Scholarships in Ukraine to Rise to 4000 UAH: New Grant Rules and Benefits for Frontline Regions

Starting September 1, 2026, Ukraine will implement significant changes to its state student support system. According to explanations by Irina Borzova, head of the Subcommittee on State Youth Policy of the Parliamentary Committee on Youth and Sports, the minimum academic scholarship in higher education institutions will be revised with a significant increase. This decision aims to support students amidst the ongoing war and inflation, ensuring a more decent standard of living for youth pursuing education.

New Scholarship Amounts in Universities and Colleges

The key change will be the increase of the minimum academic scholarship in universities to 4000 UAH. This is a substantial step compared to previous figures, intended to help students cover basic living expenses such as food and utilities. The increase will affect not only universities but also institutions of professional higher education. In colleges, the minimum academic scholarship will be 3020 UAH, and the increased scholarship will be 4394 UAH. These measures aim to equalize conditions for students at different education levels and stimulate interest in professional specializations.

Grants for Top Applicants and Co-financing of Education

To motivate schoolchildren to study well and enter universities, an expanded state grant program is in effect. If an applicant scores 150 points in two subjects on the External Independent Evaluation (ZNO/NMT), they can expect a grant of up to 17,000 UAH. With a score of 170 points, the grant amount increases to 25,000 UAH. These funds serve as co-financing for students studying under contract. Additionally, for youth from frontline regions, an additional benefit is provided: the grant amount is automatically increased by 50%, making higher education more accessible for residents of risk zones.

Special Conditions for Residents of Occupied and Frontline Territories

Special attention is paid to supporting youth affected by the war. For young people who resided in temporarily occupied territories before October 1, 2025, as well as for applicants from frontline territories, simplified admission conditions apply. They can enter a university without taking the NMT, providing results from an interview or entrance exams through educational centers. This allows for the continuity of education and gives a chance for a profession to those who were forced to leave their homes.

New "NMT Scholarship" Program for Top Graduates

Parallel to the increase in base scholarships, a new program for top school graduates was launched in 2026. Those who score at least 185 points in each subject on the NMT and enter a Ukrainian university will be able to receive a monthly scholarship of 10,000 UAH during their first year of study. This initiative aims to create a competitive environment, reward academic achievements, and retain talented youth in the country.

Contradictory Data

During fact-checking, discrepancies were found in forecasts regarding the timing and amounts of payments. While the official position of Irina Borzova indicates an increase in scholarships specifically from September 1, 2026, some sources (in particular, early forecasts published in the media) discussed the possibility of a phased increase: first to 400-530 UAH in September, and then to 200-300 UAH from the New Year. However, current information from the parliamentary committee confirms the figure of 4000 UAH as the minimum standard for universities from the start of the academic year. The difference in figures may be due to confusion in units of measurement or outdated data in some sources, so the statement about 4000 UAH remains the most relevant.