State Budget for 2026 provides substantial salary increase for teachers: Oksen Lisovyi

Today the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted the State Budget for 2026, which includes a significant increase in salaries for teaching staff. The total funding allocated for this purpose amounts to UAH 64.6 billion, providing the necessary resources to implement one of the key priorities of state education policy.

“The salary increase for teachers is the result of systematic work by the Government to fulfil the President of Ukraine’s instruction to raise educators’ pay. Initially, the Cabinet of Ministers’ proposals for the first reading of the budget envisaged UAH 53.8 billion. During preparations for the second reading, funding was increased to UAH 59.8 billion, and following final consultations, Parliament additionally approved a further UAH 4.8 billion,” commented Oksen Lisovyi, Minister of Education and Science, on the budget vote.

According to the adopted budget provisions:

• From 1 January 2026, salaries of teaching staff will rise by 30%;
• From 1 September 2026, a further increase of 20% will apply.

This will be the largest comprehensive salary increase for teachers in recent years and will enhance the prestige of the profession during wartime.

A separate line in the final version of the budget provides an additional UAH 4.8 billion that the state can direct towards further salary growth for teachers. This is not about one-off bonuses but about establishing a systemic remuneration model. These funds – in addition to the already guaranteed increases – could form the financial basis for the next stage of salary growth, provided the pay structure is improved according to one of the models developed by the Ministry of Education and Science.

In the coming months, the Ministry will begin consultations with teachers, trade unions, local authorities, education managers, and school heads regarding the introduction of the new remuneration model. All feedback and suggestions received will be taken into account when preparing the corresponding government bill.

Most importantly: work on the new model will build on the already adopted decision to raise salaries. All teaching staff are guaranteed the legally mandated increases in 2026.