Scandal over language test for postgraduate students: MPs declare violation of the Constitution
4 July 2025 18:59
Members of the Ukrainian Parliament, including Yulia Hryshyna, have asked Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal to cancel Cabinet Resolution No. 426 of April 8, 2025, which, in their opinion, violates the current legislation of Ukraine. This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian" with reference to the MP’s post on her Facebook page.
“We have received a large number of appeals from graduate students about it. The issue has been worked out. We do see signs of violation of the Constitution, laws of Ukraine, and the rights of applicants in the Resolution. We are waiting for a response and concrete decisions,” Hryshyna wrote.
The resolution amends the Procedure for the Training of Postgraduate Students (Associate Professors) of Doctors of Philosophy and Sciences and has caused a flurry of criticism from scientists and educators.
According to the new amendments, third-year full-time postgraduate students (adjuncts) during martial law must pass a single state test in Ukrainian and a foreign language. This control is organized on the principle of external independent testing.
The resolution was criticized by parliamentarians. MPs say that the resolution has caused a wide public outcry and contradicts a number of provisions of the Constitution, laws of Ukraine and international agreements.
What’s wrong with Cabinet Resolution #426
The appeal to Denys Shmyhal, initiated by Yulia Hryshyna, states that the Government’s resolution:
Violates the autonomy of universities. The Law “On Higher Education” stipulates that universities independently form curricula, including types of control. The government’s interference in individual curricula of postgraduate students contradicts the law.
It goes beyond the scope of authority. The Cabinet of Ministers’ resolution introduces a new form of final control – a single credit – that is not provided for by any law. Such control can be introduced only at the bachelor’s or master’s level, and only in certain specialties.
It causes inequality in the rights of students. The new credit applies only to full-time graduate students, which, according to MPs, violates the principle of equality. This also calls into question the logic of the “single” credit if it is applied selectively.
Creates gaps in educational policy. The introduction of new compulsory components in the curriculum should be based on the educational program, not on a government decision.
Restricts rights during martial law. The amendments were introduced exclusively for the duration of martial law, but without sufficient justification, which does not comply with the principles of proportionality of restrictions in such circumstances.
Contradicts international obligations. The resolution may violate the norms of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in terms of access to education and non-discrimination.
Read also: Proposal on the USQE for postgraduate students from the Ministry of Education will be changed, – MP
MPs call for action
The parliamentarians state that the resolution restricts the rights of applicants, violates the law and contradicts Ukraine’s international obligations on freedom of education and non-discrimination. Therefore, the MPs demand that the head of the Ukrainian government
- facilitate the abolition of Resolution No. 426;
- personally intervene to reduce tension in the educational environment and organize proper communication;
- ensure open and high-quality communication between the government and the scientific community regarding such measures;
- to report on the results of the consideration of the appeal within the time limit provided for by law.
The MPs emphasize the need to revise this resolution and restore the legitimacy of the educational system.
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