Russia's 2026 exam season and university deadlines approach fast
Russian school leavers and university applicants will face key deadlines in the coming months. The 2026 exam season kicks off with the early Unified State Exam (USE) in late March, while graduation ceremonies follow in June. Meanwhile, applications for higher education will open shortly after, with strict closing dates in July for state-funded places. The 2026 academic calendar begins with the early USE session, running from March 20 to April 20. This gives students an early chance to complete their exams before the main period.
School holidays start on May 27 and last until August 31. Graduation ceremonies for school leavers are then set for June 27, marking the end of secondary education for many.
The main USE exams take place from June 1 to June 25, with reserve days for retakes between June 22 and June 25. Shortly after, on June 20, applications open for all higher education levels—bachelor’s, specialist, and undergraduate programmes.
Applicants have until July 10 to July 20 to submit their requests for state-funded university places. The window varies slightly depending on the programme type but remains tight for prospective students. The schedule sets clear timelines for exams, holidays, and university applications. Students must complete their USE tests by late June and submit higher education applications within a month. Those aiming for state-funded places face the earliest deadlines in July.
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