Education in Ukraine

Present-day independent Ukraine has got a rather developed system of education, which in many respects answers the standards of the developed countries. Citizens of Ukraine have the right to education which is guaranteed by the Constitution and ensured by the broad development of compulsory secondary education, vocational specialized secondary and higher education, by the development of extramural correspondence and evening courses, by he provisions of state scholarships grants and privileges for students.

Pre-school education is not compulsory and is fee-paying. Most parents take their children to nursery schools or kindergartens at the age of 3. Up to the age of 5 children mostly eat, sleep and play there, but in senior groups they are taught the basics of arithmetic, reading, writing, arts and in some nursery schools foreign languages.

In Ukraine there is a nine compulsory education, but to enter a university one has to study two years more. General secondary education is free and compulsory. School starts at the age of six or seven and is free in state schools and fee-paying in private ones. Some schools, especially those with language slant, have preparatory classes. Secondary education includes three stages: primary (1^st-4^th grades), basic (5^th-9^th grades) and senior (10^th-11^th grades). Primary and secondary schools together comprise eleven years of study. Recently new types of schools have appeared: gymnasiums and lyceums. In addition, there are schools with technical, computer, mathematical, law, pedagogical and art slant. All the subjects in the secondary schools are obligatory but there are optional courses that students of senior grades can take in addition to the required ones. Extra-curricular activities usually include a variety of sports and drama clubs, interest groups and various school parties.

Those senior students who want to get qualification alongside the secondary education, can go to vocational training schools. Post-secondary education is provided by technical schools and colleges of 1^st and 2^nd Level of Accreditation that train young specialists in different trades providing almost 800 qualifications.

After finishing secondary school, lyceum or gymnasium one can go on with higher education. An applicant must take competitive examinations which is called External Independent Testing in June. Higher educational establishments include universities, academies, institutes and conservatories. Ukraine numbers a total of 1,5 million college and university students. A multilevel system of training is being introduced based on the junior specialist – B.A. – specialist – M.A. scheme. Post graduate education begins after the last year of studies and usually results in theses on the chosen scientific topic and the degree of the candidate of Science. Doctorate Degree is awarded for an outstanding scientific research.

Among the best known higher educational establishments there are Shevchenko Kyiv National University, Kyiv Polytechnic University, International Independent University “Kyiv-Mohyla Academy”, Kyiv state Conservatory, Lviv State University, Odesa National University, Odesa National Academy of Law, Kharkiv National University, Kharkiv State Pedagogical University and many others.

Higher educational institutions are headed by Rectors. Pro-rectors are in charge of the academic and scientific work. Higher educational institutions train undergraduate and graduate students in one or several specializations. The faculties are headed by the Deans. There are departments within faculties.

The system of higher education in Ukraine is going through a transitional period. The Ministry of Education and Science provides the reform of educational system of Ukraine. The main aim of it is to make the educational components more corresponding to the demands of modern society.

Ukrainian educational policy is a combination of economic and social objectives. An educated person contributes more to the society and education on the other and gives a person the prospect for professional advance. The citizens of Ukraine show a great concern for education for themselves and their children.

Institutions of higher learning enroll some 12,000 foreign students, postgraduates and visiting graduates, of whom 8,000 are on Ukrainian government scholarship.

Ukraine has intergovernmental agreements on education with 32 countries and cooperates with more than 50 international educational organizations, programs, and foundations.

Date: 2015-12-11; view: 2198