ADMISSION CAMPAIGN 2026: 15 MAIN ANSWERS FOR PARENTS

ADMISSION CAMPAIGN 2026: 15 MAIN ANSWERS FOR PARENTS

The admission campaign 2026 in Ukraine is a complex yet clearly regulated process that combines digitalization, new financial models, and enhanced safety standards. For parents who wish to support their children on this journey, it is crucial to have up-to-date information to avoid technical mistakes and choose the best strategy. Below are answers to the 15 most relevant questions that will help you navigate the specifics of this year's admission.

1. What are the key dates for the admission campaign 2026?

The main phase begins on July 1 with the registration of electronic applicant accounts. Submitting applications through the YDEBO system will take place from July 19 until 6:00 PM on August 1.Recommendations for budget places will be published no later than August 6, and the enrollment for state places should take place by August 13.

2. Is it mandatory to take the NMТ specifically in 2026?

No, the admission rules allow the use of test results from previous years. For the 2026 admission campaign, certificates from 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026 are valid. This allows applicants to choose their best result for submitting an application.

3. What is the structure of the NMТ in 2026?

The exam will be conducted in one day in the form of computer testing lasting 240 minutes. It is divided into two parts of 120 minutes each, with a 20-minute break. Applicants will take three mandatory subjects (Ukrainian language, mathematics, history of Ukraine) and one elective (foreign language, biology, physics, chemistry, geography, or Ukrainian literature).

4. How many applications can be submitted, and what are the budget limits?

In total, an applicant can submit up to 10 applications for admission. However, there is a strict restriction on state orders: no more than 5 applications can be directed to budget places. The remaining applications (from 5 to 9 depending on the number of budget places) can only be submitted for contract.

5. How does the prioritization system for applications work?

Each of the 10 applications must be assigned a priority from 1 to 10, where 1 is the most desired specialty. Priorities are established once during the application submission, and it is impossible to change them after registration at the educational institution. The algorithm automatically processes applications in order: if the score is sufficient for priority number 1, the other applications are annulled.

6. What is the minimum score required for admission to budget places?

The overall threshold for participation in the competition for budget places for most specialties is at least 130 points. However, for specialties with special state support (pedagogy, engineering, etc.), the threshold may be lowered to 120 points when transferring to vacant places.

7. What are the requirements for admission to legal and medical specialties?

For specialties with high social responsibility, a higher threshold of 150 points is set. This applies to "Law", "International Relations", "Medicine", "Dentistry" and "Public Administration". This threshold is absolute and applies to both budget and contract places. An exception is "Pharmacy", where the threshold in 2026 is set at 140 points.

8. What is a state grant and who can receive it?

A state grant is financial assistance for contract students that covers part of the tuition costs. Applicants who score at least 150 points from two subjects of NMТ can apply (Level I grant - 17,000 UAH) or at least 170 points (Level II grant - 25,000 UAH). The amount of the grant is multiplied by the coefficient of the specialty (from 1.0 to 1.5).

9. Is a motivational letter required in 2026?

In 2026, the Ministry of Education and Science canceled the mandatory requirement for motivational letters for the vast majority of applicants for bachelor's programs. However, parents should check the admission rules of specific higher education institutions, as universities have the right to require them for certain non-standard programs.

10. How is the competitive score calculated in 2026?

The competitive score is calculated using a formula that takes into account the NMТ scores and the weighting coefficients of the subjects, depending on the chosen specialty. The final result is additionally multiplied by the regional coefficient (from 1.00 to 1.07) and the sectoral coefficient (1.02 for priority specialties ranked 1 and 2).

11. What benefits are provided for Quota-1 and Quota-2?

Quota-1 is designated for orphans, combat veterans, and people with disabilities. Quota-2 is created for applicants from temporarily occupied territories (TOT) or areas of active combat. Applicants under these quotas often have the right to admission based on interview results instead of NMТ.

12. What should I do if an air raid siren sounds during the NMТ?

In the event of an alert, the testing is stopped, answers are saved, and all participants move to shelters. If the alert lasts less than 2.5 hours, the exam continues after the alert is lifted. If the alert is prolonged, applicants are granted the right to participate in an additional NMТ session.

13. Is a medical certificate required for submitting an application?

For most specialties, the medical certificate of form 086/o is no longer mandatory during the registration of the electronic application. It remains necessary only for military higher education institutions, sports, and certain medical or pedagogical training directions.

14. What are the military registration requirements for male applicants?

Male applicants (ages 17-25) are required to provide military registration documents at the stage of enrollment. The process is digitalized: in the applicant's cabinet, they must indicate the registration number in the registry and provide an electronic QR code from the "Reserve+" application. Without a valid registration document, the university has no right to enroll the student.

15. What happens if one refuses a budget place?

This is one of the most important warnings for parents: if an applicant receives a recommendation for a budget place but decides to refuse it to go for a contract in another higher education institution, they lose the right to the state grant for the current year. The system encourages applicants to responsibly consider their prioritization.