New Guidelines for Recognizing Foreign Education in Ukraine
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a new set of rules regulating the recognition of educational achievements acquired outside of Ukraine.
This applies not only to foreign schools but also to various educational institutions, such as Saturday and Sunday schools, as explained by the Ministry of Education and Science.
The ministry emphasized that this mechanism is crucial for children studying abroad who wish to obtain Ukrainian diplomas or return to education in Ukraine without losing their academic years.
How will Ukraine recognize education obtained abroad?
According to the new regulations, a register of Ukrainian educational institutions operating abroad will be established for the first time.
Institutions that apply through the Automated Information System for Education Management (AISUM) and pass verification by the relevant authorities will be included in this register. One of the requirements is the teaching of subjects related to Ukrainian culture.
Applications for inclusion in the register will be accepted starting in autumn 2025 via the Ministry of Education's website. The ministry has promised to publish the application process and verification criteria soon.
Educational achievements from foreign institutions will be automatically recognized in Ukraine, meaning no additional evaluations will be required. Grades will be converted according to the scale approved by the Ministry.
Results from informal education in subjects related to Ukrainian culture will also be recognized if the student studied in registered centers or organizations.
If a student studied in a Saturday or Sunday school abroad, the results may be credited if assessed according to the Ukrainian grading system, the ministry explained.
What advantages does this new mechanism provide for children studying abroad?
- Children can study where they live abroad while maintaining connections to Ukrainian education.
- Educational achievements will be credited without additional assessments in subjects studied abroad.
- Students will be able to obtain Ukrainian educational documents and continue their studies in Ukraine, including at higher education institutions.
It is important to note that in February 2025, the Verkhovna Rada adopted a law that for the first time provides a legal basis for recognizing the educational achievements of children studying abroad.
