Exempting Russian-speaking children of compatriots abroad from testing is under further consideration

The Russian Ministry of Education considers further discussion necessary on the issue of exempting Russian-speaking children of compatriots abroad from Russian-language testing when enrolling in schools.  

Deputy Nina Ostanina put forward this proposal, and the appeal was sent to Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.  

The ministry notes that there are no clear criteria for identifying “Russian-speaking” children, which makes it difficult to introduce changes.  

The testing is conducted to assess a child’s readiness to study in Russian.  

Testing of children of foreign nationals for enrollment in schools in the Russian Federation was introduced on 1 April 2025.

➡️Citizens of the Republic of Belarus, where Russian has state-language status, are exempt from taking the test.
➡️A special procedure is provided for children of compatriots who have moved to the Russian Federation for permanent residence — testing is conducted only in oral form.