Published on: 2026-08-12
Source: Government of the Russian Federation –
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The admission campaign at pedagogical universities under the Ministry of Education shows growing interest in the teaching profession. More than 714.5 thousand applications have already been submitted for pedagogical training programs. This figure exceeds the data for the same period last year (529.5 thousand) by 185 thousand. Interim results were presented by Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko and Minister of Education Sergey Kravtsov.
“Applications to pedagogical universities in 2026 have already increased by 185 thousand, or 35%, compared to the same period last year. Applicants choosing pedagogy are betting on a reliable future. Recently, at a meeting with schoolchildren in Novosibirsk, our President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin noted that the choice of profession is a choice of destiny. Today, to improve the working conditions of teachers within the framework of the national project ‘Youth and Children,’ infrastructure is being updated, the ‘Zemsky Teacher’ program is operating, and educational forums and events are being held. Those entering pedagogical fields are expected not only to have a promising career but also an opportunity to make a significant contribution to the development of the younger generation and the entire country,” said Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko.
A total of 133 applicants were admitted to pedagogical universities under bachelor’s and specialist degree programs without entrance exams—they became winners and prize-winners of olympiads that allow admission without competition. Another 11 people enrolled using the right to credit 100 points on the Unified State Exam in the relevant subject thanks to diplomas from olympiads of the corresponding level.
“We are observing an increase in the prestige of the teaching profession. The competition for budget-funded places has grown significantly: if last year it was 12 applications per spot, this season it has reached 15 applications. Applicants are increasingly consciously choosing the path of a teacher, seeing a promising future in it. A key factor that strengthened interest in the profession was the signing by Russian President Vladimir Putin of a decree on the special status of teachers. The document enshrines measures to support educators, opens up new opportunities for career growth and social protection. This decision has become an important step in elevating the authority of teaching labor in society,” noted Minister of Education Sergey Kravtsov.
The top 5 most in-demand universities by the number of applications submitted included Moscow State Pedagogical University, Herzen Russian State Pedagogical University, Ural State Pedagogical University, Novosibirsk State Pedagogical University, and Nizhny Novgorod State Pedagogical University named after Kozma Minin.
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