Ukrainian Student Stipends to Double in 2026: New Payment Levels Announced

Ukraine to Increase Student Stipends from 2026

According to Главком: Starting September 1, 2026, Ukraine will raise the minimum and special stipends for students in higher education and professional pre-higher education institutions. This planned increase in budgetary allocations for student payments reflects the state's commitment to supporting young people and ensuring decent conditions for their studies. This move comes as part of broader efforts to strengthen the country's educational system and retain talent.

From the new academic year, students at higher education institutions will receive a minimum stipend of 4,000 UAH. The government has also regulated the payment procedure for students at private higher education institutions studying under state orders, effective from the same date. Ukraine's state budget for 2026 allocates 6.6 billion UAH for academic and named stipends, which is 1.2 billion UAH more than in 2025. Additionally, the government has earmarked 3 billion UAH for the development of science in Ukraine.

Revised Stipend Amounts for University and College Students

Specifically, stipends for university students will increase from September 1, 2026, in the following categories:

• The President of Ukraine's stipend will rise from 10,000 UAH to 20,000 UAH;
• The Verkhovna Rada (Parliament) of Ukraine stipend – from 4,400 UAH to 8,800 UAH;
• The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine stipend – from 4,000 UAH to 8,000 UAH;
• The minimum academic stipend will increase from 2,000 UAH to 4,000 UAH;
• The enhanced academic stipend (for special achievements) – from 2,910 UAH to 5,820 UAH;
• The sectoral principle stipend – from 2,550 UAH to 5,100 UAH;
• The sectoral principle stipend (enhanced) – from 3,710 UAH to 7,420 UAH.

Stipends for college students will also change in 2026:

• The President of Ukraine's stipend will increase from 7,600 UAH to 15,200 UAH;
• The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine stipend – from 3,320 UAH to 6,640 UAH;
• The minimum academic stipend will rise from 1,510 UAH to 3,020 UAH;
• The enhanced academic stipend (for special achievements) – from 2,197 UAH to 4,394 UAH;
• The sectoral principle stipend – from 1,930 UAH to 3,860 UAH;
• The sectoral principle stipend (enhanced) – from 2,809 UAH to 5,618 UAH.

“This decision is an example of interaction where the proposals of young people influence state policy and become real government decisions.”

Yuliia Svyrydenko

The Ministry of Finance emphasized that “raising stipends from September 1, 2026, is another step by the state to support youth, develop human capital, and stimulate quality education in Ukraine.”

The stipend increase is a significant step in supporting students in Ukraine, which may help improve study conditions and reduce financial barriers for young people. This decision also reflects the state's commitment to investing in human capital, which is critically important for the development of the country's economy and innovation. Implementing the new stipend levels could motivate students in their studies and scientific activities, which in turn would contribute to overall progress in Ukraine's educational and scientific spheres.