Starting in 2027, the Ukrainian education system will undergo significant changes. High schools are switching to a specialised education system, providing students with more opportunities for self-realisation and preparation for their future profession.
What is specialised training?
Specialised learning involves in-depth study of certain subject areas that match the interests and abilities of the student. Each student will be able to choose a profile, such as science, mathematics, humanities or art, and study the relevant subjects in more detail.
Key features of specialised training:
- Flexible schedule: Students will be able to choose not only a major, but also individual courses within the chosen field.
- Comprehensive development: Learning is not limited to core subjects. Students will have the opportunity to study other disciplines, which will contribute to their overall development.
- Practical orientation: Learning will be more practice-oriented, with an emphasis on acquiring skills needed for life and work.
- Individual approach: Each student will have the opportunity to develop their strengths and achieve better results.
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Why specialised training?
- The demand of society: Sociological research has shown that students and their parents want more individualised learning and choice.
- Preparing for the future: Specialised training helps students to decide on a future profession and acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for it.
- Improving the quality of education: The new education system includes the modernisation of educational institutions, updating of curricula and teacher training.
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How will the transition to the new system take place?
- Gradual transition: A pilot project will start in some schools in 2025. Full implementation of the reform is scheduled for 2027.
- Creation of academic lyceums: Specialised lyceums will be created where students will be able to study their chosen field in depth.
- Development of vocational education: Graduates of the 9th grade will be able to choose between an academic lyceum and a vocational school, which will combine vocational training with general education.
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What remains unchanged?
Despite the changes, some subjects will remain compulsory for all students: Ukrainian language and literature, history of Ukraine, English, mathematics, physical education and Defence of Ukraine.
Will schools provide a choice of subjects?
The choice of subjects will be ensured through the curricula that the Ministry of Education and Science has already begun to work on, as well as the creation of academic lyceums. These will be mostly large educational institutions with several high school parallels. So students will be able to be grouped together to study different subjects. The more students there are in a parallel, the wider the choice of subjects that can be offered. This is especially important for schools in villages and small towns, where the current small number of students does not allow for real specialised education.
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Who are career advisors?
The Ministry of Education and Science is working to introduce the position of career counsellor in schools. These will be specially trained professionals who will counsel adolescents and support them in the process of personal definition and professional development.
In addition, during the 10th grade, students will have the opportunity to change their study profile if they realise they have made a mistake with their choice. After all, grade 10 will have the fewest “specialised” lessons and the most compulsory ones. In grades 11-12, the number of core and elective classes will increase.
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