When applying for a master's degree programme, it is worth paying attention to a number of important aspects: from registering for exams to preparing the necessary documents. In our article, we will consider the admission requirements in 2026, share the dates of the main stages and discuss the relevant updates.
Admission requirements for a master's degree programme
According to the Procedure for Admission to Study for Higher Education in 2026, published by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, admission to a master's degree programme takes place with consideration of the results of entrance examinations. All applicants, regardless of speciality and form of study, must provide the result of the Unified Entrance Examination (UEE), which consists of:
- the General Academic Competence Test (GACT)
- a foreign language test (English, German, French or Spanish at the applicant’s choice)
For certain specialities, the Unified Professional Entrance Examination (UPEE) is also provided, which in 2026 is held in the following subject areas: “Accounting and Finance”, “Management and Administration”, “Law and International Law”, “Information Technologies”, “Economics and International Economics”, “Political Science and International Relations”, “Psychology and Sociology”, “Pedagogy and Psychology”, “Linguistics” and “History of Art”.
It is worth noting that applicants who took exams earlier and plan to apply for a master's degree programme in 2026 may, in certain cases, use the results of previous years. In particular, this concerns the UEE of 2025 and 2024, as well as the UPEE for 2025.
What has changed in 2026?
One of the important updates of the 2026 admission campaign is the change in the priority system for master's degree programmes. Now it applies not only to state-funded places, but also to contract-based study.
Another update concerns the validity period of the UPEE. In 2026, applicants may use both the results of the current year and the results for 2025. At the same time, a motivation letter is now not mandatory for admission to higher education institutions.
Dates of entrance examinations
Registration for the UEE / UPEE took place in two periods: the main one – from 23 April to 14 May and the second one – during 26-28 May.
The entrance examinations will be held in the period from 26 June to 14 July. An additional session is also provided – from 3 to 21 August.
Participants of the main session will receive their test results by 23 July, and those of the additional session – by 21 August.
Electronic account and submission of applications
An important tool for the applicant is the electronic account on the Unified State Electronic Database on Education portal. Among the main features of the resource are:
- submission of applications
- tracking changes in application statuses
- confirmation of the choice of place of study
It will be possible to register in the electronic account from 1 July to 15 October. In case of difficulties, it will be possible to contact consultation centres that will operate at educational institutions.
In 2026, up to 10 applications may be submitted, of which no more than 5 may be for state-funded places. It is also necessary to indicate priority, where 1 is the highest priority. After the application receives the status “Registered at the educational institution”, it will be impossible to change the priority.
Which documents are needed for admission to a master's degree programme in 2026?
An important stage when applying for the second (master's) level of higher education is preparing a package of documents, in particular:
- an identity document
- the examination sheet received during registration for the UEE / UPEE
- a military registration document (for applicants to whom the relevant obligation applies)
- a document on the previously obtained educational level or educational degree on the basis of which admission is carried out, if information about it is not contained in the Unified State Electronic Database on Education
- documents confirming the right to special conditions for participation in the admission campaign (if such grounds exist)
- a colour photograph in the format and size determined by the requirements of the electronic account or the admissions committee
Admission to a master's degree programme is an important stage for students, during which many aspects should be taken into account. In particular, the main dates and conditions of the admission campaign. It is also necessary to check the current requirements for documents at the educational institutions to which you plan to submit applications. This will help you avoid unnecessary difficulties.
