Structure of the chapter
This chapter provides a thematic and chronological overview of national reforms and policy developments since 2024. The web pages that follow group reforms in the following broad thematic areas:
- Early childhood education and care
- General school education
- Vocational education and training
- Higher education
- Adult education and training
Inside each thematic area, reforms are organised chronologically. The most recent reforms are described first.
Government’s key objectives for education
A key strategic document is the Strategic Plan of Actions of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine until 2027 (Education of Winners) (Стратегічний план). Based on the Vision of the Future of Education and Science in Ukraine, it sets the main directions and priorities for education reform, linking them to national development goals and European integration.
The Plan focuses on values, inclusion, professional capacity, institutional networks, learning environments and effective governance. It outlines the following priority areas:
- Content and meaning. Education develops values, culture and competencies. It supports personal fulfilment and active citizenship.
- Learners. The system ensures inclusion, accessibility and respect. It responds to individual needs, interests and talents.
- Pedagogues and researchers. The system improves working conditions and ensures fair pay. It supports continuous professional development.
- System and network. The system develops an effective network of institutions. It reflects the needs of learners, communities and the state.
- Environment. Educational environments support development and innovation. They ensure accessibility and promote well-being.
- Management capability. The system modernises governance in education and science. It uses effective management practices and motivation systems.
On 17 August 2026, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved the Programme of Activities for 2026-2027 (Програма діяльності КМУ). It identifies education and science as key areas. It prioritises human capital development through quality education, innovation, digital technologies, talent development and lifelong learning, supporting recovery, productivity, social cohesion and European integration. It outlines the following priority areas:
- Enhancing the prestige and competitiveness of educators. Increasing salaries for teaching and academic staff across all levels. Implementing ranking and funding mechanisms for researchers and academic staff within Ukraine’s National Researcher System.
- Modernising education and research infrastructure and ensuring the continuity of educational provision under wartime conditions are key priorities. Measures include improving the safety and accessibility of learning environments, strengthening research and innovation capacity, establishing centres and ‘campuses of excellence’, providing modern scientific equipment, and consolidating the higher education network.
- Providing support for learners. Creating the conditions necessary to offer free school meals. Increasing academic scholarships in vocational, professional pre-higher, and higher education institutions. Scaling up the state tuition grants.
- Updating educational content to match the needs of the state, the economy, and recovery efforts. Approving the vocational education and training (VET) standard. Establishing the VET development centre. Continuing the ‘New Ukrainian School’ reform at the specialised secondary education level, upgrading libraries, introducing career counsellor positions, and promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.
- Creating a transparent and innovative environment. Ensuring the improvement of science parks, technology transfer, performance-based evaluation of institutions’ heads using qualitative key performance indicators (KPIs). Increasing the share of competitive funding for research and development focusing on national security, recovery, and economic development needs. Further integration into the European Education and Research Area.