As the new academic year approaches, a notable share of Russians show interest in paid education or extra courses. A VTB survey, with a copy cited by socialbites.ca, indicates that 21 percent plan to pursue paid education for themselves and 25 percent intend to fund additional schooling for their children. This signals a keen willingness to invest in learning beyond the free offerings that may be available in once routine school years.
The data reveal that most participants are prepared to commit significant sums to educational endeavors. Specifically, 46 percent are ready to spend between 15 and 50 thousand rubles, while 22 percent anticipate costs under 15 thousand rubles. Another segment, 50 to 100 thousand rubles, is also represented in the responses. In the capital city of Moscow, the appetite to invest remains robust: roughly one in three respondents would allocate 50 to 100 thousand rubles for education, and a smaller portion, about 9 percent, intends to invest more than 100 thousand rubles.
When it comes to financing this learning, most respondents rely on their own resources, with 68 percent indicating they will cover expenses themselves. At the same time, many are looking for savings avenues to ease the burden. Rebates and loyalty programs catch the eye for 26 percent, while 25 percent anticipate cashback from debit cards. Tax credits appeal to 17 percent, and 10 percent intend to use education loans as part of their funding mix. These patterns reflect a broader search for practical, available avenues to support continued education without destabilizing household finances.
Looking back at broader financial resilience, prior surveys have shown that a substantial portion of Russians faced financial vulnerability. At one point, 73 percent of respondents reported not having enough savings to cover three months of income spells. That figure was higher in 2020, reaching 80 percent. In recent assessments, about 27 percent said their savings would cover a month or two, and around 21 percent cautioned they could only sustain themselves for a month. These numbers illustrate why families are increasingly deliberate about budgeting for education and other major expenditures, seeking stable ways to preserve financial security while investing in knowledge.
There has also been a historical trend where a portion of families considered additional education for their children during school holidays. This signals ongoing demand for enrichment opportunities that can complement formal schooling, even during break periods. The evolving landscape suggests that families weigh immediate costs against long term benefits, balancing current finances with aspirations for better opportunities through learning. Ongoing monitoring of these trends will help policymakers and educators understand how households navigate education financing in a shifting economic environment. The discussion remains anchored in real choices families make as they plan for both present needs and future potential.