No distance learning? How will schoolchildren study in Ukraine from 1 September

The new academic year in Ukraine is starting amid ongoing war, but with clear rules. The Ministry of Education has determined how schoolchildren will study from 1 September. Find out what you need to know about studying in the new school year

Legal advice on education and employment abroad for Ukrainians

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With the start of the new school year in Ukraine, a pressing question has arisen: how will children be taught — in person, online, or through a hybrid model? The Ministry of Education and Science has already provided clarification in a statement to Channel 24: the format of education will depend on the level of safety in a particular region and the decisions of local authorities.

What formats of education are possible?

From 1 September, Ukrainian schools can operate in several formats: in person, blended or remote. Moreover, restrictions on the minimum number of students for a remote class have been lifted — now it can be created with as few as five students, as is the case with a regular class.

In addition, distance learning classes can be opened even in schools that mainly operate in person. This will give more flexibility to both administrators and parents.

Individual forms of education are also available: external studies, family education and pedagogical patronage.

The Ministry of Education and Science urges a return to in-person learning where possible, provided that shelters and appropriate safety conditions are available. The final decision on the format is made by the school founders or regional military administrations.

Where is offline learning possible?

Face-to-face learning is possible in educational institutions that have shelters or are located no more than 500 metres from a shelter. A mixed format may also be implemented, for example, alternating offline and online lessons on a weekly or daily basis.

Are changes to the format possible during the year?

Yes. Even in relatively safe regions, the format of education may be changed if the security or epidemiological situation deteriorates. The decision is also made by the founder or regional administration. Therefore, parents and teachers should be prepared for a possible transition to distance learning.

What about education in frontline areas, in the TOT and abroad?

In frontline areas and in the temporarily occupied territories, all forms of education are possible, from face-to-face to pedagogical patronage. However, a return to face-to-face education requires not only the availability of shelter, but also a positive decision by the regional defence council, the pedagogical council and the parents' council.

The Ministry of Education and Science separately emphasises the importance of pedagogical patronage for students in the temporarily occupied territories — this model allows children to study according to an individual schedule under the guidance of an assigned teacher.

How will children study abroad?

Students who are outside Ukraine will be able to choose one of the following options:

▪️ studying at a local school and, at the same time, at a Ukrainian online school;

▪️ attending a Ukrainian Saturday or Sunday school abroad;

▪️ distance learning only according to the Ukrainian curriculum;

▪️ full-time education at a school in the country of residence.

There are also several ways to return to Ukrainian education without overload:

▪️ connecting to a Ukrainian studies module in a distance learning format;

▪️ attending Ukrainian schools on weekends;

▪️ returning to Ukraine and continuing offline education.

Reminder! Ukrainian students can attend the main CES 2026 innovation exhibition free of charge. We have already told you what you need to do.