Foreign Language Hours to Be Cut in Russian Schools
The planned reduction in foreign language hours will apply to students in grades 5–7.
Starting September 1, 2026, the number of hours allocated to foreign language study in Russian schools will be reduced. However, this will not affect all students. The details were explained by Alexey Lubkov, rector of Moscow State Pedagogical University (MSPU).
«From the 2026 academic year, the Ministry of Education plans to reduce the number of foreign language hours in grades 5–7 from three hours per week to two, meaning the total volume of foreign language instruction will be reduced from 510 to 408 hours,» he told RIA Novosti.
Lubkov believes this decision is aimed at reducing the academic load on schoolchildren and allocating their time more efficiently. In 8th and 9th grades, foreign languages will be studied as before — three hours per week.
According to information from the Ministry of Education, despite the reduction in hours, the discipline will remain a mandatory part of the school curriculum.
However, these are not the only changes awaiting students. For example, starting in the 2026–2027 academic year, a new subject will be introduced in schools. You can learn about all the changes to the school curriculum in this material.
The Ministry of Education has also set the minimum Unified State Exam (EGE) scores required for admission to its subordinate universities for the 2026–2027 academic year. Details about this were published here.
