17–18 yrsStudy program🇺🇦 In Ukrainefreechildren of defenders
Tuition-free university or vocational college admission and priority transfer to state-funded places for children of fallen and missing defenders
ApplicationsAlways open
A child who lost one parent in military service or whose parent is considered missing can enrol at a university or vocational college without a competitive exam on a state-funded place within 3 years after school. If they were initially admitted on a paid contract, they have the right to priority transfer to a state-funded place regardless of their score. Applications with documents are submitted to the head of the educational institution.
- Age
- 17–18 yrs
- Cost
- Free
- Applications
- Always open
Who can apply
- Age 17–18 yrs
- Children of defenders
Tuition-free admission
- Eligibility for children of one deceased parent who died from wounds, concussion, injury or illness during ATO (JFO), in another country, during Ukraine's defence operations, or whose parent is considered missing
- Admission without a competitive exam to university or vocational college on state or local budget funding
- Can be used within 3 years after completing full secondary education
Priority transfer to state-funded place
- For children of combat participants: transfer to a state-funded place if the competitive score is below the passing mark by no more than 15 points (for military, teaching, agricultural, natural science and engineering specialties – by 25 points)
- For children whose parent died or went missing: priority transfer regardless of competitive score
- Transfer to a vacant state-funded place after submitting documents and application to the head of the educational institution
State targeted support during admission and studies
- Applies to children of people recognised as combat participants, studying full-time (valid until completion of studies, but not beyond age 23)
- May include: full tuition covered under state/regional quotas, preferential long-term loan, social stipend, free textbooks, free internet access and database access at state institutions, free or reduced-cost hostel accommodation
Documents
- For child of a combat participant: birth certificate + combat participant ID of one parent
- For children of the deceased or missing: death beneficiary certificate; for children under 14 – certificate issued to the mother, another adult family member or guardian
- Application submitted by legal representative in the name of the educational institution head with copies of supporting documents
Other education benefits
- Priority enrolment to school and kindergarten without waiting list by place of residence
- Free single hot meal at school (from 1 September 2026 – for all students in grades 1–11(12))
- Priority place in children's health camps regardless of ownership type (for children 7–18); health resort stays no more than once per year