The development of a new national framework for higher education is advancing toward completion, with the regulatory base anticipated to be ready by the close of 2024. This information comes from the head of the Ministry of Education and Science, Valery Falkov, during a broadcast on the national TV channel Russia 24. The statement signals a structured approach to reform that will shape the sector long after the current year ends, outlining a clear timeline for subsequent steps and the long view of policy implementation across institutions and programs.
Officials emphasize that the process will transition into active deployment starting in 2026. The plan expects the regulatory scaffolding to be in place by year-end, establishing the rules and standards that institutions will follow as the system enters a new phase. The emphasis on a well-defined regulatory base reflects a move toward stronger governance, standardized quality measures, and predictable operating conditions for higher education providers nationwide.
In Falkov’s remarks, the core objective is to replace the older licensing framework with a streamlined concept that will govern how institutions qualify, operate, and continually meet performance expectations. The shift aims to reduce bureaucratic friction while increasing transparency and accountability across universities, colleges, and other higher education entities. With the regulatory groundwork established by the close of 2024, the sector can proceed to enact and refine the new rules, ensuring that the transition unfolds smoothly through 2026 and into the following years of consistent implementation. The plan envisions a sequence of checks, evaluations, and adjustments designed to lock in quality, accessibility, and alignment with national priorities for education, research, and workforce development.