Education reform, distance learning, and new subjects: what awaits students in the new academic year

The new academic year in Ukraine in 2025–2026 will bring many changes: remote classes for children abroad and in frontline territories, a Ukrainian studies component in schools outside the country, underground shelters and protected spaces, as well as new subjects and the piloting of specialized senior high schools. Learn more about the updates in this article

Legal assistance on education for Ukrainians in Ukraine and abroad

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On September 1, 2025, Ukrainian schoolchildren will begin a new academic year, which will last until June 30, 2026. In the context of the war, the education system is once again adapting to the challenges of the times: distance learning is being maintained, new subjects are being introduced, senior school reform is being piloted, and the government is investing in safe educational spaces.

RBC-Ukraine has compiled a list of key changes that await students, parents, and teachers.

Forms of education: in-person, distance, or individual

The Law of Ukraine “On Education” allows for the organization of education in several formats:

- in-person (day or evening),

- distance (remote),

- individual (external, family education, pedagogical patronage).

The format will depend on the security situation in the region. The final decision will be made by the military-civilian administrations together with parents. At the same time, families can always opt out of in-person learning and choose distance or individual learning.

It is important to note that the format may change during the year so that children have equal access to education even in difficult conditions.

Distance learning without restrictions

The distance learning system in Ukraine continues to operate. The Ministry of Education and Science has abolished the rule limiting the number of students in distance learning classes. From now on, decisions on class sizes will be made by communities, but a minimum of five children is required to open a class.

Online learning is maintained for three categories of schoolchildren:

- those who are abroad,

- in temporarily occupied territories,

- in frontline regions.

According to the Ministry of Education and Science, in 2024–2025, more than 400,000 children in Ukraine and about 350,000 abroad were studying remotely. The state does not plan to abandon distance learning: it remains an official form of acquiring knowledge.

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Ukrainian schoolchildren abroad: new opportunities

Due to the war, hundreds of thousands of children are studying outside Ukraine. Various options are available to them:

- attending a local school in person,

- combining studying abroad with Ukrainian education remotely or as an external student,

- attending special Ukrainian classes in communities,

- studying entirely remotely at Ukrainian institutions.

In 2025, the Ministry of Education and Science approved changes to the program: now children living abroad will study not only Ukrainian subjects (language, literature, history), but also other disciplines, such as mathematics or English. This will help them prepare for the National Multidisciplinary Test and return to Ukrainian schools.

To avoid double workload, students can choose an individual form of education, and grades from the local school will be transferred to the Ukrainian institution.

Education in the occupied territories

More than 42,000 children in the temporarily occupied territories receive Ukrainian education. Mostly remotely, but due to internet interruptions, pedagogical patronage is increasingly being used.

This format involves individual work with the student and is considered the most effective in dangerous conditions. The Ministry of Education and Science plans to expand this approach.

Safety: underground schools and protective spaces

One of the main challenges is creating safe conditions for face-to-face learning. The government is investing in the modernization of schools:

- over the past two years, UAH 22.9 billion has been allocated,

- more than 170 underground schools are under construction, 33 of which are already complete,

- by the end of 2025, 150 underground educational institutions are planned to be opened.

The cost of shelters is very high: a school for 500–700 students requires about UAH 100 million, and even more in border regions.

In addition, an experiment was launched in 2024 to create protected spaces — specially equipped rooms in schools where students can go during an alarm. They are considered a temporary solution, and by 2027, all institutions must have full-fledged shelters.

High school reform: profiles and new programs

A pilot program for high school reform will start in September 2025. It will first be implemented in 30 lyceums and will be expanded to the entire country in 2027.

After 9th grade, students will be able to choose a direction:

academic lyceum – for in-depth study of subjects,

vocational college – with an emphasis on practical skills.

Schools are also starting to implement a new policy called “Education for Life,” which changes the content of education. In 2025–2026, it will be piloted in grades 5–6.

New subjects

The following will appear in the new school year:

in 8th grade – “Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy” (from 2026 – also in 9th grade);

in grades 10–11 – the updated subject “Defense of Ukraine,” which will include practical skills: first aid, use of drones, countering disinformation.

The division of students into groups by gender will be abolished, and veterans and specialized teachers are planned to be involved in teaching.

Holidays in the 2025–2026 academic year

The academic year will run from September 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. The approximate holiday schedule is as follows:

Autumn – October 27 to November 2, 2025,

Winter – December 27, 2025, to January 11, 2026,

Spring – March 23 to 29, 2026,

Summer – from June 1, 2026.

The exact dates are determined by the schools themselves, taking into account the security situation and the educational process. At the same time, June can be used for consultations, excursions, or individual lessons.

The new school year in Ukraine begins with important changes. The education system continues to adapt to the conditions of war, develops distance learning formats, provides new opportunities for children abroad, and introduces modern subjects.

The main priority remains the safety of schoolchildren and maintaining access to quality education, regardless of where they live.

🎓A new school year is beginning, and we know how important it is to ensure that your children have safe and legal access to education, both in Ukraine and abroad. Our team of lawyers will help you:

- prepare documents for distance learning and external studies,

- organize education for children abroad, including the transfer of results to Ukrainian schools,

- protect children's rights to education in conditions of war, temporary occupation, or frontline regions.

We provide turnkey support throughout the entire process so that parents can focus on their children's education with peace of mind.

Reminder! Starting in 2027, Ukrainian schoolchildren will study under a new reform that includes a number of innovations. Read about the changes the government is preparing for school education in our previous article.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

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