In 2025, Ukraine plans to reduce the number of budget places for graduate studies. For the first time, electronic cabinets will be introduced for admissions.
This was announced by Deputy Minister of Education and Science Mykhailo Vynnytskyi during a briefing at the "Media Center Ukraine".
According to him, the number of budget places may decrease to around five thousand, which is two thousand less than last year.
"We expect about five thousand places in graduate studies this year, but exact figures are still unknown. Engineering and natural sciences will be prioritized, as we need graduate-level specialists for innovations", he explained.
The decision to reduce the number of budget places was made because their number last year was deemed "too large".
The official believes that the surge in applicants for graduate studies was caused by the possibility of obtaining a military service deferment, rather than a genuine desire to pursue education.
"This year, there will be much less of a rush. We want to ensure that those who truly wish to write dissertations, conduct research, and create innovations have a place in graduate studies", he added.
Mykhailo Vynnytskyi noted that the rule will remain unchanged this year, where only full-time students can study in graduate programs under state order. Applicants for part-time or evening programs will only be able to enroll on a contract basis.
It is worth mentioning that after 2022, the number of those wishing to enter graduate schools in Ukraine has rapidly increased, particularly among men of conscription age.
Last year, the Ministry of Education and Science changed the admission rules, allowing study in full-time graduate programs only under state order, while the number of budget places was doubled.
The ministry believes that the increase in the passing score for graduate studies in 2024 helped "filter out" a significant portion of applicants of conscription age.
However, due to the abnormal number of applicants, Ukraine plans to introduce a state examination for graduate students.
