Changes in Ukraine's PhD Program: New Rules and Reductions
In Ukraine, a reduction in budget places for PhD students is planned for 2025. For the first time, electronic cabinets for admissions will be introduced.
This information was shared during a briefing at the "Media Center Ukraine" by Deputy Minister of Education Mykhailo Vynnytskyi.
He indicated that the number of budget places may decrease to about five thousand, which is two thousand less than last year.
"We expect around five thousand places in the PhD program this year, but exact numbers are yet to be determined. Preference will be given to engineering and natural sciences, as we need specialists at this level", – he explained.
The decision to cut budget places was made because their number last year was considered excessive.
The official believes that the rush among those wishing to study in PhD programs was caused by the opportunity to defer military service rather than a genuine desire for education.
"This year, we anticipate significantly less rush. Our goal is to ensure that only those who truly want to write dissertations and conduct research have places in the PhD program and to prevent misuse of these opportunities", – he added.
Mykhailo Vynnytskyi noted that the rule remains unchanged: only full-time students can study in the PhD program under state orders, while part-time or evening students will only be able to enroll on a contract basis.
It is worth recalling that after 2022, there was a sharp increase in those wishing to enroll in PhD programs. Notably, the proportion of men of conscription age among them increased.
Last year, the Ministry of Education changed the admission rules, allowing study in full-time PhD programs only under state orders, while also doubling the number of budget places.
The ministry believes that raising the passing score for PhD admissions in 2024 helped to filter out a significant portion of applicants of conscription age.
However, due to the abnormal number of applicants, Ukraine plans to introduce a state examination for PhD students.
