According to the Ministry of Education and Science, in 2025, the number of men aged 25+ who enrolled in various levels of education decreased by almost half compared to the previous year. The largest reduction was observed in postgraduate and master's programs.
Deputy Minister Mykola Trofymenko explained that while in 2024 there were over 112 thousand such entrants, in 2025 there were only over 50 thousand.
“The issue of admission of men aged 25+ to various levels of education interests the General Staff and the Ministry of Defense. In 2025, there is a significant decrease in this category of entrants compared to the previous year. Our measures to combat evasion from education have yielded results,” highlighted Trofymenko.
The committee noted that an increase in the number of men aged 25+ at various levels of education was observed after the beginning of the conflict, but in 2025 there is a decrease in this indicator, especially noticeable in postgraduate and master's programs.
Trofymenko also emphasized that the government is taking measures to eliminate the negative impact on educational indicators, in particular by checking vocational higher education institutions and developing vocational and technical education.
It should be noted that a draft law is being registered to limit the right of students to defer their studies who have exceeded the academic term.
In 2025, there is a significant decrease in the number of men aged 25+ who enrolled in various levels of education. The decrease is especially evident in postgraduate and master's programs, indicating the successful actions of the government in addressing issues in the education system.