Payments, loans, and business: what 8th graders will be taught in NBU lessons
1 September 23:10
On September 1, 2025, Ukrainian schools will start teaching a new compulsory subject , Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy. This is reported by "Komersant Ukrainian" with reference to information from the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU).
The initiative is being implemented as part of the New Ukrainian School reform, and the national financial regulator has taken over the development of the course content and teaching materials.
According to NBU Governor Andriy Pyshny, the introduction of a new subject that will give teenagers an understanding of the financial system is a strategic investment in the future of the country.
It is not only about gaining theoretical knowledge about money, but also about developing entrepreneurial thinking, understanding the basics of financial management, the ability to work in a team and responsibly build their own future. This will help students in the future to be good citizens, entrepreneurs and innovators who will develop the economy of our country,” said Pyshnyi.
Why is it necessary to teach a new subject in schools?
The decision to introduce the subject was a response to the alarming results of a study conducted by the NBU in 2024. As it turned out, the average level of correct answers among students aged 14-17 to financial literacy tasks was only 46.6%. In the school equivalent, this corresponds to 3 points out of a 12-point system. Such results indicate not only gaps in the educational system, but also potential risks to the country’s future economic security.
As the head of the NBU explained:
…the NBU’s powers to improve financial literacy are enshrined in law. Since 2019, it has been part of our mandate, one of the functions of the NBU, and the team pays great attention to its implementation.
What will the course “Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy” look like?
The National Bank of Ukraine has prepared a full range of training materials. It includes:
- a textbook with digital applications;
- a workbook for students;
- a teacher’s guide with calendar and thematic planning;
- a set of multimedia presentations;
- additional online resources.
According to the results of a competition organized by the Ministry of Education and Science, the NBU textbook was printed in the largest number of copies – more than 104,000. It also has the stamp “Recommended by the Ministry of Education and Science.”
In the 2025/2026 academic year, the subject will be taught as a compulsory subject in grades 8, and in a pilot mode in grades 9 as well. In the future, it is planned to expand the course to high school.
Read also: 3 points out of 12: NBU surveys teenagers’ financial literacy for the first time
Who will teach financial literacy to schoolchildren
To ensure the quality of the course, the NBU has organized training for teachers. In June-July 2025, more than 2,500 teachers completed a specialized program. The educational process will continue in the fall: new groups of teachers will be involved in the program as part of the preparation of 9th graders.
Also in August, the NBU Financial Knowledge Center’s online platform TALAN was launched, bringing together more than 45,000 teachers. The platform includes textbooks, video tutorials, trainings, manuals, as well as interactive tasks and competitions for schoolchildren.
Why teaching financial literacy in schools is important
The NBU emphasizes that financial literacy is a key prerequisite for the economic stability of the country. Educated citizens are better versed in financial products, avoid excessive debt, and are able to manage their personal budgets and build savings. And entrepreneurial skills contribute to the development of small and medium-sized businesses, which are the backbone of any democratic country’s economy.
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The introduction of the course in Ukrainian schools is part of a long-term strategy to improve the financial stability of citizens. This approach has already proved effective in countries such as Estonia, Canada, and Singapore, where financial education is compulsory from secondary school.
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