Abnormal statistics: Ukraine records historic number of men in postgraduate studies

In Ukraine, there is an unusually high interest among men in pursuing postgraduate studies, as they account for over 80% of the total number of applicants. This was announced at a press conference by Tetyana Vakulenko, director of the Ukrainian Center for Education Quality Assessment (UCEA).

She emphasized that this year, more than 16,300 people registered for the entrance exams to postgraduate studies, of which 13,100 were men and only 3,200 were women.

In the conditions of a full-scale war, the Ukrainian authorities are taking measures to prevent evasion of mobilization through university studies. One of the latest decisions was the adoption of a new legislative initiative aimed at eliminating the practice of “endless” studies, where men delay the educational process to avoid being mobilized. In August, the Cabinet of Ministers approved a bill that narrows the conditions for obtaining a deferral, now providing it only to students who adhere to the agreed-upon terms of study.

Currently, only postgraduate students studying full-time or on a dual-track program at the first level of higher education are eligible for deferment. The form of study must be full-time, as part-time or contract studies do not provide this right.

To receive a deferment, postgraduate students must obtain a certificate from the university confirming their status and submit it, along with their application, to the Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Center (TCC and SP) at their place of registration.