Higher Education Level Pilot Rules Approved for 2026/27–2029/30 (Russia, June 2026)
The Russian Government approved rules for continuing the pilot project that changes higher education levels. The rules apply to the 2026/27 through 2029/30 academic years.
Source: Government of the Russian Federation, Decree No. 755
The Russian Government approved rules for continuing the pilot project that changes higher education levels. The rules apply to the 2026/27 through 2029/30 academic years.
What Changed?
The decree set the procedure for implementing the pilot project on higher education levels at participating institutions for four academic years. It established the operating basis for pilot programs using base higher education, specialized higher education, and postgraduate training arrangements within the project.
Old System vs New System
The pilot project had been launched earlier, but a new government act was needed to define how the project would operate for the 2026/27 to 2029/30 academic years.
Participating higher education institutions now have approved rules for operating the pilot during the 2026/27, 2027/28, 2028/29, and 2029/30 academic years.
Who Is Affected?
Student Impact
Students entering pilot institutions may study under the updated higher education level structure rather than the standard bachelor-master route used outside the pilot.
Parent / Family Impact
Families considering pilot universities should review the level, duration, and qualification linked to the chosen program before application.
School / Institution Impact
Participating universities must organize admissions, program documentation, student records, and quality processes according to the approved pilot rules.
Teacher / Staff Impact
Academic staff in participating institutions may need to align program content, assessment, and supervision with the pilot structure.
Key Dates
- 2026-06-19: decree signed and published
- 2026/27 academic year: pilot rules begin to apply
- 2029/30 academic year: last academic year covered by the decree.
What To Do
- Applicants should check whether a chosen university is part of the pilot and whether the selected program uses base higher education
- specialized higher education
- or postgraduate training under the pilot.
What To Watch Next
Further ministry and university-level materials may explain program durations, qualification wording, and recognition details for each pilot institution.
Global Context
The change is relevant for credential comparison because it tests a national higher education level structure that differs from the standard bachelor-master model used in many countries.
Source Record
Source type: regulation
Source name: Government of the Russian Federation, Decree No. 755