Beginning of 2025–2026 school year marked by investments in education, values, unity in Moldova

The 2025–2026 academic year starts in Moldova today, September 1, in all primary, secondary institutions and lyceums, according to the framework plan approved by the Ministry of Education and Research (MEC).

The first lesson of this academic year has the subject, The Values That Unite Us, and it is mandatory for all schools. The lesson focuses on promoting solidarity, respect and social cohesion. The ministry has provided topic-related teaching materials and organized preparation workshops for teachers.

"The first lesson conveys a clear message: education is not just about accumulation of knowledge, but also about moral and civic formation," said MEC.

The current academic year is structured as follows: Semester I: September 1 – December 24, 2025; Semester II: January 9 – May 29, 2026. For 9th and 12th-grade classes, the year ends on May 25, 2026. Four vacations (fall, winter, spring, Easter) and two semester exams for lyceums are scheduled.

This year, the government provides a one-off aid of 1,000 lei to each student in grades I–IX (both public and private), without application, meant for the purchase of school supplies, clothing or other school needs. It is estimated that about 295,000 children will benefit. At the same time, the state invests in infrastructure. The Ministry of Education has expanded the Network of Model Schools to 90 institutions, including 55 new schools (24 of which are in Chisinau). These institutions benefit from significant infrastructure upgrades - laboratories, digital equipment, sanitary conditions and sports facilities - through investments estimated at 220 million euros.

To reduce pressure on families, MEC has introduced several support programmes, including free hot meals for students in grades I–IX - a national program aimed at ensuring daily nutrition and easing parents’ expenses.

"We know that the starting of the school year is a difficult time for families. Therefore, the government provides direct financial support, as well as investments in school infrastructure, so that parents no longer have to cover out of their own pockets what the state should provide," said Minister of Education Dan Perciun.

The 2025–2026 academic year begins with a clear vision: solidarity, modern infrastructure and values-oriented education. Through direct financial measures, school reform and initial topic-related lessons, the state invests in the next generation and in a future built on responsibility and unity, the Ministry of Education and Research also said.

In Moldova, there are approximately 1,200 general education institutions (primary schools, secondary schools, lyceums, schools for children with intellectual or physical development disabilities, evening education institutions), of which over 800 are in rural areas. More than 335,000 pupils will attend school in the new academic year.