Social Stipends in 2026: Eligibility and Payment Amounts for Ukrainian Students

Social Stipends in Ukraine for 2026

According to ХВИЛЯ: In 2026, Ukraine continues to provide social stipends to university students and cadets. The payment amounts for specific categories have increased due to their linkage to an updated subsistence minimum. These stipends are available for bachelor's and master's degree students enrolled in state-funded programs on a full-time or dual form of study.

The rise in the 2026 subsistence minimum has directly impacted the stipend amounts. For orphans under 18, the stipend equals 150% of the child's age-specific subsistence minimum, amounting to 5,268 UAH in 2026. For students aged 18-23 who are orphans or lost their parents during their studies, the payment is 150% of the subsistence minimum for able-bodied persons, which is 4,992 UAH in 2026.

Student Categories Eligible for Social Stipends

Several other student groups are also eligible for social stipends in 2026. These include:

• Orphans and children deprived of parental care;
• Individuals affected by the Chornobyl disaster;
• Participants of the Revolution of Dignity;
• Combatants and their children;
• Internally displaced persons (IDPs) until they reach 23 years of age;
• Students with disabilities acquired as a result of war;
• Children from low-income families;
• Children of defenders who were killed or are missing in action;
• Residents of frontline settlements.

The increase in social stipend amounts implemented in 2026 represents a significant step in supporting vulnerable student groups in Ukraine. This policy aims to enhance the financial stability of such students, which can positively influence their academic performance and social integration. These stipends remain a critical form of support for many young people facing difficult circumstances, particularly amidst the ongoing war and economic challenges the country endures. The system is designed to help ensure that education remains accessible despite these hardships.