Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine

The government has tightened requirements for job candidates in educational institutions by mandating certificates of no criminal record and no bullying. The new rules are in place to protect children from individuals with a criminal past.

The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine has announced the key stages of the NMT in 2026. The testing will take place within the main and additional sessions in Ukraine and abroad.

The Verkhovna Rada adopted a bill that allows founders of out-of-school education institutions to set salaries and allowances that exceed the norms of the Cabinet of Ministers. This makes it possible to increase salaries for out-of-school education workers.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine approved Order No. 28 dated January 8, 2026, which regulates security measures in schools. The document establishes a list of possible measures, such as physical and technical security, video surveillance, metal detectors, and restricts their use.

The Verkhovna Rada adopted in principle draft law No. 13715 on the support and development of innovative activities, aimed at the development of innovative ecosystems. The document is intended to update the legal framework for supporting innovation, form a modern institutional model, and ensure cooperation between the state, business, science, and education.

The Ukrainian government has approved a decision on an experiment with project-based postgraduate studies, which combines the training of doctors of philosophy with the implementation of research projects. This will change the logic of financing, focusing on specific projects rather than on the status of a postgraduate student.

Registration for the main session of the NMT-2026 will last from March 5 to April 2. Changes to registration data can be made until April 7.

Higher education institutions have started training zero-year students within the framework of the "Winter Admission" project. 88 HEIs submitted documents on the implementation of the program, 78 of them are under the management of the Ministry of Education and Science.

The state educational platform "Mriya" has introduced its first AI-based tool – a test generator. It allows teachers to create and evaluate assignments, and also prevents cheating.

The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine recommends that higher education institutions extend holidays or organize distance learning until February 8. The final decision on the format of education is made independently by each institution, taking into account the security situation and the state of the energy infrastructure.

The Cabinet of Ministers allocated UAH 3. 28 billion to finance scientific institutions and higher education institutions based on the results of their accreditation. For the first time, the funds will be distributed according to a formulaic mechanism, taking into account the group, scale, and effectiveness of their work.

This week, teachers will receive their first increased salaries. From January 1, 2026, teachers' salaries will increase by 30%.

Minister of Education and Science Oksen Lisovyi announced that teachers will start receiving updated salary calculations after a 30% increase in the coming weeks. The increase was included in the state budget for 2026.

The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine will recalculate increased salaries for its university lecturers by the end of January. The next salary increase for lecturers is planned for September 1.

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dismissed deputy ministers of energy, education and science, and digital transformation. Some of them received new positions in other departments.

The state will provide up to UAH 3,000 per month for studying on the "winter zero course" for applicants from occupied territories, military personnel, veterans, and those released from captivity. This applies to individuals who did not manage to enter higher education institutions, military personnel, veterans, and those discharged from military service after February 24, 2022.

The Ministry of Education and Science has presented a guide for catching up on educational losses. It will help schools, communities, and administrators systematically address this issue.

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved a list of dangerous items prohibited on the territory and premises of general secondary education institutions. It includes weapons, explosives, drugs, alcohol, and tobacco products.

Due to the energy crisis in Kyiv, the winter holidays are extended until February 1, 2026. The decision applies to institutions of general secondary, vocational, pre-higher, and higher education.

Educational ombudsman Nadiia Leshchyk proposed making up for extended winter break classes by canceling spring breaks or extending studies into June 2026. This is due to unstable electricity supply and the inability to conduct effective online learning.

The Cabinet of Ministers has introduced a set of measures in connection with the emergency situation in the energy sector caused by massive Russian shelling. In particular, the Ministry of Education and the Kyiv City State Administration (KMDA) should extend or establish winter holidays until February 1, 2026.

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved a list of dangerous items and substances that are prohibited on the territory and premises of Ukrainian schools. The list includes weapons, explosives, drugs, alcohol, and other dangerous items.

President Zelenskyy called for an increase in the number of "Invincibility Points" in Kyiv and a review of their operation. Proposals for education in emergency situations are also expected.

President Zelenskyy has instructed the government to review curfew regulations due to extremely cold weather. In Kyiv, the number of Invincibility Points will be increased, and existing ones will be checked.

Educational ombudswoman Nadiia Leshchyk emphasized the importance of psychological assistance to those affected by the attack in a Kyiv school. She also stressed the need to ensure safety in educational institutions.

The Verkhovna Rada is preparing a draft law that may restrict the right to deferment from mobilization for men aged 25+ due to studies. The number of such students has increased to 250,000, and inspections have revealed almost 50,000 fictitious students.

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has decided to switch to online learning and remote work for enterprises due to deteriorating weather conditions and a drop in air temperature. This measure will be in effect at least until January 19, 2026, with the exception of critical infrastructure facilities.

The Ombudsman sent requests to the Ministry of Education and Science, the Prosecutor General's Office, and the Security Service of Ukraine.

The Verkhovna Rada may replace a number of ministers, including the heads of the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Defense, and the Ministry of Digital Transformation, during the next plenary week, which begins on January 13. The appointment of the head of the State Property Fund and the transfer of Rustem Umerov to the position of Presidential Security Advisor are also expected.

Starting today, the salaries of pedagogical and scientific-pedagogical staff in Ukraine will increase by 30%. The State Budget for 2026 allocates 64.6 billion hryvnias for salary increases.