Ukrainian schools will recognise children's education abroad: procedure for recognising results

The educational results of Ukrainian children living abroad will be officially recognized. The Verkhovna Rada has adopted a draft law that will simplify the procedure for crediting the knowledge gained and facilitate the return of children to the national education system. Learn more about the innovations and their importance for the future of Ukrainian students

Legal assistance on migration issues for Ukrainians in Ukraine and abroad

GET

Ukrainian children who were forced to leave the country due to the war will be able to continue their education without hindrance after returning to Ukraine. This was announced by OP representative Iryna Vereshchuk on Facebook.

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has adopted amendments to the Law “On Complete General Secondary Education,” which enshrine the right of every child to have their education abroad recognized.

💡Have you moved abroad and don't know how to arrange education for your child?

Our education lawyers will help you understand all the nuances and ensure a comfortable education.

According to Vereshchuk, these changes are the result of numerous appeals from Ukrainian communities during President Zelensky's international trips. The law will come into force on June 15, 2025, but the government is already working on a resolution that will determine the procedure for recognizing educational achievements outside Ukraine. The draft of such an act is already ready.

What exactly do the changes provide for?

• For the first time in the history of independent Ukraine, the status and activities of Ukrainian educational centers abroad (including Saturday and Sunday schools, as well as community organizations) will be officially recognized.

• The results of education obtained by children abroad, including informal education in the Ukrainian language, will be officially recognized.

• The mechanism for transferring knowledge, skills, and competencies to the Ukrainian education system will be simplified.

• The government will be empowered to create a regulatory framework to ensure the effective implementation of the new rules.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

Procedure for recognition of learning outcomes obtained abroad

1. First time — official register of Ukrainian educational centres abroad

Such institutions submit an application for verification through the automated information complex of educational management (AIKOM). A commission of the Ministry of Education and Science and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reviews the application and verifies the educational centres. Such centres must teach subjects related to Ukrainian studies and may use a digital platform for distance learning. Once approved by the commission, the results of studies at centres abroad will be officially recognised in Ukraine.

2. Results obtained at educational institutions are recognised without assessment. If a child has studied at an educational institution abroad and has a document with grades, the Ukrainian school automatically recognises these results. The results are transferred according to the scale approved by the Ministry of Education and Science.

3. The results of informal (extracurricular) education can be recognised in two formats:

▪️ based on general assessment;

▪️ based on the transfer of grades in subjects of the Ukrainian studies component, if the educational institution (centre, educational centre, public organisation, etc.) is registered with AIKOM.

That is, if a child studied subjects of the Ukrainian studies component at a Saturday or Sunday school abroad or at another educational institution, a school in Ukraine may credit the learning outcomes if they are assessed according to the Ukrainian scale.

When can applications be submitted?

Applications to the register of educational centres can be submitted from autumn 2025 on the MES website. The application procedure and recognition criteria will be published at a later date.

Why is this important?

Currently, more than 356,000 Ukrainian students are abroad. Many of them are not covered by distance learning or the Ukrainian studies component offered by the Ministry of Education and Science.

Recognition of educational results obtained abroad will make it possible to:

- avoid losing a school year;

- ensure the smooth adaptation of children after their return to Ukraine;

- support the unity of the Ukrainian education system even outside the country.

One of the main challenges for Ukrainian families abroad is adapting their child to the new education system without losing contact with the Ukrainian program. It is important to understand how to combine studying at a local school and distance learning in Ukraine, what rights your child has, and how to legalize documents. A consultation with an educational lawyer will help you find the best solution for you.

We remind you! Starting in 2027, Ukrainian schoolchildren will be studying under a new reform that includes a number of innovations. We told you what changes the government is preparing for school education.

Photo: stock.adobe.com

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

We recommend purchasing it for a safe and comfortable trip to Ukraine: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance – insurance covering military risks for entry and travel in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Car Insurance – car insurance with extended coverage in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Legal Advice – comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tickets – bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tours – the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;

Visit Ukraine Hotels – hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Merch – patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2025, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.