From teachers’ salaries to a new banknote: what will change in Ukraine starting September 1, 2026
1 September 15:46
ANALYSIS
September 2026 will bring Ukrainians a number of changes in the areas of education, wages, mobilization, social benefits, and business support. The new academic year will begin under updated rules, students will receive increased scholarships, and the minimum wage requirement will change for reserved employees.
Read more about all the changes taking effect on September 1, 2026, in this article "Komersant Ukrainian".
Schools will begin the new academic year
The 2026–2027 academic year in Ukrainian schools will run from September 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. Each school will determine the format of instruction and the duration of classes based on the security situation in its specific region. At the same time, schools that have shelters with sufficient capacity will be able to hold in-person classes.
One of the new initiatives will be the expansion of the free meal program. It is expected that students in all grades 1–11 will receive free hot lunches. Previously, this benefit was available primarily to elementary school students. The government has allocated 1 billion hryvnia for this program. Free meals will be provided in schools where students attend in person.
Also, starting in the new school year, some Ukrainian schools will begin testing an updated model for upper-level specialized schools. After completing 9th grade, students will gradually have the opportunity to choose a specialization and focus on in-depth study of specific subjects. A full transition to the new model is planned for the 2027–2028 school year.
A transition period is provided for students who will already be in upper grades at that time. The changes also include an increase in the number of Ukrainian history classes. Separate educational pathways are planned for children with special educational needs, as well as for students living in frontline areas or abroad. For the latter, the focus will be on disciplines related to Ukrainian studies.
English will become mandatory in preschools
Another innovation in the field of education will be English instruction for preschool-aged children. Starting September 1, it is planned to make English mandatory for children aged 5–6. If a kindergarten does not have a staff member with the appropriate training, specialists from schools may be brought in to teach the classes.
However, the preschool program does not aim to teach English to the point of fluency. The main goal is to give children a basic introduction to the language and prepare them for further schooling.
Student Scholarships to Double
Starting in September, Ukrainian students will receive increased academic scholarships. According to Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 1052, the base academic stipend at institutions of higher education will rise from 2,000 to 4,000 UAH per month.
For students at vocational education institutions, the stipend will increase from 1,510 to 3,020 UAH.
The increase will also apply to special, enhanced, and named scholarships. Specifically, the presidential scholarship for university students will amount to 20,000 UAH per month, and for college students—15,200 UAH.
How Much Will Teachers’ Salaries Increase and What Will Happen with the Deferral?
Starting September 1, another 20% pay raise for educators is scheduled. Taking into account the raise that took place in January, the total increase in teachers’ salaries over the course of the year is expected to be 50% compared to last year.
In addition, monthly bonuses will continue to be paid to educators. Teachers working in frontline areas will receive an additional 4,000 UAH, while teachers in other regions will receive 2,000 UAH.
After the raise, young teachers can earn about 12,000–17,000 UAH per month without additional payments. For teachers with more experience, the salary is estimated to be approximately 17,000–28,000 UAH.
In September, the “Reserve” app is expected to launch an automated deferral process for teachers. Teachers working at least 0.75 of a full-time position will be able to use this feature. Once the service is launched, the necessary information will be verified through government registries. This should eliminate the need for teachers to visit the Territorial Mobilization Center in person and submit paper documents to confirm their eligibility for deferment.
New Rules for Mobilization Exemptions
Changes in September will also affect the rules for exemption from mobilization. For exempted employees, the employer must provide a salary of no less than three minimum wages—25,941 UAH per month after taxes. Previously, the threshold for such employees was 2.5 times the minimum wage, which amounted to 21,617 UAH.
However, the new requirement will have exceptions. It will not apply to companies located in combat zones, nor to state-owned or municipal enterprises. For their employees, the threshold of 2.5 times the minimum wage will remain in effect.
A 2,000-hryvnia banknote will be introduced in Ukraine
Starting September 4, the National Bank will begin putting a new 2,000 UAH banknote into circulation. This will be the highest denomination of the Ukrainian hryvnia. The new banknote features Vasyl Stus. Its design is dedicated to the life and creative legacy of the Ukrainian poet.
The new banknotes will be introduced into circulation gradually. They will circulate alongside banknotes of other denominations that are already in circulation.
The “Own Business” Program Will Be Updated
Starting September 1, the mechanism for the “Vlasna Sprava” state grant program will change. Ukrainians will be able to apply for funding through the “Diya” portal. Grant amounts will range from 100,000 to 1.5 million hryvnias, depending on the program’s terms and the project. The funds can be used to start or expand a business. Additional benefits are available for combat veterans and family members of fallen defenders.
