The war has become a serious challenge for the Ukrainian education system. The terrorist state destroys educational buildings and dormitories and constantly intimidates students with air raids. Priorities have shifted to accessibility and safety. In this article, the Charity Fund "Direct Inclusion" dwells on the current state of education in the third year of a full-scale war.

University Admission

The Ministry of Education and Science has significantly simplified the application process for university admission. Now, applicants only need to take one NMT test instead of three EIT tests - a national multi-subject test. This exam consists of four blocks with questions from different subjects. Mandatory subjects include the Ukrainian language, Math, and The history of Ukraine. There will be two NMT sessions this year: primary and additional. The date and location of the testing will be notified to the applicant's personal account no later than ten days before the start.

Temporary Examination Centers (TECs) will be in classrooms equipped with computers and internet access. Testing locations will be located not only in Ukraine but also abroad. The list of countries is published on the Ukrainian Center for Educational Quality Assessment's website.

In case of an air raid alert, the exam will be paused, and applicants and TEC staff will head to the shelters. The testing procedure resumes only after the alert ends. If it persists for a long time, participants must take the test in an additional session.

Applicants in temporarily occupied territories will not be able to take the NMT. However, they can enroll in Ukrainian universities without taking the test. In this case, the future student signs a contract with the institution and takes a distance exam.

Educational Process Format

Each university currently sets its own working schedule. This can be a traditional offline format, distance learning, or a hybrid schedule. However, permission to use offline mode must be granted by regional authorities. If an air danger signal sounds, classes are suspended or transferred to shelters.

It is truly inspiring to see how Ukrainian universities have adapted and thrived in the harsh realities of war. They have survived and extended their support to the Armed Forces. For instance, students at Lviv Polytechnic University have developed a special drone with "computer vision" that can fly up to 10 km with a cargo. The KPI has established its own fund to support the institution`s graduates serving in the Ukrainian military. And Sumy State University has trained over 500 drone operators. Ukraine's universities are also preparing qualified officers, medics, and military psychologists. This adaptability and resilience are a beacon of hope in these challenging times.

The Charity Fund "Direct Inclusion" also notes that Ukrainian universities are actively supported by foreign alma maters. They allocate funds to reconstruct destroyed buildings and dormitories, help open new branches in safer regions, and involve Ukrainian students in international scientific research activities.