Ukraine Allocates 6.6 Billion Hryvnias for Teacher Salary Hikes in 2026

Funding Distribution for Salary Increases

According to Главком: The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has announced the allocation of 6.6 billion hryvnias across 24 regional budgets to cover higher salaries for education and social sector workers. The distribution of funds is based on each region's needs and its local budget capacity. For areas where active hostilities are ongoing, the state will cover 80% of the costs, while other regions will receive compensation ranging from 50% to 80%.

Phased Salary Increases

Salary raises for education and social sector employees will be implemented in two stages:

• The first stage, involving a 30% increase, is scheduled for January 1, 2026.
• The second stage, with an additional 20% rise, will take place on September 1, 2026.

A total of 64.6 billion hryvnias has already been set aside in the 2026 state budget to support these measures.

As of early July 2025, the average salary in the education sector was approximately 16,000 hryvnias. Under a new regional financial support mechanism introduced by the government in February, all teachers are entitled to a base supplement of 2,000 hryvnias. Those working in frontline areas will receive an additional bonus of 4,000 hryvnias.

Yulia Svyrydenko stated: 'The key principle behind the fund distribution is that the lower a region's own revenue, the larger the share of salary increase costs covered by the state budget.'

These changes aim to improve working conditions for educators and social workers in Ukraine, a critical goal given the country's current socio-economic challenges.

This decision by the Ukrainian government underscores efforts to support vital sectors that directly influence societal and economic development. Higher salaries could help boost the quality of education and social services, while encouraging professionals to remain in their regions despite the hardships of war and economic difficulties. Implementing this program is also essential for ensuring the stability and growth of the education system during wartime.