New Admission Procedure for Higher Education in 2026
The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine has approved the 2026 admission procedure for higher education. This updated framework introduces significant changes, including the elimination of motivational letters and a shift to fully in-person assessments. In 2026, applicants can submit up to 10 applications, but no more than 5 can be for state-funded spots. Additionally, the weight of creative competitions has been raised to 0.7 for most creative specialties.
The National Multi-Subject Test (NMT) remains the primary selection criterion for bachelor's programs. Applicants may use NMT certificates from 2023, 2024, or 2025. The mandatory NMT components for 2026 include:
- Ukrainian Language
- Mathematics
- History of Ukraine
Students can choose one elective from options such as foreign languages, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Geography, and Ukrainian Literature.
A key innovation is the recognition of national graduation exam results from European countries for Ukrainian citizens who studied abroad. Assessments at educational institutions will be conducted exclusively in person, except for applicants from temporarily occupied territories, military personnel, and members of national teams. For master's programs, candidates must take the Unified Entrance Exam (UEE), which includes sections on general academic competence and a foreign language. Results from the 2024, 2025, or 2026 UEE sessions are accepted.
Key Dates Calendar
Registration and test dates have also been set. For the main NMT session, participant cabinet registration runs from March 5 to April 2, with testing from May 20 to June 25. An additional NMT session is scheduled for July 17–24. For master's programs, UEE registration for the main session takes place from April 23 to May 14, with testing from June 26 to July 14.
Participant cabinets will be accessible from July 1 to October 15, 2026. Special quotas apply to certain categories, including orphans, combatants, people with disabilities, and political prisoners. There is also a quota for applicants from temporarily occupied territories and active combat zones.
Key dates for bachelor's admission include:
- Application submission via electronic cabinets begins July 19
- Deadline: August 1 at 6:00 PM
- Release of recommended admission lists: no later than August 6
- Confirmation of study place choice: by August 11
- Final enrollment for state-funded and contract spots: by August 13
These changes aim to streamline the admission process and ensure equal conditions for all applicants. The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine is introducing several innovations to simplify university entry and level the playing field.
These adjustments to the admission procedure represent a crucial step in adapting the education system to modern challenges, particularly during wartime and post-war recovery. Recognizing international exam results supports the integration of Ukrainian students into the European education framework. At the same time, the introduction of preferential quotas and testing options for applicants with special circumstances underscores the commitment to providing equal access to education for all population groups.
As the new admission rules take shape, it's essential to understand the recently announced minimum score thresholds for state-funded university positions. These thresholds will play a crucial role in determining eligibility and could significantly impact applicants' strategies for securing a place in higher education for the upcoming academic year.