Parliament is considering the proposed amendments to the education reform on an accelerated basis. The legislative changes were submitted to the Bureau during today’s session.

The amendments affect five laws. Under the new provisions, the laws will no longer define the existing funding models, including state educational grants and program-based funding.

All regulations related to state educational grants and master’s grants are being removed. The law also stipulates that studies at higher education institutions established by the government will be fully funded by the state, in accordance with funding rules and conditions set by the government.

According to the draft law, the government, based on proposals from the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth, will annually approve the number of students admitted to state-established higher education institutions, both with and without passing unified national or master’s exams—taking into account the university and specific educational programs (curricula).

The government will also establish the rules and conditions for financing state-founded higher education institutions. In addition, the government, upon the Ministry’s proposal, will determine the list of educational programs (curricula) that universities are authorized to implement.

Within the university system, except for exceptional specialities, a 3+1+1 structure will be introduced: three years for a bachelor’s degree and one year for a master’s degree. Under the amendments, a bachelor’s degree program within academic higher education will include at least 180 credits, a master’s degree program will include at least 60 credits, and a doctoral program will last at least three years, with its educational component including credit requirements.