For thousands of Ukrainian applicants preparing for the admission campaign, new rules of the game are in effect this year. The government has introduced a regional coefficient mechanism that directly affects the applicant's competitive score. This measure aims to balance the demand for education and support higher education institutions in regions requiring state support.

Scoring Mechanics

The regional coefficient is applied automatically when submitting an application to a university located in a specific region. The calculation formula is simple: the final competitive score is formed by multiplying the exam results (taking into account the weight coefficients of the NMT subjects) by the regional coefficient indicator.

The essence of the tool is to give applicants an advantage in the fight for budget places if they choose to study in frontline or border regions. While the indicator remains basic in relatively safe regions, scores are significantly increased in high-risk zones.

Where is it more profitable to apply: figures and facts

This year, coefficient indicators were distributed unevenly, creating a clear gradation of attractiveness for applicants:

  • Maximum bonus (7%): Universities located in Kharkiv or Odesa receive a coefficient of 1.07. This means that the applicant's total score increases by 7%.
  • Average bonus (4%): For universities in Dnipro or Poltava, the bonus is 4%.
  • Base level: For capital universities and most western regions, the coefficient is equal to one. In this case, the applicant's score remains unchanged.

Deadlines and conditions for submitting documents

The acceptance of applications for bachelor's degrees in Ukraine started on July 19 and will last until 18:00 on August 1. Applicants have the opportunity to submit documents through electronic cabinets on the ZNO portal. The system allows submitting up to 10 applications, of which no more than five can be for budget places.

The threshold for obtaining higher education this year remains high: for most specialties on a budget, it is required to score at least 130 points, and for elite directions, the bar rises to 150 points.

Scale of state support

The state is demonstrating serious readiness to ensure that young people receive higher education. This year, more than 166,000 budget places have been allocated in higher and professional higher education institutions. The introduction of the regional coefficient becomes a key factor that can help applicants with more modest exam results to occupy these places by choosing universities in the eastern and southern regions of the country.