Equipping a schoolchild in Russia in 2026 will cost up to 19,000 roubles, ACRA ratings group expert Evgeniya Trautman told news agency RIA Novosti.
Trautman, an expert in the sovereign and regional ratings group at credit rating agency ACRA, stated that preparing a girl for school will cost approximately 19,000 roubles, while preparing a boy is estimated at 17,000 roubles.
The standard baseline set for a boy includes a jacket, two pairs of trousers made from different fabrics, two shirts, and shoes. The package also contains a backpack, 20 school notebooks, a drawing album, five pens, two pencils, and a set of felt-tip pens.
The collection for girls differs mainly in clothing items. Instead of trousers and shirts, the girl's kit features a dress, two blouses, and a skirt alongside the standard footwear and stationery items.
Common buying mistakes and expert advice
Aleksandr Solomatin, candidate of economic sciences and director of the education department at Umnoshkola, noted that parents frequently make key errors when preparing children for the academic year. Solomatin said that one of the most common mistakes is purchasing items based on the principle of buying for growth or buying extra supplies just in case.
State benefits and financial assistance
Lenta.ru previously detailed the state payments available for September 1 in 2026, outlining which citizens qualify for government support. The report covered how allowances and compensations are processed, where parents can apply, and what the financial assistance can be spent on.
Academic year and background context
In Russia, the school year traditionally starts on September 1, a date commemorated nationwide as Knowledge Day. Families across all Russian regions purchase clothing, footwear, and educational supplies during August in preparation for the start of classes. ACRA, headquartered in Moscow, is one of Russia's primary analytical credit rating agencies providing macroeconomic and financial research.
