The era of the classic External Independent Evaluation (ZNO) in Ukraine seems to be coming to an end, at least in the foreseeable future. The main format of entrance exams for applicants will remain the same — the National Multidisciplinary Test (NMT). This was stated by Tetyana Vakulenko, Director of the Ukrainian Center for Assessment of Education Quality (UCAEQ), during an episode of the program “Є Розмова”.
Returning to paper-based tests and the familiar logistics of ZNO is currently impossible. The main reason is security. In wartime conditions, testing must be organized not only within the country but also abroad, making the classic format unfeasible.
Why NMT is Replacing ZNO
According to forecasts by UCAEQ, even after the end of the full-scale war, Ukraine will continue to use the NMT format for several more years. The experts' logic is simple: a portion of Ukrainian schoolchildren will continue to be abroad. The state is obliged to ensure them equal opportunities for admission to universities.
Organizing a full-scale ZNO in foreign countries is a task of colossal complexity. International partners are unlikely to be ready to deploy the complex infrastructure of Ukrainian testing within their borders. The NMT, conducted in computer format, solves this problem, allowing exams to be taken from anywhere in the world.
NMT-2026: Scale and Rules
On May 20, the main session of NMT-2026 began in Ukraine. More than 355,000 applicants are participating. The testing is conducted in computer format and includes four subjects. Participants receive their results immediately after completing the exam.
Applicants were reminded of the strict ban on using gadgets and the rules of conduct during air raid alerts. It is also important to have all mandatory documents with you. NMT is becoming the new reality for those who dream of obtaining higher education in Ukraine.