Key points:
- Ukraine has received over $800 million in international aid for the development of education in 2025
- The funds are earmarked for security, reconstruction, reforms, and European integration
- The support covers all levels of education, from preschool to universities
- Dozens of governments and international organizations are involved in the cooperation
In 2025, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine attracted over $800 million in international financial support for the development and restoration of the education system. International cooperation has become one of the key tools for responding to the challenges of war and, at the same time, the basis for implementing long-term reforms in the field of education and science.
According to the First Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine, Yevhen Kudriavets, the support was attracted thanks to cooperation with more than 35 governments and about 90 international organizations. The investments were directed towards child safety, infrastructure modernisation, reconstruction of educational institutions, and systemic changes at all levels of education — from preschool to higher education and science.
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A significant portion of funds in 2025 was invested in restoring educational infrastructure and creating safe learning conditions. With the support of the European Union, individual European countries, and international organizations, repairs to educational institutions and the construction of shelters were financed. At the same time, the Ministry of Education and Science is working with the World Bank on the Building Forward Better project, which lays the foundation for modernizing educational infrastructure in line with EU standards.
A separate priority in 2025 was preschool education, which for the first time in a decade received the status of a national development priority. In partnership with UNICEF, European governments, and international foundations, the First Steps Forward initiative was launched, a strategy for transforming the sector was prepared, and the first investments from the World Bank were attracted.
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International partners also supported key reforms in school education. World Bank investments were directed toward the development of the New Ukrainian School, and the LEARN program was recognized as one of the institution’s most successful educational initiatives. Additional funding was provided for the reform of upper secondary schools and the provision of free school meals in frontline communities.
In the field of vocational and higher education, international assistance focused on upgrading material and technical resources, creating modern workshops, developing management skills, and increasing the competitiveness of Ukrainian universities. Total support for higher education reforms exceeded $200 million.
In 2025, the Ministry of Education and Science also strengthened sectoral coordination with partners, updated the format of work with donors, and launched an interactive map of partnerships, which allows for the coordination of investments and educational priorities. Ukraine’s active presence at international events made it possible to attract new partnerships and maintain the international community’s focus on supporting Ukrainian education.
The progress of reforms in the field of education and science in 2025 was highly appreciated by the European Union. The European integration changes, for which the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine is responsible, were rated as “good progress” in the EU’s annual assessment.
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