In 2026, admission to Russian universities will undergo a number of important changes that will affect every applicant. The new rules apply to all educational organizations, regardless of their status and form of ownership. It is important for applicants to understand the key innovations in advance in order to competently build an admission strategy.

Marina Makhrinova, Head of the Department of Pre-university training and Career Guidance at NCFU, told about what you need to know about the upcoming admission campaign.

The secrets of successful admission consist of following a certain admission trajectory. The first stage is preparation for admission. It consists of a choice: choosing a profession or field of activity, choosing an educational program and the necessary subjects for the Unified State Exam, choosing universities with appropriate programs, and choosing the "source" of additional points.

Recall that the list of entrance examinations for admission to higher education educational programs – bachelor's degree programs and specialty programs – was approved by Order of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Russia in 2024 and will be valid until 2029.

– An important date for all applicants in 2026 is January 20th. By this date, all universities in the country will publish the Admission Rules, the main document governing the entire admission process, from submitting documents to issuing orders for admission to universities," said Marina Makhrinova.

For several years now, applicants have been able to apply to 5 universities in 5 areas each. And if the applicant wants to make the most of the admission program, then he needs to identify these universities in advance so that after receiving the certificate, he can calmly and confidently add the selected universities to his application.

– It's not too late to think about how to earn extra points. The success of an applicant in studies, sports, volunteering, and intellectual competitions is all called individual achievements, and you can earn up to 10 points for them," said Marina Makhrinova, head of the NCFU Pre–university Training and Career Guidance Department.

The next stage is the choice of a possible trajectory: admission without entrance tests, which can be used by the winners of special type of Olympiads; admission on benefits (special and separate quota), targeted training and general competition.

How to submit documents

The main change is the digitalization of admission. Starting in 2026, it will be possible to apply to the university only through the Gosuslugi portal. Applicants will also be able to track the application status and the enrollment process there. If the applicant comes to the admissions office in person, the university staff will help him to apply in his account on "Public Services". Thus, the portal will become a single point of entry into the higher education system.

– Under these conditions, applicants in 2026 should register in advance and confirm their account at Gosuslugi, determine their profile areas and carefully study the admission rules at selected universities or colleges. This will allow you to confidently go through the new admission format and make an informed choice of a professional trajectory," said Marina Makhrinova.

For college graduates

The rules for admitting college graduates are also seriously changing. Previously, they could enter the university by internal entrance tests in almost any field. Now, internal exams are allowed only for admission to specialized programs corresponding to the specialty received at the college. To enter "another field," graduates of the vocational school will have to take the Unified State Exam. At the same time, each university has the right to decide to enroll all college graduates only based on the results of the Unified State Exam. Some universities, including those that support a practice-oriented approach, allow such applicants to enter through internal exams, but strictly in specialized areas.

– Since September 1, 2025, amendments have been made to the Federal Law "On Education", which regulate admission to the internal entrance examinations of universities only in accordance with the previously obtained profile or college training area. If you are changing directions, studied to be a designer, and want to become a lawyer, then you definitely have to take the unified state exam. And I would like to draw your attention to the fact that if you want to enroll this year, then by February 1, 2026, you must register for the unified state exam and successfully pass it in the summer in order to be able to enroll in a university," Marina Makhrinova said.

Paid reception

The regulation of paid admission is also changing. Previously, universities determined the number of paid places independently, but starting in 2026, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation will set a maximum number of paid places for each university in each field of study. Within this limit, the university will retain the right to redistribute places between its institutes and faculties. At the same time, there will be no restrictions on paid places in a number of socially significant areas – pedagogy, IT, tourism, and social work.

– Starting this year, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education will set the number of places for each university according to certain indicators under contracts with full reimbursement of tuition costs. The specialties in which the number of places will be limited and the specialties that will not be affected by this innovation will be identified, because these are strategically important specialties for our country. I would like to draw your attention to the fact that if earlier it was necessary to fight for every point when applying to the budget, now it will also be necessary to fight for every point when applying to commerce," Marina Makhrinova summed up.

What will change in connection with the reform in

At the same time, a large-scale reform of higher education is continuing in the country, related to the transition from the Bologna system to a new model with basic (BVI) and specialized (SPVO) higher education. The formats of scientific, specialized and managerial master's degrees are being worked out. However, it is important for applicants in 2026 to know that all those who enroll in existing bachelor's and master's degree programs will complete their studies in the same way. The change in the structure of the system will not affect the students already enrolled.

In February 2026, NCFU will host a lecture hall for parents and prospective applicants on admission issues. The online meetings will focus on admission to the NCFU Specialized Educational Research Center (SUNC) for students in grades 10-11, NCFU colleges in Stavropol, Nevinnomyssk and Pyatigorsk, as well as targeted admission to universities and other relevant topics. Follow the messages on the NCFU website and in social networks.