2026 National Multi-Subject Test Data Released
The Vstup.OSVITA.UA portal has published data on average National Multi-Subject Test (NMT) scores, competition levels, and the number of state-funded students at Ukrainian higher education institutions based on the 2025 admissions campaign. For 2026, over 355,000 applicants have registered for the NMT—43,000 more than in 2025. Of these, more than 336,000 will take the test within Ukraine, while 18,500 will do so abroad. Over 103,000 applicants who previously took the NMT have re-registered.
Competition Scores and Rule Changes
The main session of NMT-2026 ran from May 20 to June 25, with an additional session from July 17 to 24. Ukraine’s Ministry of Education and Science (MES) has set minimum competition scores for state-funded admission in 2026. For most bachelor’s degree programs, the minimum competition score will be:
- 130 points for the majority of programs;
- 140 points for pharmacy and industrial pharmacy;
- 150 points for medicine, pediatrics, dentistry, medical psychology, law, international law, international relations, and public administration.
For shortage specialties with available vacancies, the minimum competition score will be as low as 120 points.
Additionally, in 2026, the minimum test thresholds have been raised: 8 points for Ukrainian language and 9 points for history of Ukraine. Applicants may submit no more than 10 applications, of which only 5 can be for state-funded spots. For context, in 2025, up to 15 applications were allowed. These changes are expected to intensify competition among applicants.
The rise in the number of applicants and the increase in competition scores reflect a growing interest in higher education in Ukraine. The introduction of new minimum score requirements and the cap on applications could significantly affect applicants’ chances of securing state-funded places, potentially altering their preparation strategies and choice of specialty. These adjustments may also impact educational institutions, which will need to adapt their programs and teaching approaches in an increasingly competitive environment.
As the competition for state-funded university spots intensifies, understanding the registration trends can provide valuable insights for prospective applicants. The surge in the number of candidates, with over 355,000 signing up for the National Multi-Subject Test, highlights the growing interest in higher education. To explore which subjects are attracting the most attention among students, check out the details in our article on the most popular subjects for the 2026 exam.