Applicants broke the record for the number of applications over the past five years — which universities and fields are at the top

During the 2026 admissions campaign to higher education institutions, applicants submitted nearly 1.2 million applications, more than a quarter above last year's figure, with the largest numbers going to Lviv Polytechnic, Ivan Franko National University of Lviv and Ihor Sikorskyi Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, UNN writes, citing data from the Ministry of Education and Science.

The application submission stage for admission to higher education institutions for bachelor's degree programs and medical master's programs has ended. As of August 3, 2026, applicants had submitted 1,189,960 applications—28% more than last year

At the same time, according to reports, the number of applications submitted in 2026 is the highest over the past five admissions campaigns—starting in 2022. A higher number of applications was recorded only in 2021—1.33 million. This refers specifically to the number of applications submitted, not the number of applicants. One person could submit several applications to different educational institutions and for different competitive programs.

"The applications submitted show applicants' intentions. The final figures will become known after recommendations are issued and enrolment is completed. However, we can already speak of high demand for higher education in Ukraine and positive dynamics in the admissions campaign," commented Deputy Minister of Education and Science Mykola Trofymenko.

Which universities received the most applications

In 2026, the largest number of applications—59,676—was submitted to Lviv Polytechnic National University. Compared with 2025, their number increased by 16,295, or 37.6%. Last year, the university ranked second in terms of the number of applications.

In second place was Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, which received 46,601 applications. This is 3,210, or 7.4%, more than in 2025.

The third position was taken by Ihor Sikorskyi Kyiv Polytechnic Institute—39,188 applications. Over the year, their number increased by 10,579, or 37%.

The educational institutions with the largest number of applications included:

1. Lviv Polytechnic National University — 59,676 applications.
2. Ivan Franko National University of Lviv — 46,601.
3. Ihor Sikorskyi Kyiv Polytechnic Institute — 39,188.
4. Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv — 34,323.
5. State University of Trade and Economics — 26,247.
6. Vasyl Stefanyk Carpathian National University — 24,322.
7. Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University — 23,240.
8. Vadym Hetman Kyiv National Economic University — 22,925.

The ten most popular educational institutions account for nearly 29% of all applications, while the top twenty account for more than 43%.

Which specialties were chosen most often

Management was the most popular specialty in 2026—applicants submitted 105,301 applications. Compared with 2025, their number increased by 25,984, or 32.8%.

In second place was psychology, with 66,774 applications, while philology ranked third, with 61,410 applications submitted.

The ten specialties with the largest number of applications:

1. Management — 105,301 applications.
2. Psychology — 66,774.
3. Philology — 61,410.
4. Marketing — 49,345.
5. Economics and international economic relations — 42,893.
6. Computer science — 40,755.
7. Finance, banking, insurance and the stock market — 37,667.
8. Law — 33,447.
9. Secondary education — 31,265.
10. Cybersecurity and information protection — 30,363.

These ten specialties account for approximately 46% of all applications submitted.

Demand increased for specialties receiving special support

A distinct trend in the 2026 admissions campaign was applicants' interest in specialties receiving special support. Applicants submitted a total of 232,354 applications for 40 civilian specialties. In 2025, there were 174,166.  

"The number of applications for specialties receiving special support increased by 33.4%. These include construction and civil engineering, electrical engineering, automation and robotics, and mechanical engineering. This is an important signal for universities and the state, as it concerns the training of specialists already needed by the economy and reconstruction," Trofymenko added.

The largest number of applications was submitted for:

• secondary education — 31,265 applications;
• secondary education — 31,265 applications;
• construction and civil engineering — 23,822;
• motor transport — 17,861;
• agronomy — 16,984;
• electrical engineering — 16,366;
• automation, computer-integrated technologies and robotics — 15,365;
• electronics, electronic communications, instrumentation and radio engineering — 8,797;
• mechanical engineering — 8,634;
• agricultural engineering — 8,547;
• food technologies — 8,070.

The largest increases in absolute terms were recorded in the number of applications for:

• construction and civil engineering — +9,082 applications, or +61.6%;
• electrical engineering — +5,948, or +57.1%;
• automation, computer-integrated technologies and robotics — +5,356, or +53.5%;
• motor transport — +5,014, or +39%;
• agronomy — +4,605, or +37.2%.

The number of applications also increased significantly for aviation and rocket-and-space engineering — by 74.6%; Earth sciences — by 66.8%; energy production — by 53.6%; animal husbandry — by 49.6%; and landscape gardening — by 47.8%.

A slight decrease was recorded in only two specialties: metallurgy — by 57 applications, or 6.2%, and preschool education — by 26 applications, or 0.6%.

The published figures are not final data on the distribution of applicants among educational institutions and specialties. The applicants’ choices can be assessed definitively after the confirmation of the place of study and enrollment have been completed.

What’s next?

No later than August 6, applicants will receive recommendations for admission based on applications with priority rankings. To fulfill the admission requirements, applicants must confirm their choice of place of study and meet the requirements of the respective educational institution by 18:00 on August 11. Admission on a state-funded or contract basis will take place no later than August 13.

This year, applicants will have the opportunity to sign an education agreement directly in the applicant’s electronic account using a qualified electronic signature (QES), making it possible to fully complete the admission requirements remotely. Subsequently, applicants admitted on a contract basis will also be able to sign tuition payment contracts in the applicant’s electronic account.