Parliament, under an accelerated procedure, reviewed and supported at the first reading a package of legislative amendments that change issues related to the funding of higher education institutions and higher education in general.

The bill, initiated by the government, was adopted with 77 votes in favor and 3 against.

Under the planned amendments to the Law “On Higher Education,” the current funding models — including state study grants and program-based funding — will no longer be defined by law. All norms related to state study grants and master’s grants will be removed from the legislation. At the same time, the law will stipulate that studies at higher education institutions established by the government will be fully financed by the state — in accordance with the rules and conditions of funding determined by the government.

According to the draft law, each year the government, upon the submission of the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth, will approve the number of students to be admitted — both through the Unified National/Master’s Examinations and without these examinations — to state-established higher education institutions, both at the university level and for specific educational programs (curricula). The government will also approve the rules and conditions for funding these state-established higher education institutions.

In addition, the draft provides that the government, upon the submission of the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth, will determine the list of educational programs (curricula) that universities will be authorized to implement.

Within the university system, except for certain specializations, a 3+1+1 model will be introduced, in which 3 years are allocated to the bachelor’s degree and 1 year to the master’s degree. According to the amendment, within academic higher education, bachelor’s programs must include at least 180 credits, while master’s programs must include at least 60 credits.

The duration of doctoral programs will be no less than 3 years, and their educational component must include credits.

The amendments also extend the deadline for developing the concept/model and standards for an online university to January 1, 2028.