In the run-up to the new academic year, which starts on September 1, 2026, Ukrainian families are facing an inevitable financial challenge. Getting ready for school is no longer just about buying notebooks and pens; today it involves a comprehensive purchase of specialized equipment that can significantly impact the family budget. Experts and retailers warn: without careful planning, expenses can exceed the planned amounts by two times.
Backpack as the main expense item
One of the most significant expense items remains the school backpack. In 2026, the market offers a wide range of solutions, however, prices vary depending on functionality and brand. According to price monitoring, promotional offers can find backpacks for around 600 hryvnias. However, average prices for quality models start from 1000 hryvnias. If parents choose products with an orthopedic back, which doctors strongly recommend for posture preservation, the cost can reach 3000 hryvnias and above. The price range depends on the manufacturer, materials, and backpack equipment.
Uniform, shoes, and additional accessories
A significant part of the budget is occupied by school uniforms and shoes. The cost of sets depends on the manufacturer and the student's age category. If the educational institution requires the presence of a uniform, schoolchildren must have a minimum of 2-3 sets for changing. In addition, the mandatory shopping list includes a bag for changing shoes (around 500 hryvnias), a lunchbox for meals, and a water bottle (on average from 200 hryvnias per set). A number of stationery stores in August 2026 offer special discounts on their products, which allows for a slight reduction in the load on the wallet.
Minimum and maximum budget for preparation
Analysts have calculated the approximate cost of preparing a child for school in 2026. If you buy only the necessary minimum and choose goods at the lowest prices, you can get a child ready for school for about 10,000 hryvnias. This amount includes a basic backpack, shoe bag, lunchbox, bottle, minimum set of stationery and several notebooks at the beginning of the school year, as well as clothes and shoes. However, if you choose higher quality and more expensive items, the budget can increase to 15-20 thousand hryvnias and more. The final amount is most affected by the cost of the backpack, school uniform, shoes, and the number of clothing sets.
Saving strategies and tips for parents
Experts recommend conducting an inventory of items left over from the previous school year before going to the store. Backpacks, pencil cases, rulers, paints, pencils, and other supplies can often be used for another year if they have retained their appearance. Notebooks and stationery are better bought in sets during promotions, and clothes and shoes should be compared by price in several stores. This will help avoid overpaying for things that a child may use only a few times. It is important to remember that saving on the quality of a backpack or shoes can negatively affect the child's health in the long term.
Changes in educational standards
In addition to financial issues, in 2026 changes in state standards of general secondary education, approved by the Cabinet of Ministers, come into force. These changes are aimed at preparing schools for the transition to profile education from 2027. Updates affected study plans, the introduction of a Ukrainian studies component for children studying abroad, as well as new approaches to inclusive education. These reforms may affect requirements for textbooks and additional materials in the future.
