Scholarship increase in 2026: to whom and by how much will it be increased

The scholarship system in Russia remains diverse and multicomponent: from basic academic payments to social, special, nominal and government scholarships. In 2026, attempts to revise the amount of payments are relevant, especially for privileged and socially vulnerable groups, as well as for students with high achievements. Details can be found in the Izvestia article.

What scholarships exist in Russia

In Russia, students, postgraduates and college students can count on different types of scholarships, from standard academic to special and nominal ones.

The Law provides for the following main categories: academic scholarships, social scholarships, scholarships for postgraduates and doctoral students, as well as special scholarships — nominal and state (for example, from the President of the Russian Federation or the government).

Academic scholarships are awarded to full—time students on a budgetary basis and most often depend on academic performance - to excellent students or those who are "on good"/With an "excellent" score, they are more often awarded a basic or advanced academic scholarship.

A social scholarship is a form of support for privileged categories: students from low—income families, orphans, disabled people, students in difficult situations, as well as other categories recognized as needy.
Postgraduate and doctoral scholarships are provided to those who study at the master's, postgraduate, residency, internship and meet the following requirements: budgetary basis, full-time and, as a rule, academic performance or scientific achievements.

In addition, there are special scholarships — nominal, gubernatorial, from enterprises, from the foundation, government and presidential. They can be appointed for academic success, science, art, sports, or for achievements in government priorities.

Advanced (or nominal) academic or social scholarships become a separate category. Universities can award such payments for high academic performance, active scientific, creative, sports or social activities; their amount often exceeds the base rate.

Who will be promoted and by how much in 2026

The exact amounts and amounts of scholarship payments in 2026 have not yet been finalized at all universities, but there are already upward trends, especially for privileged categories and within the framework of social support.

In 2025-2026, many educational institutions are reviewing the amount of social and increased scholarships in order to bring them closer to the cost of living or compensate for rising costs.

For example, premium and enhanced types of academic or social scholarships are often formed competitively: excellent students, activists, participants in Olympiads, scientific conferences, sports and cultural competitions are promised more than the base rate.

State nominal, presidential and government scholarships have traditionally remained rare and are distributed selectively — the advantage is given to those who combine high academic performance, social or research activity, or study in priority areas for the country.

Social benefits for students from privileged categories may also be reviewed: in 2026, the topic of support for families with children, orphaned students, the disabled and others in need is relevant. This means that the amount of the social scholarship can be increased, especially in regions where the cost of living is higher.

It is important to understand that the basic academic scholarship often remains symbolic — for many universities its size is small; increased, special and social benefits provide really significant support.

How to recalculate and apply for an updated scholarship

To take advantage of the scholarship increase or revision in 2026, students first need to specify the type of intended payment: academic, social, nominal, special. Then contact the educational department or the scholarship commission of your university.

When recalculating the old sizes, it should be borne in mind that the university may establish new internal rules: criteria for grades, activity, achievements and social situation. Therefore, it is important to provide up—to-date information about academic performance, family income, the status of benefits (for social scholarships), as well as documents confirming achievements - diplomas, certificates, portfolios.

If we are talking about an increased academic or special scholarship, an official presentation from the faculty or a decision of the stipendiary commission is often required, which is formalized by order. After that, the new bet starts with the next payout period.

For a social scholarship, especially if the conditions of receipt, the amount of the subsistence minimum or the indicators of benefits have changed, the student needs to apply and document the right to benefits: provide certificates of income, family composition, disability, orphan status, etc. After verification, the commission decides on the appointment or increase of social support.

If a student is applying for a nominal, presidential, government, or other special scholarship, it is important to monitor competitions, deadlines for submitting documents, requirements (for example, participation in Olympiads, science, creativity, or sports), and prepare a portfolio of achievements. The decision on the appointment is made by the authorized bodies — an educational institution, regional authorities or federal structures.

If the university is reviewing the amount of the basic scholarship or introducing an additional "increased" coefficient, the recalculation can be automatic — just wait for the order. However, sometimes a repeat application from the student is required.

It should also be borne in mind that payments are terminated upon deduction, transfer to a correspondence form, change of a budget place to a paid one, or if the session is unsatisfactory.: these are the standard conditions regulated by the university's charter.