INSTITUTION TYPES & CREDENTIALS

Types of higher education institutions:

Uniwersytet (University)

Akademia (Academy)

Instytut (Institute)

Konservatoria (Conservatoire)

Koledge (College)

School leaving and higher education credentials:

Atestat/Matriculation School Certificate

Dyplom Molodshogo Spetsialista

Dyplom Bakalavra

Dyplom Spetsialista

Dyplom Magistra

Internatura

Master

Kandydat Nauk

PhD

Doktor Nauk

STRUCTURE OF EDUCATION SYSTEM

Pre-higher education:

Duration of compulsory education:

Age of entry: 6

Age of exit: 15

Structure of school system:

Elementary

Type of school providing this education: Elementary School

Length of program in years: 4

Age level from: 6 to: 10

Lower Secondary

Type of school providing this education: Lower Secondary (Osnowna Serednia Shkola)

Length of program in years: 5

Age level from: 10 to: 15

Certificate/diploma awarded: Swidoctwo Pro Nepownu Seredniu Oswitu/Lower Secondary School Leaving Certificate

Upper Secondary

Type of school providing this education: Upper Secondary Special School (Licei)

Length of program in years: 3

Age level from: 15 to: 18

Certificate/diploma awarded: Atestat/Matriculation School Certificate

Upper Secondary

Type of school providing this education: Upper Secondary School (Starsha Serednia Shkola)

Length of program in years: 3

Age level from: 15 to: 18

Certificate/diploma awarded: Atestat/Matriculation School Certificate

Special Education

Type of school providing this education: Upper Secondary Special School (Gimnazia)

Length of program in years: 3

Age level from: 15 to: 18

Certificate/diploma awarded: Atestat/Matriculation School Certificate

Vocational

Type of school providing this education: Vocational Secondary School (Technikum)

Length of program in years: 5

Age level from: 15 to: 20

Certificate/diploma awarded: Atestat, Diplom Technika/Matriculation School Certificate, Professional Secondary School Leaving Diploma, Junior Specialist

Vocational

Type of school providing this education: Vocational School (Profesijno-Tecnichne Uchylyshche)

Length of program in years: 4

Age level from: 15 to: 20

Certificate/diploma awarded: Atestat, Swidoctwo Pro Zakinchennia Uchylyshcha/Matriculation School Certificate, Vocational School Leaving Certificate

School education:

All children aged from 7 to 15 years' old attend nine-year compulsory school. Options after comprehensive school are upper secondary school or vocational education. Upper secondary school: 3-year general school leading to the Matriculation Examination, giving successful students access to university and other higher education schools. The present vocational education system covers both general secondary and vocational programmes, with separate tracks for comprehensive school leavers and matriculated students. The system is being reformed.

Higher education:

Higher education in Ukraine is managed by the Ministry of Education which coordinates the activities of higher schools and supervises the higher schools which are under other ministries. According to the "Law on Education", higher education includes the following levels and categories of establishment: level I -  vocational schools and other HEIs of a corresponding level; level II - colleges and other HEIs of a corresponding level which teach Bachelor and junior specialist courses; level III - institutes, conservatories,academies and universities that teach Bachelor's and Specialist, as well as junior specialist courses; and  level IV - institutes, conservatories, academies and universities which teach Bachelor's, Master's and Specialist courses. The degree system is under reform: The old system had only one stage of undergraduate studies, the degree of "Specialist", awarded after 5 years of study. The new system comprises two stages: undergraduate and graduate, with several degree levels. A Union of Rectors was created in 1993.

Main laws/decrees governing higher education:

Decree: Decree on Autonomy Year: 1990

Concerns: Higher education institutions

Decree: Law on Education Year: 1996

Concerns: State and private system of education

Decree: Law on Education Year: 2002

Concerns: Higher education

Decree: Law on Extra-Scholastic Education Year: 2000

Concerns: Extra-scholastic institutions

Decree: Law on General Secondary Education Year: 1999

Concerns: Primary, basic and senior schools

Decree: Law on Vocational Education Year: 1998

Concerns: Vocational institutions

Academic year:

Classes from: Sep to: Jun

Long vacation from: 1 Jul to: 31 Aug

Languages of instruction: Russian, Ukrainian, English

Stages of studies:

Non-university level post-secondary studies (technical/vocational type):

Non-university level:

Since 1992 the whole system of Ukrainian postsecondary education is considered "higher education". According to the "Law on Education", the following levels and categories of establishments offer higher vocational education: level I - technical and vocational schools; level II - technicums and colleges. They award the qualification of Junior Specialist. Level III institutes are university-level institutions. Graduates from post-secondary vocational schools must sit for final examinations and defend a graduation thesis/work. The Diploma confers a right to employment at a pre-set level or the right to continue training in institutions of a higher level.

University level studies:

University level first stage: Bakalavr, Specialist:

The academic and professional diploma of Bakalavr (BA, BEd., BMed.) is generally awarded after four years of successful study (six years for Medicine). The Bakalavr programme comprises basic higher education and professional training in a given field. It is an intermediate degree. The degree (Diplom) of Specialist is awarded after five or six years of study, depending on the type of institution.

University level second stage: Magister:

The Magister (Master's Degree) is awarded on the basis of a Bachelor's Degree or Specialist's qualification generally one to two years after the first degree. Students must pass final examinations and defend a thesis.

University level third stage: Doctoral Degree-1:

Ukraine keeps a two-degree system at doctoral level: Kandydat nauk (Candidate of Sciences, comparable to the Ph.D.), and Doctor nauk. The first qualification is obtained after three or four years of study by submitting and publicly defending a thesis and passing the required examinations. The candidate's thesis can be prepared while following various forms of post-graduate studies.

University level fourth stage: Doctoral Degree-2:

The  "Doctor nauk" is the highest scientific degree in Ukraine, comparable to "Habilitation" in some Western countries. It is awarded to candidates already holding a "Kandidat nauk", on the successful presentation and defence of the "Doctor nauk" (habilitation) dissertation. The Habilitation dissertation should represent a major contribution to the development of a given field or branch of learning, and has to be published entirely or at least its main parts.

Teacher education:

Training of pre-primary and primary/basic school teachers

Pre-primary and and primary school teachers are trained in teacher-training institutions of Levels I, II, and III of accreditation (vocational schools, technikums, and colleges). Practical training at kindergarten and primary schools are part of the teacher training programme.

Training of secondary school teachers

Training is provided by higher education institutions of Levels III and IV  of accreditation (institutes and universities), in different faculties (Education, Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Physical Education, etc.). The programme for teachers includes standard topics of education and psychology. Teachers of practical/vocational courses are trained in the technical education institutes.

Training of higher education teachers

There are no special forms of training for higher education teachers. They are recruited among university graduates who hold a Magister or Kandidat Nauk Degree and have followed special education courses through various types of assistance.

Non-traditional studies:

Distance higher education

A network of correspondence and evening courses is intended for persons who are already employed. Candidates for such courses must not only pass an entrance examination, but also prove they effectively worked for a certain time.

Lifelong higher education

Some higher education institutions (mostly private) have departments of continuing education providing teaching based on the principles of general higher education. Obtaining Diplomas depends on credits obtained in required topics, as well as on the presentation of a paper.

Higher education training in industry

A certain number of higher education institutions organize evening classes in industry which are of the same level as full-time studies.

Other forms of non-formal higher education

The television of Ukraine broadcasts educational programmes of different levels for students and teachers in schools ranging from primary to upper secondary. These programmes are designed to introduce teachers to new pedagogical methods.

NATIONAL BODIES

Administration & co-ordination:

Responsible authorities:

Ministry of Education and Science

Head: Stanislav Nikolaenko, Minister

Prosp. Peremohi 10
252135 Kyiv
Kyiv Region
Ukraine

Tel: +380 (44) 2262661

Fax: +380 (44) 2361049

EMail: ministry@mon.gov.ua

WWW: http://www.mon.gov.ua

Council of Rectors of Ukrainian Institutions of Higher Education

Head: Viktor Skopenko, President

Taras Shevchenko Kyiv National University,
60 Volodymyrska St
01017 Kiev
Ukraine

Association of Non-State-owned Educational Institutions of Ukraine

Head: Ivan Tymoshenko

Administrative officer: Lubov Kondratenko, Executive Director

16-v Vernadsky Avenue
Kyiv
03115
Ukraine

Tel: +380 (44) 4527655

Fax: +380 (44) 4527655

EMail: assoc@eufimb.edu.ua

Role of governing body: To improve the educational system of Ukraine as an independent and highly developed state; to assert non-state owned property educational institutions' rights and to guarantee the social security of the members of the Association.

ADMISSIONS TO HIGHER EDUCATION

Admission to non university higher education studies

Name of secondary school credential required: Atestat/Matriculation School Certificate

Minimum score/requirement: satisfactory

For entry to: all higher technical/vocational and professional non-university studies

Alternatives to credentials:

none

Numerus clausus/restrictions:

These studies are intended for graduates of general secondary schools holding the Matriculation School Certificate. However, graduates with other secondary school certificates may be accepted.

Admission to university-level studies

Name of secondary school credential required: Atestat/Matriculation School Certificate

Minimum score/requirement: satisfactory

For entry to: all institutions of higher education

Entrance exams required: Entrance examination, qualification test or qualifying interview for some university level studies. The marks are determined by each institution or department.

Numerus clausus/restrictions: Specific ability requirements are set for artistic studies, physical education and architectural preservation studies. A certain age limit is also set.

Other admission requirements: Physical and mental predisposition of candidates to work in a certain professional field must first be ascertained.

Foreign students admission

Definition of foreign student: A person not having Ukrainian citizenship.

Admission requirements: Students must hold a secondary school leaving certificate giving access to higher education.

Entry regulations: The possession of a student visa is necessary. Students must be officially admitted by the Rector of the chosen institution.

Health requirements: Candidates seeking admission to higher studies should submit a health certificate.

Language requirements: Students must be proficient in Ukrainian or Russian. A 9 to 10 month course is offered in each university or institution.They  then sit for an examination which gives entry to the institution.

Application procedures:

Apply to individual institution for entry to: Institution selected (for addresses see List of institutions) and all academic programmes of this institution.

Apply to national body for entry to: All higher education institutions and all academic programmes.

Apply to:

Ministry of Education and Science

Peremohy prosp., 10
252135 Kiev
Ukraine

Tel: +380(44) 2262661

Fax: +380(44) 2741049

Application closing dates:

For non-university level (technical/vocational type) studies: 1 Mar

For university level studies: 1 Mar

For advanced/doctoral studies: 1 Mar

Recognition of studies & qualifications:

Studies pursued in home country (System of recognition/accreditation): Institutions award degrees according to the decision of the authority appointed by the Ministry of Education.

Studies pursued in foreign countries (bodies dealing with recognition of foreign credentials):

Department of Licensing, Accreditation and Nostrification, Ministry of Education and Science

Head: Vladimir Ivanovich Dommich

Prosp. Peremohi 10
01135 Kyiv
Kyiv Region
Ukraine

Tel: +380 (44) 2361049

EMail: ministry@mon.gov.ua;gioc@mon.gov.ua

Deals with credential recognition for entry to: University and Profession

Services provided & students dealt with: Information and guidance.

Other information sources on recognition of foreign studies: Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Ministry of Transport/Division of Education, The Vice-Rector for International Affairs of the higher education institutions

Special provisions for recognition:

For access to non-university post-secondary studies: Applicants must submit complete official academic documents together with their application form to this specific institution.

For access to university level studies: Applicants must submit complete official academic documents together with their application form to a specific institution.

For access to advanced studies and research: All applicants must submit complete official documents together with their application form to a specific university or research institute.

For the exercise of a profession: Applicants must present relevant documents to the appropriate ministry.

Multilateral agreements concerning recognition of foreign studies

Name of agreement: Paris Convention. Convention for the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees Concerning Higher Education in the States Belonging To the European Region.

Year of signature: 1979

Name of agreement: Prague Convention. Convention of Socialist Countries For the Mutual Recognition Or Equivalence of Education Documents, Scientific Degrees and Titles.

Year of signature: 1972

STUDENT LIFE

Main student services at national level

Office of Social Service for Students, Ministry of Education and Science

Peremohi prosp. 10
252135 Kyiv
Ukraine

Tel: +380(44) 2262661

Fax: +380(44) 2361049

Category of services provided: Social and welfare services; Special services/Centre for foreign students

Services available to foreign Students: Yes

Office of Students Affairs, Ministry of Education and Science

Peremohi prosp., 10
252135 Kyiv
Ukraine

Tel: +380(44) 4862800

Fax: +380(44) 4862800

Category of services provided: Academic and career counselling services; Special services/Centre for foreign students

Services available to foreign Students: Yes

Ukrainian International Centre "Osvita"

Office 18, Tarasovskaya St 9-a
01033 Kiev
Ukraine

Tel: +380(44) 2877582

Fax: +380(44) 2879756

EMail: intered@inered.com.ua

Category of services provided: Academic and career counselling services

Special student travel fares:

By road: Yes

By rail: Yes

By air: Yes

Available to foreign students: Yes

Student expenses and financial aid

Student costs:

Average living costs: 1000 (US Dollar)

Home students tuition fees: Minimum: 0 (Hryvna)

Maximum: 12000 (Hryvna)

Foreign students tuition fees: Minimum: 250 (US Dollar)

Maximum: 3500 (US Dollar)

Bodies providing information on student financial aid:

Office of Foreign Education, Ministry of Education

Peremohy prosp., 10
252135 Kyiv
Ukraine

Tel: +380(44) 4862800

Fax: +380(44) 4862800

Deals with: Grants

Publications on student services and financial aid:

Title: Study Abroad 2005-2006

Author: UNESCO

Year of publication: 2005

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION & EXCHANGES

Participation of country in multilateral or bilateral higher education programmes

Name of exchange programme: Erasmus Mundus

Name of exchange programme: Tempus

GRADING SYSTEM

Usual grading system in secondary school

Full Description: Numerical grading system from 1 to 12 is used: 1-3 - unsatisfactory; 4-6 - satisfactory; 7-9 - good; 10-12 - excellent.

Highest on scale: 10-12

Pass/fail level: 4

Lowest on scale: 1-3

Main grading system used by higher education institutions

Full Description: 5-2 (very good, good, satisfactory, unsatisfactory; sometimes the marks '+' and '-' are added to the principal grades).

Highest on scale: 5 (very good)

Pass/fail level: 3 (satisfactory)

Lowest on scale: 2 (unsatisfactory)

NOTES ON HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM

Data for academic year: 2005-2006

Source: IAU from Ministry of Education, 2006