New Admission Procedures for Ukrainian Universities in 2026
The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine has unveiled a revised admissions framework for the 2026 academic year, introducing several significant changes. These include the elimination of mandatory motivational letters, the acceptance of European exam results in place of the national multi-subject test (NMT) for some applicants, and a cap on the number of applications. Prospective students will now be limited to a total of 10 applications, with no more than five of those for state-funded (budget) places.
These reforms are part of a broader effort to modernize the admissions process in response to the ongoing challenges facing the country's education system. The new priority system will apply to both bachelor's and master's degree admissions, including fee-paying (contract) places. For most creative arts programs, the weight of the creative competition in the final score has been increased to 0.7, and all interviews and creative contests will be conducted in person. Exceptions to this in-person rule apply to applicants from temporarily occupied territories, those currently serving in the military, and individuals representing Ukraine in international competitions.
Key Selection Criteria for Bachelor's Degrees
The primary criterion for bachelor's degree admission remains performance on the National Multi-Subject Test (NMT). In 2026, the NMT will consist of three mandatory subjects: Ukrainian language, mathematics, and the history of Ukraine. The fourth subject will be chosen from the following list:
- foreign language
- biology
- geography
- physics
- chemistry
- Ukrainian literature
The main NMT session will run from May 20 to June 25, with an additional session scheduled for July 17-24.
The overall goal of the new admissions order is to streamline the application process and adapt it to current conditions. The changes reflect the Ministry's aim to reduce bureaucratic hurdles for applicants and provide greater flexibility in choosing institutions. This move could also foster increased competition among universities for students, which may, in turn, have a positive impact on the quality of higher education nationwide.
In light of the recent changes to the admissions process, it is essential to understand how these reforms address the challenges posed by previous testing disruptions. For instance, Kyiv has proposed adjustments to the entrance exam rules to ensure a fairer and more efficient evaluation for students affected by wartime conditions. These discussions highlight the ongoing efforts to adapt the education system to current realities.