Why students want to go abroad and how to bring them back: Hrynevych on challenges and solutions for education
19 September 2025 18:14
EXCLUSIVE
Young people are fleeing Ukraine, and the country is facing a loss of human capital. These are the results of recent research, as recalled by Lilia Hrynevych, Vice-Rector of V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University. Only 45% of high school students want to stay in Ukraine, while a few years ago this figure was 85%. According to Hrynevych, the problem is much deeper than the emotional decisions of teenagers.
How to retain young people and create opportunities for self-realization within the country? This was discussed at the discussion forum for educators and employers “Youth cannot be let go,” organized by "Komersant Ukrainian".
Today, Ukrainian universities, especially those included in international rankings, need support, says Lilia Hrynevych, Vice-Rector of V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine (2016-2019)
If there is no targeted support for the best universities, we will get an outflow of teachers and researchers abroad. The state has already invested heavily in their training, and it would be a disaster to lose this resource, Lilia Hrynevych
The panelists paid special attention to the conditions of the National Multimedia Test (NMT), distance learning, and social adaptation of students.
Young people have been studying remotely for four years in a row and are getting used to collective communication, which is a serious challenge. We need a system of career guidance and financial support for educators so that they can do their job with dignity, – Lilia Hrynevych
According to Hrynevych, a comprehensive approach to retaining young people includes not only education, but also creating conditions for professional fulfillment and a decent life.
The average teacher’s salary is 39% less than the national average. Systemic solutions are needed to raise the prestige of the profession, create conditions for the development of science and retain young people in Ukraine, – Lilia Hrynevych
Thus, the outflow of students and scientists is not only an educational issue, but a key issue of national security and human capital development. Solving the problem requires joint work of the state, universities and employers.
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