Over 355,000 Applicants Sign Up for Ukraine’s 2026 University Entrance Exam: Here Are the Most Popular Subjects

2026 NMT Results at a Glance

According to Главком: More than 355,000 individuals have registered for the main session of the National Multi-Subject Test (NMT) in 2026-an increase of 43,000 compared to the previous year. This year, over 18,000 test-takers will take the exam abroad. The most sought-after subjects among candidates include:

• Foreign languages
• Geography
• Biology
• Ukrainian literature

Physics was selected by roughly 11,000 participants, while chemistry attracted approximately 3,000.

Test Schedule and Key Changes

The main NMT session in 2026 runs from May 20 to June 25, with an additional registration window open from May 11 to May 16. For context, in 2025, over 317,000 people registered for the NMT, with 9,000 choosing physics and around 3,000 opting for chemistry. Ukraine’s Ministry of Education and Science has also approved new university admission rules for 2026, including the elimination of mandatory motivation letters.

Additionally, the Ministry will allocate 700 million hryvnias to equip science classrooms. In 2025, 106 schools gained the opportunity to set up modern educational spaces.

“A child’s interest in these subjects is sparked by access to research, state-of-the-art equipment, and real experiments,” said Oksen Lisovyi.

Ukrainian universities will also recognize results from certain European exams as an alternative to the NMT. This could open up additional pathways for applicants in 2026.

The surge in NMT registrations reflects a growing emphasis on education in Ukraine, likely driven by improved learning conditions and new Ministry initiatives. The introduction of alternative exam options may further boost the global competitiveness of Ukrainian institutions, offering prospective students more flexibility when applying to higher education programs.

The recent increase in applicants for the National Multi-Subject Test highlights a significant shift in Ukraine's educational landscape. In light of this, it's important to note that 9th graders will not participate in the NMT in 2024, a decision that could influence future educational pathways for many students. Understanding these changes can provide valuable insights into the evolving admission processes and opportunities for prospective university students.