Maximum class size in primary schools is capped at 24 pupils
The government has distributed UAH 57.4 billion in educational subventions to local budgets for September–December 2026 to increase teachers' salaries. Starting September 1, the fund allocation formula has been amended: the maximum class size in primary schools is capped at 24 pupils, and all curriculum hours have been reinstated for funding. This is reported by the portal PromPolitInform, citing information from the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved the procedure for redistributing the educational subvention among local budgets for the period from September to December 2026. The main objective of this decision is to ensure the timely payment of increased salaries to pedagogical staff. The total amount of funds directed to communities is UAH 57.4 billion.
Financial provision of education
To cover the costs of increasing teachers’ remuneration, which will average 20% from September 2026, the Cabinet of Ministers has redistributed an additional UAH 25.8 billion within the educational subvention budget program. A reserve fund of UAH 0.5 billion has also been provided to resolve urgent issues that may arise during the process.
This approach allows territorial communities to clearly plan their expenditures until the end of the year and guarantees stable funding for educational institutions. The Ministry of Education and Science emphasizes the importance of receiving funds on time to avoid payment delays for educators.
Changes in the allocation formula
Alongside financial decisions, the Cabinet of Ministers has changed certain indicators of the educational subvention allocation formula. Starting September 1, 2026, the maximum calculated class size for primary schools is set at no more than 24 pupils. This decision particularly concerns large cities and communities where this indicator previously exceeded the new norm.
Deputy Minister of Education and Science Anastasiia Sofiienko stated that conditions remain unchanged for territorial communities with a calculated class size of 24 and below. The new approach will make it possible to more accurately determine the need for funds to pay teachers’ salaries, taking into account a larger number of calculated classes.
Reinstatement of curriculum hours
An important component of the updated formula is the return to funding all curriculum hours that, since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, were not taken into account when calculating the subvention. This ensures compliance with the State Education Standard and covers the full scope of students’ educational needs.
Minister of Education and Science Andrii Butenko noted that changes in the formula and clear funding will give communities predictability in budget planning. At the same time, he thanked the Ministry of Finance and the Cabinet of Ministers for supporting these initiatives and working together to optimize the educational funding system.
Photo: Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine
