In 2025, Ukraine’s education system will undergo significant updates affecting students, teachers, and parents. The new school year will retain the distance learning format, introduce changes to school organization, launch additional paid services, and implement a renewed primary education standard. There will also be an increase in teacher bonuses and an extension of the “School Starter Pack” social program.
Read also: “Feeling unsafe” — the state of security in Ukraine according to the results of a June 2025 survey
Distance Learning and Updated Rules
Despite concerns over the cancellation of Ministry of Education and Science Order No. 1112, distance learning will remain in place. The changes are aimed at expanding its possibilities. From now on, distance classes can be opened in any school, with a minimum of five students — the same as in the in-person format. Children who are internally displaced persons will be able to stay enrolled in their schools under distance learning regardless of where they currently live.
School Network Optimization
Starting September 2025, a gradual reduction of schools with fewer than 60 students is planned. Over the next two years, this process could affect around 400 institutions, although a bill has already been registered in parliament that could suspend the optimization.
Pedagogical Support for Children from Temporarily Occupied Territories
The Ministry of Education will maintain individual learning formats, including home schooling, external studies, and pedagogical support. From 2025, pedagogical support will be available to students from temporarily occupied territories who want to obtain a Ukrainian diploma. They will be able to study Ukraine-related subjects individually or online.
Paid Additional Services
From September, schools and kindergartens will officially offer paid additional educational services. These include creative clubs, sports sections, electives, festive events, tutoring, extended-day programs beyond 11 free hours, and preparation for the National Multi-Subject Test (NMT). Kindergartens will also be allowed to offer clubs for children who do not attend the institution as well as round-the-clock care.
National Resistance in Schools
The Ministry of Defense plans to introduce national resistance training for students from the age of 14, replacing the old “Defense of the Fatherland” course. In grades 10–11, “Defense of Ukraine” lessons will have two hours per week. Basic military training in universities is expected to be replaced by the “Fundamentals of National Resistance” course without the assignment of a military specialty.
New Primary Education Standard
The Ministry of Education has presented an updated State Standard for Primary Education with clear competencies, transparent assessment criteria, and consideration of the needs of children with special educational needs. A pilot project for school profiling will be launched in 30 lyceums, and the teacher professional development system will be updated. From September 1, 2025, teacher bonuses will double to 2,600 UAH (2,000 UAH after taxes).
“School Starter Pack”
The program provides a one-time payment of 5,000 UAH for first-graders attending school in person and, in some regions, also for those in blended or distance formats. The funds can be used for school supplies, clothing, and footwear. Applications can be submitted through the Diia app or at Pension Fund service centers. The program runs until November 15, 2025, although some parents have reported difficulties with the application process.
Read also: Life, adaptation and plans to return. How Ukrainians live abroad
