Graduates and the National Multi-Subject Test
Ukraine’s Minister of Education and Science, Oksen Lisovyi, has revealed that roughly 20% of high school graduates fail to achieve the minimum passing score on the National Multi-Subject Test (NMT). He firmly dismissed any notion of removing mathematics as a compulsory subject, stressing its fundamental role in education.
The NMT was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to be used under martial law. The main sessions for the 2026 NMT began on May 20 and will run through June 25, with over 350,000 individuals registered. The government has already submitted a draft law on admission requirements for 2027, which preserves the current model of mandatory subjects: Ukrainian language, mathematics, and history of Ukraine, with a fourth subject chosen by the test-taker.
Minister’s Stance on Mathematics
Lisovyi stated that a parliamentary initiative to reclassify mathematics as an elective subject received no support from the Ministry of Education. He strongly opposed any move to drop mathematics or make it optional, adding:
“And the same goes for any other subjects, particularly the history of Ukraine. The history of Ukraine is a fundamental worldview matter, tied to identity and understanding the path of our nation.” - Oksen Lisovyi
Furthermore, the minister highlighted the expansion of a network of professional colleges across Ukraine, which he described as a worthy alternative to higher education for students after 11th grade. He noted that “given the current labor shortage we face, this is also a very good choice.”
As a result, Ukraine’s education policy remains focused on delivering quality education, with strong emphasis on core mandatory subjects and the development of alternative educational pathways. Amid high competition and a significant labor shortage, the government’s push for professional colleges could play a key role in producing skilled workers aligned with market demands.
While the Minister emphasizes the importance of mathematics in education, a recent survey indicates that only 11% of Ukrainians believe math holds no relevance after school. This statistic raises questions about public perception of math's role in daily life and the ongoing debate about its necessity in the curriculum. To explore these insights further, read about the perceived usefulness of math among Ukrainians.