The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine has announced a competitive selection process for PhD research projects as part of the experimental project-based postgraduate programme. The selection is being conducted in accordance with Order No. 442 of 13 March 2026. The new format involves training PhD candidates through participation in real research projects with defined funding, a team and expected outcomes.
Project-based postgraduate studies are changing the approach to training researchers. Instead of the traditional model, the candidate immediately works on a specific research project with a clear structure, resources and practical application of the results. For universities and research institutions, this is a tool for engaging young researchers in pressing issues; for postgraduate students, it is an opportunity to build a career through practical research work.
Minister of Education and Science Oksen Lisovyi noted that the format is intended to demonstrate the effectiveness of PhD training in a model where research becomes the central element of the programme. This is a pilot project being implemented in parallel with traditional postgraduate studies.
The competition will take place in two stages. The first will run from 16 March to 1 May 2026 and involves submitting applications via the URIS system. The second stage, from 2 May to 8 June, involves the scientific evaluation of the submitted projects. Decisions on the results are expected to be made by mid-June, and funding for the selected research projects will commence on 1 July.
Higher education institutions and research organisations with high state accreditation scores and a licence to train PhD candidates are eligible to participate in the competition. Applications are prepared in collaboration between the prospective candidate and their research supervisor. Candidates must hold a master’s degree or proof of enrolment, have research experience, and work on the project primarily in Ukraine.
Research topics cover key areas of science and technology development: from data analysis, artificial intelligence and quantum computing to biotechnology, new materials, ecology and energy. Priority is given to projects that meet the country’s security and economic needs.
Funding for a single PhD project can reach 900,000 hryvnias per year. This covers researchers’ salaries, costs for materials, publications, travel and administrative support. Separate requirements regarding academic integrity have been established. Data falsification, plagiarism and the complete generation of application texts using artificial intelligence without appropriate justification are prohibited.
The launch of the project-based postgraduate programme is seen as a step towards strengthening the link between scientific education, practical research and national development priorities.
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