Ukraine: Recognition of schoolchildren’s learning outcomes acquired abroad is now regulated
In June 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine adopted a resolution approving the procedure for recognising the learning outcomes of schoolchildren who have received formal and/or non-formal education from providers located abroad. Based on legislative amendments adopted in February 2025, this document establishes such an official specific recognition mechanism for the first time.
The approved procedure outlines specific steps and conditions for recognising learning outcomes obtained outside Ukraine, including:
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Establishment of an official register of Ukrainian education hubs abroad. Starting in autumn 2025, such hubs will be able to apply for verification via the Automated Information Complex of Educational Management (AICEM), administered by the SSI ‘Institute of Educational Analytics’. A joint commission of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine (MESU) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine will assess the submitted materials for compliance with defined criteria.
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Recognition of formal education outcomes. Ukrainian schools will automatically recognise learning outcomes upon the submission of a document with grades issued by an educational institution abroad. Credit transfer will follow the grading scale approved by the MESU.
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Recognition of non-formal education outcomes. These may be recognised in two ways: 1) through standard assessment procedures, or 2) via automatic credit transfer of marks in Ukrainian studies subjects, provided that the education provider is registered in AICEM. Such providers may include educational hubs, civil society organisations, learning centres, etc.
The introduced mechanism is a significant step towards helping children living abroad maintain ties with the Ukrainian education system. This is particularly relevant given that, according to the MESU, over 2 million Ukrainian children were living outside Ukraine due to Russia's armed aggression at the beginning of 2025. At the same time, the procedure ensures a transparent and unified approach to recognising educational achievements, thereby contributing to the harmonisation of the educational process in today’s challenging conditions.
The new approach allows children to:
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avoid repeating school years or losing academic progress;
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remain in the Ukrainian educational environment without additional study load;
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receive Ukrainian certification for further study or university admission;
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have their learning outcomes recognised upon return, without reassessment.
Parents also gain a clearer understanding of educational opportunities abroad and can be confident that their children’s efforts will be properly recognised by the Ukrainian education system.
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Source: Eurydice Unit Ukraine
