The declining number of students in schools points to difficult times ahead for universities: the president of Kharkiv National University spoke about the issue
23 May 16:03
The decline in the number of applicants in Ukraine will eventually lead to the closure or merger of some higher education institutions. This was stated by Tetyana Kaganovska, rector of Karazin Kharkiv National University, in an interview with RBC-Ukraine, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
What lies ahead for education in Ukraine amid the war and the demographic situation?
Competition among universities has always existed, but before the war, institutions sought opportunities to compete on the quality of education and for the best students, whereas now the situation is radically different, notes the rector of Karazin University.
“Those who have a solid value framework, strong academic departments, a capable faculty, and a team that works as a single unit have a chance to survive,” says Tetyana Kaganovska.
She is convinced that if faculty members do not share in the fate of their institution, the prospects for such a university are not very promising, and the higher education institutions that will survive are precisely those that have been united as a family by their shared experience of living through the war.
Watch us on YouTube: important topics – without censorship
The university president highlighted the serious demographic challenges, which are confirmed by official data.
“We are in constant communication with the city and regional departments of education. The figures show that the number of children in elementary schools already points to difficult times for universities over the next 5–10 years,” emphasized Tetiana Kahanovska.
At the same time, the rector noted that to adapt to the new conditions, higher education must transform and go beyond the traditional framework of youth education.
“Today, a university is not just a bachelor’s or master’s program. It is non-formal education; it is retraining courses. In particular, for veterans who are returning and need new career paths. The fate of a higher education institution depends on its people: if it is a shared endeavor, solutions will always be found,” concluded the head of Kharkiv National University.
Read us on Telegram: important topics – without censorship
