Children and school

Children of migrants have the right to education in Russia — regardless of citizenship or the legality of their parents. Under Federal Law No. 273-FZ “On Education”, the state guarantees free general education to all children residing in Russia.

This article explains how to enroll a child in school or kindergarten, what documents are needed, what to do if refused, and what rights the children of migrants have.

Important: a school has no right to refuse admission because of lack of registration, Russian citizenship or lack of Russian language skills. Refusal is a violation of the law.

Rights of children of migrants

Children of migrants have the right to:

• Free school education — grades 1–11;
• Preschool education — kindergartens (subject to availability);
• Medical care — at school medical stations, in polyclinics under OMS/VHI;
• School meals — free for certain categories;
• Textbooks and materials — free;
• Additional education — clubs, sections;
• Benefits — for large families, low-income families.

Regardless of:

• The child’s citizenship;
• Parents’ citizenship;
• Availability of registration;
• Legality of stay.

How to enroll a child in school — step by step

Step 1. Choose a school

A school is chosen at the place of residence. If you want a specific school — possible if there are places.

Step 2. Collect documents

Standard package:

• Application from the parent (filled out on-site);
• Parent’s passport + notarized translation (if not in Russian);
• Child’s birth certificate + notarized translation;
• Child’s migration card (if any);
• Medical card (form 026/u) — from the polyclinic;
• Vaccination certificate (form 063);
• Education document (if the child previously studied) — translated and certified;
• Child’s SNILS — if available;
• Photo — not always required.

Important: if some documents are missing — the school cannot refuse. They can be supplemented later.

Step 3. Submit the application

Submission methods:

• Online — through the Public Services Portal (a verified account is required);
• In person — at the school;
• Through the MFC — multifunctional center;
• By mail — by registered letter.

Review period — up to 7 working days. Upon admission — invitation to a meeting.

Step 4. Pass testing

If the child does not speak Russian — the school may conduct a language test. Based on the results, they may offer:

• Regular class — if the child is ready;
• Additional Russian language lessons;
• Adaptation class — with more focus on language;
• Correctional class — only on medical grounds.

Refusal to admit based on test results is illegal. The child must be admitted in any case.

Step 5. Start studying

After admission — buy or receive:

• School uniform — if required;
• Textbooks — provided free of charge;
• Stationery — at your own expense;
• Changeable shoes — mandatory;
• Meals — paid or subsidized.

How to enroll a child in kindergarten

Kindergarten — not compulsory education. The queue may be long.

How to submit an application:

1. Through the Public Services Portal — “Enrollment in kindergarten” section;
2. Through the MFC — in person;
3. Through the Education Department.

Documents: same as for school + medical card for kindergarten.

Benefits for kindergarten places:

• Large families;
• Disabled children;
• Children of military servicemen;
• Orphans;
• Children whose parents are students.

Migrants can apply for kindergarten places on general grounds.

Medical care for children

Children of migrants are entitled to:

• Emergency care — for everyone, free;
• OMS — if parents have TRP, Residence Permit or EAEU citizenship;
• VHI — if parents work under a patent;
• Vaccinations — according to the national calendar, free;
• Preventive check-ups — at school and kindergarten.

Childbirth — free in any maternity hospital, regardless of documents.

What to do if admission is refused

If the school refuses to admit your child — this is a violation. What to do:

1. Demand a written refusal — with justification;
2. Contact the Education Department — with a complaint;
3. Contact the prosecutor’s office — if the refusal is illegal;
4. Contact the court — to recognize the refusal as illegal.

Typical illegal grounds for refusal:

• “No registration” — illegal;
• “No Russian citizenship” — illegal;
• “Does not speak Russian” — illegal;
• “No vaccinations” — not a ground for refusing admission;
• “No medical card” — can be completed after admission.

FAQ

Are schools obligated to admit children without registration?

Yes. Lack of registration is not a ground for refusal.

Can a school refuse because the child does not speak Russian?

No. They may offer additional lessons, but cannot refuse.

Are vaccinations required for school admission?

Vaccinations are recommended, but not mandatory. Refusal due to lack of vaccinations — only during quarantine.

How to enroll a child in kindergarten?

Through the Public Services Portal, MFC or Education Department. The queue may be long, but migrants have the same rights.

Are school meals free?

For certain categories — large families, low-income families, children with disabilities. Ask at the school.

What to do if the school refuses?

Demand a written refusal, complain to the Education Department, prosecutor’s office, court.

Can children of migrants study for free?

Yes. General education is free for all children, regardless of citizenship.

Summary: what to do

1. Collect documents — passport, birth certificate, medical card;
2. Submit an application — through the Public Services Portal, MFC or school;
3. Pass testing — if the child does not speak Russian;
4. Enroll the child — the school must admit;
5. Get a medical card — at a polyclinic under VHI or paid;
6. Do not fear refusals — complain if rights are violated;
7. Learn about benefits — meals, clubs, summer camps;
8. Seek help — if there are difficulties.

If the school refuses admission, there are difficulties with documents or you need help protecting the child’s rights — consult a migration lawyer. Initial consultation is free.