Changes in Ukraine's Postgraduate Education: Reduction of State-Funded Places

In 2025, Ukraine plans to reduce the number of state-funded places for postgraduate education. Additionally, electronic cabinets will be used for the first time during the admissions process.

This was announced by Deputy Minister of Education Mykhailo Vynnytsky during a briefing at the "Media Center Ukraine".

According to him, the number of state-funded places for postgraduate studies may decrease to about five thousand, which is two thousand fewer than last year.

"We anticipate approximately five thousand places in postgraduate education this year, but the exact figures are not yet available. Clearly, engineering and natural sciences will be prioritized, as we need specialists at the postgraduate level for these innovations", – he explained.

The decision to reduce the number of state-funded places was made because the previous year's numbers were considered "too high".

The official believes that the surge of interest in postgraduate education was driven by the opportunity to defer military service rather than a genuine desire for education.

"This year, we expect significantly less interest. We want to ensure that those who truly wish to write dissertations, conduct research, and create innovations have access to postgraduate education. We need to prevent an excess of places and misuse of postgraduate studies", – he added.

Mykhailo Vynnytsky noted that the rule remains unchanged this year, according to which only full-time students will be able to study under state funding in postgraduate education. Applicants for part-time or evening studies will only be able to enroll on a contractual basis.

It is worth noting that after 2022, there has been a significant increase in the number of individuals interested in postgraduate education in Ukraine. Notably, the share of men of conscription age among these applicants has increased compared to previous years.

Last year, the Ministry of Education modified the admission rules, allowing full-time postgraduate students to study only under state funding, while simultaneously doubling the number of state-funded places.

Officials believe that an increase in the passing score for postgraduate admissions in 2024 helped "filter out" a significant number of applicants of conscription age.

However, due to the abnormal number of applicants, plans are in place to introduce a state exam for postgraduate students.