The Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation has proposed changing the admission rules for universities starting from the 2027/2028 academic year.
Russian state-owned news agency RIA Novosti reported that the federal ministry plans to tighten examination requirements for specialized profile subjects across numerous academic degree programs in higher education institutions.
Under the proposed regulations, physics will become a mandatory entrance examination for 37 academic fields of study. Mathematics will also become compulsory for all degree programs in the field of information security. Furthermore, history will become mandatory for academic specialties where universities were previously permitted to offer prospective students a choice between taking history or social studies.
New entrance examination requirements
Russian university admissions rely on a standardized testing system, where higher education institutions require applicants to pass specific subject examinations tailored to their chosen field of study. Profile subjects represent specialized entry examinations that evaluate an applicant's preparation in key disciplines before enrolling in higher education. The Ministry of Science and Higher Education serves as the executive government body responsible for university regulation, academic policies, and state educational standards across Russia.
Currently, Russian universities maintain flexibility in choosing entrance examination options for certain programs, such as allowing candidates to select between history and social studies. The ministry's new proposal removes that optional choice, establishing history as a single mandatory requirement for those degree fields.
The proposed admission updates align with broader curricular reforms outlined by senior officials. Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Konstantin Mogilevsky previously announced that four subjects would become compulsory for all university students across all degree tracks. Mogilevsky specified that these mandatory foundational courses are history, philosophy, fundamentals of Russian statehood, and the Russian language.
Targeted university placement rules
The upcoming adjustments planned for the 2027/2028 academic year follow earlier legislative updates to Russia's higher education framework. The country previously altered its admission regulations for targeted study places at universities starting in 2026.
Under the updated rules taking effect in 2026, only individuals holding citizenship of the Russian Federation are permitted to sign contracts for targeted education. Targeted higher education is a long-standing system in Russia where state entities, municipal bodies, or public organizations sponsor an applicant's university placement. In exchange, the admitted student enters a legally binding agreement to work for the sponsoring employer for a specified period following graduation.
