New Guidelines for Recognizing Foreign Education in Ukraine

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved new guidelines for recognizing educational achievements at the level of complete general secondary education obtained abroad.

This applies to foreign schools as well as educational centers such as Saturday and Sunday schools, as explained by the Ministry of Education and Science.

The ministry emphasizes that this mechanism is critically important for children living abroad who wish to obtain Ukrainian educational documents or return to studying in Ukraine without losing their progress.

How will educational results from abroad be recognized in Ukraine?

The mechanism includes the creation of a register of Ukrainian educational centers abroad.

Institutions that apply through the Automated Educational Management Information Complex (AICOM) and pass verification by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be included in this register. A requirement for these institutions is teaching subjects related to Ukrainian studies.

Applications for the register will be accepted starting in the fall of 2025 on the Ministry's website. The ministry ensures that it will later publish the submission algorithm and verification criteria.

Results of studies in foreign educational institutions will be automatically recognized in Ukraine, meaning no additional assessment will be required. Grades will be transferred according to the scale approved by the Ministry.

Similarly, results of informal education in Ukrainian studies subjects will be recognized if the student has studied at centers or organizations registered with AICOM.

Otherwise, achievements will be considered based on general principles.

"If a child studied Ukrainian studies subjects at a Saturday or Sunday school abroad, the school in Ukraine may recognize those results if they are assessed according to the Ukrainian grading system," the Ministry explained.

What opportunities does this mechanism provide for children studying at educational centers abroad?

• Children can study where they live abroad while maintaining a connection to Ukrainian education.
• Results will be recognized simply, meaning students do not have to undergo assessment for subjects studied abroad.
• Students will be able to obtain Ukrainian educational documents and continue their studies in their home country, including at higher education institutions.

It is worth noting that in February 2025, the Verkhovna Rada adopted a bill that officially allows the recognition of educational results for children studying abroad.