In 2025, Ukraine plans to significantly reduce the number of budget places for PhD students. For the first time, electronic cabinets will be used during the admission process for this level of education.

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

He indicated that in 2025 the number of budget places for PhD admissions could drop to around five thousand, which is two thousand less than last year.

"We expect about five thousand places in PhD programs this year, but exact figures are not yet available. Priority will be given to engineering and natural sciences specialties, which require highly trained PhD specialists", – he explained.

The decision to reduce the number of budget places was made because their quantity last year was deemed "too high".

The official believes that the surge in interest in PhD programs was driven by the possibility of obtaining deferment from military service rather than a genuine desire to pursue education.

"This year we expect much less of a rush. We want to ensure that places in PhD programs are allocated to those who truly wish to write dissertations, conduct research, and create innovations. We aim to avoid an excessive number of places being misused for purposes other than intended", – he added.

Mykhailo Vynnytskyi noted that this year the rule remains unchanged that only full-time students may study in PhD programs under state orders. Applicants for part-time or evening programs can only enroll on a contractual basis.

It is worth recalling that after 2022, there was a sharp increase in the number of individuals wishing to enter universities for PhD studies in Ukraine. Notably, the share of men of conscription age among them has risen compared to previous years.

Last year, the Ministry of Education and Science changed the admission rules, allowing full-time PhD studies only under state orders. Concurrently, the number of budget places was doubled.

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

However, due to the abnormal number of entrants, Ukraine plans to introduce a state examination for PhD students.