The Ministry of Education and Science has put forward a proposal to introduce a penalty mechanism tied to student progress in programs funded by a potential employer. The draft resolution, published on the portal of normative legal acts, outlines how progress requirements could be defined and enforced in such targeted education agreements.
According to the document, the student’s progress can be specified within the agreement on targeted education. The framework would cover the field of study, course modules, and practical components that comprise the learning journey. The employer developing or paying for the education would be authorized to assess student performance based on the results of at least two assessments, which would serve as the basis for determining success or failure in meeting the agreed milestones.
When a student fails to meet expected standards, the contract can be terminated by the client or the level of financial support can be reduced. In the scenario of contract termination, the employer is still obliged to assist the student in improving academic performance, which may include funding additional education opportunities. If termination occurs, the student would be responsible for reimbursing the tuition costs, in line with the terms set out in the agreement.
The decree is planned to come into force on September 1, 2023 and is slated to remain in effect through January 1, 2029. This timeline indicates a phased approach to implementing the new requirements, allowing institutions, employers, and students to adjust as the regime takes shape.
Earlier statements from the Ministry of Education have touched on the evolution of admission rules for universities as the country moves away from the Bologna system. The ongoing reforms aim to clarify how targeted financial backing interacts with academic accountability and how universities might align with employer expectations while preserving fair access and quality standards for students in North America and beyond.