Confirmation of the innovations was provided by one of the teachers, noting that the changes were implemented last year.
“Previously, a grade of ‘excellent’ was awarded for 85 points, but now the threshold has been raised to 95. Students aiming for a red diploma must have an average score of at least 3.75. However, due to the increased requirements, many do not reach this mark, even though their academic performance has been stable. Moreover, they are not given the opportunity to retake subjects,” the teacher explained.
Students in their final years, who are at the concluding stage of their studies and dream of a red diploma, are particularly worried.
“Since their first year, they oriented themselves to certain parameters, and now, at the finish line, they are faced with changes. Universities, fearing criticism from the GKNB and accusations of illegal diploma issuance, refuse to provide the opportunity to retake exams. As a result, students may lose their diplomas not due to a lack of knowledge, but because of changes in the system,” he added.
According to him, there is currently a ban on retakes in universities due to inspections by the GKNB.
“Many universities are afraid of attracting the GKNB's attention, so retakes, as they were allowed before, are not permitted to avoid suspicions of legal violations, even though retakes have always been part of the educational process,” the educator clarified.
Students emphasize that a red diploma is not just a formality for them. It provides additional points when applying for a master's program, is an advantage in employment, and is sometimes necessary for obtaining grants and scholarships.
“We studied hard, passed our sessions with high grades, and participated in various projects. We were told that 85 points is an excellent result. Now it turns out that this is not enough. We simply found ourselves faced with a fact,” shared one of the students.
The Ministry of Science, Higher Education, and Innovations confirmed the information, stating that on September 27, 2024, a resolution was adopted regulating the organization of the educational process in universities using academic credits.
The document introduces unified recommendations for grading, including:
- a 100-point system;
- a letter grading system;
- a numerical equivalent for calculating the average score (GPA - Grade Point Average), with a maximum value of 4.0;
- the traditional grading system.
The new grading system is applied to first-year students of the 2025/26 academic year and students admitted for study in subsequent years. It does not apply to students in their senior years.Thus, the changes do not affect students who enrolled in universities before 2025.
Nevertheless, as teachers claim, in practice, universities lack clear explanations, and each student has to interpret the new rules independently.
“Students have been forced to turn to the media to obtain a clear and unified explanation from the ministry that could be published in open sources, as not everyone has access to regulatory documents. Due to the lack of information, rumors and misunderstandings arise,” the teachers noted.
