The article analyzes the problem of development of students’ ability to self-government in the context of the new educational standards. It is theoretically proved that development of the ability to self-government at students is related to their attraction into different types of educational and professional activities at the process of studying at university. The purpose of the research is to study different types of self-government at students with different specializations in the Institute of Physical Culture. Our research revealed significant differences in the development of the types of self-government at students - sportsmen and students with specialization “Service”. Based on the results of the study, it is made a conclusion about the impact of sport, educational and creative activities on the development of ability to self-government at students of different specializations. Factors affecting the development of a level and types of the ability to self-government at students of different specializations are analyzed. It is proved that at the process of organization of sportsmen’s self-government the leading role is given to coach or teacher, whereas students with specialization “Service” are mostly oriented on self-organization of their time and activity. The obtained data can be used in the planning of psychological and pedagogical work with students.