Changes in Ukraine's PhD Program for 2025
In 2025, Ukraine plans to reduce the number of budget places for PhD studies. For the first time, electronic cabinets will be used for admissions at this educational level.
This was announced during a briefing at the "Media Center Ukraine" by Deputy Minister of Education and Science Mykhailo Vynnytskyi.
According to him, the number of budget places for PhD admissions may decrease to about five thousand, which is two thousand less than last year.
"We are forecasting approximately five thousand places in the PhD program this year, but exact figures are not yet available. Obviously, priority will be given to engineering and natural sciences specialties, for which we need PhD-level specialists", – explained the Deputy Minister.
The decision to cut the number of budget places was made because last year's number was considered "too high".
The official believes that the surge in interest in PhD studies was caused by the possibility of obtaining a military deferment rather than a genuine desire for education.
"This year, the interest will be significantly lower. We want to ensure that places in the PhD program are reserved for those who genuinely want to write dissertations, conduct research, and create innovations. We aim to prevent an excess of places that are misused", – he added.
Mykhailo Vynnytskyi noted that the rule stating that only full-time students can study in the PhD program under state order will remain unchanged this year. Applicants for part-time or evening studies will only be able to enroll on a contractual basis.
It is worth mentioning that after 2022, there has been a rapid increase in the number of applicants for PhD programs in Ukraine. In particular, the proportion of men of conscription age among them has increased compared to previous years.
Last year, the Ministry of Education and Science changed the admission rules, stipulating that full-time PhD studies can only be done under state order. At the same time, the number of budget places was doubled.
The Ministry believes that the increase in the passing score for PhD admissions in 2024 helped "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.