Key Details for the 2026 Admissions Cycle
The Ukrainian Ministry for Communities and Territories Development has outlined the 2026 admissions process for applicants from temporarily occupied territories (TOT). This initiative is part of a broader effort to maintain educational continuity for Ukrainian youth affected by the ongoing war. A simplified admissions procedure will be implemented, featuring:
- Quotas for state-funded university places,
- Operation of specialized support centers,
- Social support and assistance with safe departure from occupied areas.
The admissions campaign is scheduled for 2026. Applicants from TOT are not required to submit results from the National Multi-Subject Test (NMT). Instead, they may undergo an interview on core subjects at their chosen educational institution. This provision applies to those who left occupied territories after October 1, 2025, or who still reside there. For individuals who departed earlier, the Quota-2 mechanism is in effect. Specifically, Quota-2 reserves 10% of state-funded places at standard universities, while at evacuated (relocated) institutions, this quota can be as high as 40%.
Support for Applicants from Occupied Territories
The Crimea-Ukraine and Donbas-Ukraine educational centers will begin operations on June 1 and accept applications until the end of September. To apply, a birth certificate is sufficient; a Ukrainian passport is not mandatory at this stage. An internal passport can be obtained after enrollment. Furthermore, applicants will be provided with free accommodation for the duration of their entrance exams.
Enrolled students from TOT will receive scholarships and preferential conditions for dormitory housing. A one-time state payment of 50,000 hryvnias is also available for youth up to 23 years old. Preparatory "zero-year" courses are offered to help students adapt to the Ukrainian curriculum. The Bring Kids Back UA initiative provides guidance and helps arrange safe travel routes, facilitating secure movement for applicants from occupied territories.
In summary, the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development is implementing a comprehensive set of measures to support youth from temporarily occupied territories, ensuring their equal access to higher education in Ukraine. This initiative is a crucial component of the state's strategy to integrate TOT youth into society and provide them with development opportunities in a secure and supportive environment.
As the educational landscape evolves, the upcoming changes in the university admissions process for 2026 are particularly noteworthy. These reforms not only aim to streamline access for students from occupied territories but also align with broader initiatives on scholarships and support systems. For a comprehensive overview of the anticipated modifications in university admissions and the introduction of new scholarship opportunities, see the details in the major overhaul of admissions and scholarships.