Education Ministry Refuses to Lower Admission Thresholds for Medicine and Law Programs

Ministry Stands Firm on Minimum Competitive Scores

According to Главком: Ukraine's Ministry of Education and Science (MES) has rejected calls to reduce the minimum competitive scores required for admission to several high-demand fields, including medicine, law, international relations, and public administration. The decision came in response to a proposal from the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, who had urged the ministry to ease entry requirements. MES argued that altering admission rules mid-campaign would undermine fairness and predictability in the process.

The requirement of at least 150 competitive points remains in place for all applicants-including those seeking contract (tuition-paying) spots. The affected specialties are:

• Medicine
• Pediatrics
• Dentistry
• Medical Psychology
• Law
• International Law
• International Relations
• Public Administration

Additionally, the ministry has officially set minimum competitive scores for state-funded (budget) admissions in 2026: 130 points for most programs, 140 for pharmacy, and 150 for the specialties listed above.

Ensuring Stability in University Admissions

The admissions framework for higher education institutions was developed well in advance and underwent consultations with universities and professional bodies. Based on this framework, institutions have already finalized their own admission rules and configured their electronic systems. In 2025, the average competitive score for budget-funded spots in international relations was 174.34, while political science stood at 172.89.

This year marks the fifth year that applicants are taking the National Multi-Subject Test during the full-scale invasion. An additional session is available for those who, for valid reasons, could not take the test during the main session. As the Ministry of Education and Science states:

“Changing the rules during the admission campaign under external pressure is unacceptable-they must remain predictable and fair.”

The MES's refusal to revise the minimum competitive scores underscores the importance of stability and predictability in the university admissions system. This decision may affect prospective students who are preparing to apply, as not everyone will be able to meet the established thresholds. At the same time, the ministry emphasizes the need to adhere to existing regulations to ensure fairness in the process and prevent potential abuses or manipulations by any participants.

The recent decision by the Ministry of Education to maintain high admission standards aligns with the broader context of evolving university admission regulations for 2026. This consistency is crucial for ensuring that prospective students are adequately prepared for competitive fields, emphasizing the importance of maintaining rigorous academic standards in higher education.