The key facts

  • The third cohort of the 'Time of Heroes' program is for the first time aimed at SVO participants without higher education
  • Applications are accepted from November 9, 2026 to January 25, 2027
  • The training lasts three years: a year and a half of theory and a year and a half of part-time study

Applications for the new cohort are open

Russia has launched selection for the third cohort of the 'Time of Heroes' personnel training program. The announcement was made by Sergey Kiriyenko, First Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration of the Russian Federation, with his remarks published on the project's website. According to him, the decision to launch the cohort was made by Vladimir Putin, and the cohort itself is 'specifically intended for participants and veterans of the special military operation without higher education' — which, in Kiriyenko's words, is 'the fulfillment of a direct instruction from the head of state.'

Who can apply and how the training works

Anyone may apply provided three conditions are met: Russian citizenship, secondary general, secondary vocational, or incomplete higher education, as well as 'courage and heroism' demonstrated in combat operations. The training will last three years: the first half of the program will be devoted to theory, and the remaining year and a half will consist of part-time (evening) study. Applications are open from November 9, 2026 to January 25, 2027.

Only days passed from instruction to launch

The initiative entered the public arena on November 5: at a meeting, Putin proposed creating a separate program for SVO participants without higher education, similar to 'Time of Heroes.' He noted that there are many servicemen on the line of combat contact without completed higher education, and stated that the state must create conditions for this category of fighters so they can realize their abilities in civilian service. Already on November 6, a political scientist called the initiative a social elevator for SVO fighters, and on November 9 selection effectively began. Thus, four days passed between the proposal and the opening of applications — the program was launched as an operating mechanism rather than remaining at the discussion stage.