion

• independent testing and training of experts has been introduced

• participation is voluntary, successful teachers receive 20 per cent additional payment, the certificate is counted as part of attestation and assignment of qualification category

Special attention is paid to the certification of English language teachers, as it is part of Ukraine's European integration programme.

General changes in schools in Ukraine

Form of education and new class rules

On 1 September, a pilot project of high school reform will start in 30 lyceums, which allows high school students to choose the direction of study and study the necessary subjects in depth. In 2026-2027, another 100-150 lyceums will join the experiment, and the full launch of the reform is scheduled for the 2027-2028 school year.

Schools will operate in full-time, full-time, distance or mixed forms, depending on the situation in the locality and the decisions of the civil-military administrations. For all forms of education, uniform requirements for minimum class size have been introduced: a distance class may be opened with at least 5 students. Internally displaced students can continue distance learning in their schools regardless of their current place of residence.

Energy efficiency lessons

From 1 September, pupils in grades 4-11 will be learning about energy conservation as part of the Energy Efficiency Lessons project. The programme is aimed at developing the habit of using resources and electricity sparingly in everyday life. Textbooks are available online and teachers can take free courses to prepare for the lessons.

Free meals

Since September, students in grades 5-11 in the frontline regions have been receiving free meals. In case of violations, parents can contact school authorities, regional military administrations, education departments or the MES.

Textbook testing

From 2024, all state textbooks will be tested in schools, feedback will be collected from teachers and pupils' knowledge will be diagnosed. In 2025, 35 per cent of textbooks will be delivered directly to schools, and electronic delivery notes have been introduced for transparency.

Education for children with special needs

From 1 September 2025, a new Procedure for organising classes for children with special needs is in force. It provides for:

• individualised educational trajectory

• teaching assistant position

• possibility to engage a pupil assistant

Financial literacy for children

From 2025, the course "Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy" will be compulsory for all pupils in grades 8-9 in Ukraine. The programme is aimed at developing practical financial management and entrepreneurial skills in young people. Already 96 teachers have been trained to teach the course, and in the future it is planned to continue improving their qualifications through special educational programmes.

Cancellation of "golden" medals

From 2025 , Ukraine will abolish the practice of awarding graduates with gold and silver medals for academic success. Instead, students with high results will receive a certificate of full general secondary education with honours. The issuance of medals at the expense of the state budget is discontinued, and the relevant provision is no longer in force as of 10 February 2025.

Changes for high school and college students

Mandatory military training

From 1 September 2025, BZIN will start for university and college students. The theoretical course (90 academic hours) will be held in educational institutions, while the practical course (210 hours) will be held in special training centres of the AFU. The refusal of male students recognised fit for service to undergo practical training is grounds for expulsion.

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has adopted a law introducing compulsory military training for students of medical and pharmaceutical institutions of higher education. Law No. 13276 comes into force on 1 January 2026. All students of medical and pharmaceutical specialities who are fit for military service due to their health condition and have passed professional and psychological selection are subject to compulsory training. For students of other specialities, military training remains voluntary.

Increase of scholarships

From 1 September the academic scholarships of the President of Ukraine will be increased:

• students of vocational schools - 6320 UAH

• students of colleges and technical schools - 7600 UAH

• university students - 10 000 UAH

• postgraduate students - 23 700 UAH

The Ministry of Education plans to significantly increase the amount of student scholarships, which today are: uAH 2,100 "ordinary" and almost UAH 3,000 - "increased". He agreed that the current payments are insufficient and the ministry is aware of the need to improve financial support for students.

High school reform

The pilot project of high school reform will start in 30 lyceums and is aimed at profile education. The main goals: to give high school students the opportunity to choose their educational paths and to study subjects in depth according to their interests and future profession.

The main elements of the reform:

• Individualisation of trajectory: after 9th grade, pupils choose an academic lyceum or vocational college, form their own profile and study some subjects at the basic level.

• Competence-based approach: development of critical thinking, adaptability and decision-making skills.

To implement it, a network of academic and vocational lyceums is being created throughout Ukraine. New rules for the formation of the network and classes: the minimum class size is 24 pupils, the maximum - 30; violation of the requirements leads to withdrawal of funding.

Preschool education and new payment rules

On 1 January 2025, a new law on preschool education came into force, which provides for the expansion of garden forms (mobile, family, mini), parent support centres, new requirements for safety and inclusiveness, reduced working hours for teachers and a minimum of 56 days of paid leave. English language becomes compulsory for five-year-olds, free online courses and methodological programmes are available.

Changes in kindergartens

From 1 September 2025, new rules for payment for additional services will come into force in state and communal kindergartens in Ukraine . Parents should prepare for possible expenses.

Paid services include:

• classes on additional programmes that are not part of the main educational plan;

• children staying in duty groups (morning, evening, weekend and holiday) beyond the 11 hours of free time;

• round-the-clock stay;

• classes in circles, sections, studios and other forms of education in excess of the established volume;

• provision of educational materials, methods, technologies and means of education.

Time of free stay
Children can stay in the kindergarten free of charge up to 11 hours per day. Each additional hour is charged in a pre-agreed manner. The maximum stay in a regular day care centre is 12 hours, except in 24-hour facilities.