Creativity is worth more than economics: which Kyiv universities have the highest admission thresholds

The admission season for Ukrainian universities is unfolding with renewed vigor, and it is already becoming clear where the fiercest competition for a seat at the desk will take place. Competition for state-funded spots in capital universities remains at peak levels, but the distribution of leaders by admission thresholds is surprising. At the top of the ratings are not the classic giants, but specialized art and economic institutions.

Creativity and economics: new rating leaders

Results from an analysis of previous years demonstrate a clear trend: the highest admission thresholds are recorded precisely in institutions specializing in creative and economic fields. High competition and special requirements for applicants in these niches have become the defining factors in forming a "glass ceiling" for incoming students.

The specifics of admission to art and specialized universities lie in the necessity of passing additional creative competitions. This often leads to the average score of applicants breaking through to state-funded spots being significantly higher than in multi-disciplinary universities.

Why do classic universities lose to niche ones?

At the same time, classic universities, such as Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv (KNU), are losing to their specialized colleagues in the list of leaders by admission thresholds. This situation is explained by the architecture of the university itself: classic universities offer a huge number of specialties, each having its own, sometimes significantly different, requirements for applicants. The spread of specialties "dilutes" the average score, while specialized universities concentrate efforts on a narrow circle of disciplines.

Rules of the game for 2026

Applicants planning to enroll should remember the new rules that have already come into force. The acceptance of applications for bachelor's degrees began on July 19. In 2026, applicants have the right to submit 10 applications, 5 of which can be for state-funded spots. Document acceptance will last until 18:00 on August 1.

An important benchmark for planning was the recent decision of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine. The government determined the number of state-funded places for higher and professional higher education institutions for 2026. More than 166,000 applicants will be able to receive an education on a state-funded basis.