Students will receive payments during their studies: Ukrzaliznytsia launched two programs

Ukrzaliznytsia is launching two programs for students and graduates that provide for additional payments, training, and further employment. Young specialists are offered a stipend during their studies, and for in-demand professions, a bonus of up to 78,000 UAH is provided. The company is trying to attract young people after it lost 27% of its employees. This is reported by Ukrzaliznytsia.

Who can receive a scholarship from Ukrzaliznytsia

The first program is aimed at students of the final years of vocational, specialized pre-higher, and higher education institutions. They will be able to receive a corporate scholarship for six months, from January to June.

The monthly payment will amount to 50% of the minimum wage. At the current rate, this is about 4,000 UAH per month. Thus, over six months, a student can additionally receive about 24,000 UAH.

Students in full-time study who have an average score of 4.5 or 85+, have no academic debts, and are already familiar with working in Ukrzaliznytsia will be able to apply for the scholarship,

In particular, the completion of an internship or practical training, as well as participation in student or professional projects will be taken into account. Candidates will undergo a competitive selection process, after which they will sign a contract with the company.

After completing their studies, participants must be employed by Ukrzaliznytsia within six months and work there for at least six months.

Employers are increasingly competing for young talent. In 2026, salaries for students in Ukraine rose by 24% and approached 30,000 UAH.

Who will Ukrzaliznytsia pay up to 78,000 UAH

The second program is called the 'Starting Bonus' and is intended for those who have already completed their studies. It will cover certain in-demand worker and engineering-technical professions determined by the company.

A graduate from vocational school, college, or university employed in one of these positions can receive an additional payment of up to 78,000 UAH.

The money will not be paid all at once. The first 30,000 UAH will be received after three months of work. Another 48,000 UAH is to be provided after nine months of work in the company.

Thus, Ukrzaliznytsia is not only trying to attract graduates but also to retain them after employment. This is happening against the backdrop of a general personnel deficit, due to which employers have to increase salaries, train new employees, and offer additional bonuses.

Detailed participation conditions, a list of in-demand professions, and the procedure for conducting competitions will be announced by Ukrzaliznytsia later.

It should be noted that in Ukraine salaries are rising, while the number of candidates is decreasing: in the category for students and those starting their careers, the number of responses to job vacancies has decreased by more than 26% over the year.