Russia proposes up to 25 admissions points for an additional school exam

Russia’s science and higher education ministry has proposed awarding applicants 15 to 25 additional admissions points for Unified State Exam results not used in the main competition. If adopted, the rule would apply to admissions for the 2027/28 academic year.

The measure targets mathematics, natural science and engineering programmes. Only subjects directly related to the intended degree would qualify: mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science and biology.

Under the ministry’s explanation to RIA Novosti, an exam result of 60–74 points would earn 15 additional admissions points. Scores of 75–89 would earn 20, while results of 90–100 would earn 25.

The proposal does not introduce a mandatory fourth entrance exam. Applicants would choose whether to take another subject and submit its result for the bonus. The result must not already be included in the main competitive score.

Existing rules allow universities to award up to ten points for individual achievements. Up to five more are available to applicants for employer-sponsored places who participated in the sponsor’s career guidance activities. The proposed scale for additional exam results remains part of a draft.