The draft state budget for 2026 proposes to increase salaries for teachers of Ukrainian universities. The initiative was submitted by the chairman of the parliamentary finance committee Danilo Getmantsev and the Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk. According to Getmantsev, the main reason is the mass exodus of scientists abroad. The parliamentarian explained that universities are losing staff due to low salaries, and young specialists do not see prospects for staying in Ukraine.
«When salaries are low, teachers either go abroad or find work outside their specialization. Young scientists do not see the point in staying, and students do not understand why they should choose science», — noted Getmantsev.
Proposed salaries for university teachers in 2026
According to the proposal, the basic salaries without allowances are as follows:
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Assistant / lecturer — 30,000 UAH;
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Senior lecturer — 33,000 UAH;
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Associate professor — 36,300 UAH;
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Professor — 39,930 UAH.
Legal allowances for academic degree, title, and length of service will be added to these rates. If Parliament supports the changes, the increases may be included in this year's budget so that they take effect from 2026.
It should be noted that, according to the State Statistics Service, in August 2025, the average salary in the field of professional, scientific, and technical activities was 33,906 UAH before taxes. Thus, the proposed salaries will bring teachers' incomes closer to the real market level.
Earlier, we reported that the 2026 state budget included amendments aimed at significantly increasing salaries for teachers. The main idea is to ensure that the salary of educators is not less than three minimum wages.