Education in Ukraine

Citizens of Ukraine have the right to education, which is guaranteed by the Constitution and ensured by the broad development of compulsory secondary, vocational, specialized secondary and higher education. In Ukraine there is a nine years compulsory education, but to enter a university one has to study two years more.

First children go to kindergartens. However everybody knows that at present very few boys and girls go to kindergartens. It is connected with the present economic situation in the country and low incomes of the majority of the population.

Since recently children begin to go to school at the age of 6 and study at primary school for four years. Here they learn to write and read get some basic knowledge of nature and history; they also have drawing, singing and physical training lessons. Then pupils transfer to secondary school. It is known that secondary education is free of charge and it is financed by the state. Not so long ago primary and secondary schools together are eleven years of study. Since 2001 after a new school reform had been launched school education was extended up to 12 years of studying, a twelve-point system replaced a five-point one; pupils began to be estimated by the level of their achievements (low, satisfactory, good, and high). After finishing school the school-leavers get Certificate of Secondary Education. After finishing secondary school, lyceum or gymnasium one can go on to higher education. To become a student applicants must take entrance exams, which are in July and August.

Higher educational institutions are headed by Rectors. Prorectors are in charge of academic and scientific work. The faculties are headed by the Deans. Since very recently higher educational establishments in Ukraine began to provide the graduates with bachelor’s and master's degrees, magistracy was organized in most universities of Ukraine. Besides after five years of studies the graduates receive their diplomas and if someone feels that he has a special talent to some sciences he may take a postgraduate course.

Besides Institutes and Universities school-leavers (either after the ninth or the eleventh form) may go to vocational schools, technical schools or colleges. Vocational schools train future workers for plants and factories. Technical schools give wider knowledge and skills in different subjects and train specialists (technicians, secretaries, librarians, etc.) for different kinds of enterprises.

Both for pupils and for students the school (academic) year begins on the first of September. This day is called the Day of Knowledge.

Both pupils and students have two terms during the year, but pupils have holidays four times a year while students - twice a year. In winter and in summer students take their exams before having holidays.

I should admit that citizens of Ukraine show a great concern for education for themselves and their children as it gives a person the prospect for professional advance.