Children of veterans, fallen defenders, and representatives of other preferential categories have gained the opportunity to receive state compensation for the cost of contract-based education. Certificates for reimbursing expenses are already being distributed via the Diia mobile app. However, to receive financial support, it is necessary to act promptly and confirm applications on time.
Information about the launch of the program came from the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine. State assistance is targeted at students studying on a contract basis in institutions of professional, vocational, or higher education.
Who is eligible for compensation
Assistance is provided to student citizens of Ukraine who are studying at the expense of individuals. It does not matter what level of education the student previously received. The main condition is belonging to a preferential category (children of veterans, fallen defenders, etc.).
It is important to know that having a grant from the Ministry of Education and Science does not deprive one of the right to receive this compensation. At the same time, the amount of state aid will be reduced by the amount of the grant already received.
How to get the money: step-by-step instructions
The process of receiving funds is automated and takes place through a digital platform. Compensation certificates are sent to the Diia app in stages. The absence of a notification in the first few days does not mean that the right to assistance has been lost — sending occurs gradually.
Upon receiving the certificate, the student has only 20 calendar days to confirm it. If this is not done on time, the right to financial support is forfeited.
After confirming the application, the funds are transferred directly to the account of the educational institution. If the student has already paid for their education themselves, the university is obliged to return the previously paid contract fees to them.
Legal basis and context
The project is implemented in accordance with the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers No. 318 dated March 14, 2025. The program covers the 2024/25 and 2025/26 academic years.
The introduction of this measure comes against the backdrop of rising education costs. It was previously reported that after last year's 30% increase in contract tuition fees, university tuition costs could rise again in 2026. The Ministry of Education and Science explains this by the need to increase teachers' salaries, ensure the quality of education, and retain scientific personnel in the country.
Experts and applicants recommend carefully studying the terms of contracts with universities. The law allows universities to index tuition fees no more than once a year, but only within the limits of the official consumer price index.