The Ukrainian government has approved a plan to allocate 700 million hryvnias to enhance educational environments as part of the New Ukrainian School (NUS) initiative. This funding will be directed towards acquiring technology, multimedia equipment, and furniture for classrooms focused on subjects such as biology, geography, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and STEM laboratories.
On April 13, Prime Minister Yuliya Svyrydenko announced this development, emphasizing that it forms part of the ongoing reform of senior specialized schools, marking the third phase of the NUS. Local budgets and partner support will be essential for financing necessary renovation works.
Eligibility for the Funding
- Schools that will join the network of specialized senior schools by 2027 or are already specialized lyceums;
- Institutions that offer in-person or blended learning;
- Schools with at least 60 students in the eighth grade;
- Entities that can provide at least 10% co-financing from local budgets.
Svyrydenko further noted that all projects will be selected through a competitive process, with the conditions and application start date to be announced by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine.
Background on the New Ukrainian School (NUS)
The New Ukrainian School initiative was launched following the adoption of a new Education Law in September 2017, which outlines the foundational principles of the new educational system, including a transition to a 12-year school education model. In 2018, the Cabinet of Ministers approved a new State Standard for Primary Education, which began to be implemented in the 2018/2019 academic year for first-graders across Ukraine. A pilot program for NUS in basic schools commenced in 2021, involving fifth grades in over 130 schools nationwide. By 2022, the NUS was rolled out in all fifth-grade classes.
The implementation of the 12-year education program for primary education started on September 1, 2018, while the introduction for basic secondary education was scheduled for September 1, 2022. The rollout for specialized secondary education is expected to begin on September 1, 2027.
The Ukrainian government has approved a significant funding initiative aimed at enhancing educational facilities as part of the New Ukrainian School reform. This funding will support various educational resources and is part of a broader transition to a 12-year school system.