The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved new regulations concerning the recognition of educational achievements of Ukrainian children who have studied abroad.
These regulations apply not only to foreign schools but also to educational centers such as Saturday and Sunday schools, as explained by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine.
The ministry believes that this mechanism is critically important for children living abroad who wish to obtain Ukrainian education documents or return to studying in Ukraine without losing their grade or years.
How will educational achievements obtained abroad be recognized in Ukraine?
For the first time, Ukraine will establish a register of Ukrainian educational institutions abroad.
Institutions will be included in the list if they apply through the Automated Information Complex of Educational Management (AICOM) and pass verification by the Ministry of Education and Science and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Among the requirements for institutions is the teaching of subjects related to Ukrainian studies.
Applications for the register will be accepted starting in the fall of 2025 on the Ministry's website. The ministry assured that they would later publish the application submission algorithm and verification criteria.
Results of education from foreign institutions will be officially recognized in Ukraine automatically, meaning no additional assessments will be required. Grades will be converted according to the scale approved by the Ministry of Education.
Similarly, results of informal (extracurricular) education related to Ukrainian studies will be recognized if students have studied in centers, educational institutions, or NGOs registered in AICOM.
If not, the academic performance will be considered based on general criteria.
"If a child studied Ukrainian studies subjects in a Saturday or Sunday school abroad or another educational institution, the school in Ukraine may recognize the educational results if they are assessed on the Ukrainian grading scale," explained the Ministry of Education.
What opportunities does this mechanism provide for children studying in educational institutions abroad?
- Children can study where they live abroad while maintaining a connection to Ukrainian education.
- Results of their studies will be simplified for recognition, meaning they will not need to undergo assessments for subjects studied abroad.
- Students will be able to receive Ukrainian education documents and continue their studies in their home country, including in higher education institutions.
It is worth noting that in February 2025, the Verkhovna Rada approved a draft law that for the first time at the legislative level allows for the recognition of educational achievements of children studying abroad.
