Proposal to Drop Mandatory National Exam for Fee-Paying University Applicants in Ukraine

Petition Calls for Removing Testing Requirement for Contract Students

According to Главком: A petition registered on the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine's website urges the elimination of the compulsory National Multi-Subject Test (NMT) for students entering universities on a contract (fee-paying) basis. Under the proposal, the exam would remain mandatory only for those seeking state-funded spots. The petition's author argues that admissions for paying students could instead rely on interviews, document reviews, or other methods already used by higher education institutions. This initiative comes as Ukrainian schoolchildren continue their studies under the conditions of a full-scale war for a fourth consecutive year.

Alternative Bill and Education Minister’s Stance

Separately, an alternative bill (No. 15254-1) has been registered in the Verkhovna Rada, proposing to reduce the number of compulsory NMT subjects from three to two. Lawmakers have suggested removing mathematics from the mandatory list, sparking debate among educators and the public.

Education Minister Oksen Lisovyi shared his perspective on the feasibility of taking four subjects in a single day, calling it a manageable task. He stated:

“The NMT should remain a fair competitive selection tool for those applying for state or regional-funded places. If the state finances education, a competitive exam like the NMT is logical. But if a family pays for their child's education out of pocket, forcing them to take an additional nationwide exam is unnecessary.” - Oksen Lisovyi

The petition’s author also highlighted that Ukraine’s child population is shrinking, and many young people have already left the country. Those graduates who remain and are willing to study and work in Ukraine need support, not extra barriers. “The state should support children and families, not a system of endless preparation, courses, and tutors,” the author noted.

Additionally, the proposal would ban transferring contract students who entered without the exam to state-funded slots during the admission campaign. The Verkhovna Rada may consider dismissing Education Minister Oksen Lisovyi next week, a move that could affect further developments in the education sector.

The NMT and contract admissions issue reflects the broader challenges facing Ukrainian education during wartime. The declining number of children and the outflow of youth abroad threaten not only the pool of applicants but also the overall quality of education. In this context, shifting toward more flexible admission models may become a necessary step to sustain the country’s educational system.

As discussions around educational reforms continue, the proposal to reduce the number of compulsory subjects for the National Multi-Subject Test has gained traction. This initiative has sparked a significant debate, highlighting the challenges faced by students in the current educational landscape. For further insights into how these proposed changes might impact the examination process, you can read more about the efforts to limit the NMT to two subjects.