In 2025, Ukraine will reduce the number of budget places available for doctoral studies. For the first time, electronic cabinets will be used for admissions to this level of education.
This was announced during a briefing at "Media Center Ukraine" by Deputy Minister of Education and Science Mykhailo Vynytskyi.
According to him, 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 doctoral studies this year, but exact figures are not yet available. Clearly, priority will be given to engineering and natural sciences specialties, for which we urgently need [specialists] at the doctoral level," he explained.
The decision to reduce the number of budget places was made because last year's figures were considered "too high".
The official believes that the surge in interest among those wishing to pursue doctoral studies was caused by the opportunity to receive a deferment from military service, rather than a genuine desire for education.
"This year, the surge will be much less. We want to ensure that places in doctoral studies are available to those who genuinely want to write dissertations, conduct research, and create innovations. However, we do not want too many places, so that doctoral studies are not misused," he added.
Mykhailo Vynytskyi noted that the rule remains unchanged this year: under government orders, only full-time students will be trained in doctoral studies. Applicants for part-time or evening studies can only enroll on a contractual basis.
It is worth noting that after 2022, the number of applicants for doctoral studies in universities in Ukraine surged significantly, especially among conscription-age men.
Last year, the Ministry of Education changed the admission rules, allowing only full-time doctoral students to study under government orders while doubling the number of budget places.
Officials believe that the increase in the passing score for doctoral 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 doctoral students.