Government announcement and the aim of the changes
The government adopted a model under which, from 2027, vocational colleges will receive part of their funding depending on their performance. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi, he said that this should also be coordinated with international partners.
According to the prime minister, the key task is to train specialists who are actually needed by the labour market and the country’s economy. Therefore, the changes are intended to channel funds to places where education meets employers’ needs.
How the new funding model will work
Each vocational college will have basic funding, while additional funds will be allocated based on the institution’s individual indicators. The criteria named include demand for occupations in the region, the number of students enrolled, graduate employment and funds attracted.
The term “employment” is explained simply: it is the share of graduates who found a job after completing their studies. The better an institution’s performance on these indicators, the greater its chances of receiving extra funding.
Implementation of the new educational standard
In parallel, the government approved a new vocational education standard that allocates at least 40% of the curriculum to practical training. This means that theoretical lessons will progressively be reinforced with practical skills needed in the workplace.
Students will also have the opportunity to obtain up to three professional qualifications, and colleges will be given more autonomy in shaping programmes. Training is planned to be integrated with the European credit system for better compatibility with foreign practice.
Changes in practical training and cooperation with employers
Students will be able to undertake internships and training directly with employers, and teachers will be able to work and undertake placements simultaneously at educational institutions and enterprises. This scheme is intended to bring the learning process closer to real working conditions.
The prime minister emphasised that this will provide more practical experience and direct cooperation between vocational colleges and employers. He said the new funding formula will also be one of the indicators of Ukraine’s cooperation with the World Bank.
Who the changes affect and from what date
From 2027 the new rules will apply to all vocational colleges in Ukraine, their students and the employers who take on interns. Colleges will have an incentive to strengthen ties with the local labour market to improve their indicators and receive additional funding.
For students, this means more practical training and a greater chance of finding a job in their field immediately after graduation. Employers, in turn, will be able to influence programme content and engage future employees already at the training stage.
