In 2025, a significant reduction in budget places for postgraduate education is anticipated in Ukraine. Electronic cabinets will be used for the first time during the admission process.

This was announced during a press briefing at the "Media Center Ukraine" by Deputy Minister of Education and Science Mykhailo Vynnytskyi.

He noted that the number of budget places for postgraduate studies may decrease to around five thousand, which is two thousand fewer than last year.

"We expect approximately five thousand places in postgraduate education this year, but exact figures are not yet available. Engineering and natural sciences specialties will be prioritized, as we need specialists at the postgraduate level for these innovations," the deputy minister explained.

The decision to cut the number of budget places was made because last year's numbers were "too high".

The official believes that the surge in interest in postgraduate education was driven by the opportunity to obtain a deferral from military service rather than a genuine desire for education.

"This year, the interest will be significantly lower. We want to ensure that places in postgraduate education are held for those who truly wish to write dissertations, conduct research, and create innovations. We do not want an excess of places used for unintended purposes," he added.

Mykhailo Vynnytskyi also noted that the rules remain unchanged this year, stating that only full-time students will be educated under state orders in postgraduate programs. Applicants wishing to study part-time or evening will only be able to enroll on a contractual basis.

It is worth mentioning that after 2022, there was a rapid increase in individuals wanting to enroll in postgraduate programs in Ukraine. Notably, the share of men of conscription age among them has increased compared to previous years.

Last year, the Ministry of Education and Science revised the admission rules, allowing full-time postgraduate education only under state orders, while also doubling the number of budget places.

The ministry believes that the increase in the passing score for postgraduate programs in 2024 helped to "filter out" a significant portion of applicants of conscription age.

However, due to the anomalous number of applicants, Ukraine plans to introduce a state examination for postgraduate students.