Universities will have a “zero course”: who will be able to study
11 December 2025 11:09
The government has approved a new educational model – “winter admission” – that allows applicants to undergo intensive preparation for the NMT and immediately decide on their future university. In fact, this means the introduction of a zero-year course at higher education institutions – a preparatory program lasting three to six months that will help applicants catch up on their knowledge gaps, prepare for the NMT, and decide on a university.
This was announced by Minister of Education and Science Oksen Lisovyi on social media, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
For the first time, Ukrainian universities will open enrollment for a 3-6-month study program with intensive preparation for the NMT.
Mandatory subjects will be Ukrainian language, mathematics, and history of Ukraine, as well as one elective course – a foreign language, natural sciences, or literature.
Each discipline will include 90 classroom hours, and training will be available in full-time and distance learning formats.
According to Oksen Lisovyi, the “winter enrollment” should become a bridge between school and university environment, especially for young people from the frontline territories and the military. The program will help make up for educational losses that may affect students’ future performance.
The state will provide targeted support to those who need it most: residents of the temporarily occupied territories, veterans and military personnel. These categories will receive grants for education, scholarships for full-time education and, if necessary, dormitory accommodation.
Participation in the “winter admission” will bring additional benefits. If a student graduates from the preparatory department and enters the same university where he or she studied, he or she will be able to receive up to 15 additional points to the competitive score, depending on the chosen specialty. This increases the chances of admission and ensures a smooth transition to student life.
The Ministry of Education and Science encourages applicants to follow announcements on university websites, where recruitment schedules and conditions of participation, including those for privileged categories, will soon appear.
