New Rules for University Quota Allocation in 2026

Starting in 2026, the landscape of university admissions in Russia is undergoing a significant procedural change. The Ministry of Science and Higher Education has implemented new regulations governing how unused quota spots are redistributed. This adjustment affects the pathway for applicants seeking admission through special privileges.

The core of the change lies in the sequence of allocation. Previously, universities could redirect unclaimed targeted spots directly into the general competition. Now, a mandatory intermediate step has been introduced, prioritizing specific groups of applicants before the spots become available to the wider pool.

Under the new rules, institutions are prohibited from immediately moving unused targeted places to the general competition. Instead, these positions must first be proposed to applicants who possess the right to preferential admission conditions. This creates a structured hierarchy for filling vacant quota spots.

The priority list for these spots includes participants of the Special Military Operation (SVO) and their children. This category was granted a separate quota by the Ministry back in 2022, and the new regulation reinforces their priority status in the redistribution process.

The allocation process now follows a clear, sequential order:

• Unused targeted spots are identified
• Spots are offered to SVO participants and their children
• Remaining spots go to other privileged applicants
• Finally, spots enter the general competition

The foundation for this policy adjustment was laid several years ago. In 2022, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education formally introduced a dedicated quota for SVO participants and their offspring. This initiative was designed to ensure educational opportunities for those directly connected to the ongoing military operation.

However, the practical implementation revealed a trend that influenced the current decision. Data indicates that these specific quota positions often remain unfilled until the end of the admission cycle. The new regulation aims to optimize the use of these reserved spots by ensuring they are actively offered to the intended beneficiaries before being released into the broader applicant pool.

Despite the procedural shift, educational analysts do not anticipate a dramatic transformation in the overall admission landscape. The consensus among experts is that the practical effect of the new rule may be limited. This prediction is based on the historical performance of these specific quotas.

Experts note that quota spots in the majority of universities are typically not filled to capacity. Because the demand for these specific positions has not met the supply in previous years, the additional step of offering them to SVO participants and other privileged groups is unlikely to result in a significant redistribution of seats that would otherwise have gone to the general competition.

Experts do not expect significant changes, as quota spots in most universities are not filled to capacity.

For applicants in the 2026 admission cycle, the changes introduce a new variable to the strategy of securing a university place. While the overall number of spots available to the general public may not change drastically, the timeline and availability of certain positions will be different.

Prospective students should be aware that the competition for spots entering the general pool may be slightly altered depending on the fill rate of the prioritized quotas. The regulation reinforces the state's commitment to supporting SVO participants and their families in their educational pursuits, ensuring they have a dedicated window of opportunity before the general competition begins.

The 2026 admission cycle marks a subtle but important refinement in Russia's higher education policy. By mandating a priority sequence for quota redistribution, the system aims to better serve specific beneficiary groups established in 2022. While the immediate impact on the general applicant pool may be minimal due to existing unfilled quotas, the regulation sets a precedent for structured, tiered allocation of educational resources.

As universities adapt to these new procedures, the focus remains on balancing support for privileged categories with the needs of the broader applicant base. The coming admission season will serve as the first real-world test of this updated regulatory framework.