Declining the budget could result in the loss of a grant: applicants have been reminded of an important rule
This is set out in the Regulations on Admission to Higher Education Institutions in 2026.
When an applicant loses their entitlement to a grant
This rule applies to applicants who receive a recommendation for state-funded study but fail to meet the requirements for state-funded enrolment and subsequently decide to enrol on a fee-paying basis.
In such cases, it will no longer be possible to receive an educational grant to cover the cost of fee-paying study. This rule applies even if the applicant has achieved high results in the National Multidisciplinary Test (NMT).
The education portal Osvita.ua also emphasises that turning down a state-funded place, for which the applicant was accepted under the highest priority, results in the loss of entitlement to grant funding when applying for a fee-paying place.
Why priorities matter
During the admissions campaign, an applicant may submit up to 10 applications, of which no more than five may be for state-funded places. Each application must specify a priority order.
The first priority is the study programme most desired by the applicant. It is based on these priorities that the system determines for which application the applicant may receive a recommendation for a state-funded place.
If an applicant receives a recommendation for a state-funded place based on their highest possible priority but declines that place, they may subsequently enrol on a fee-paying programme, though without a state grant.
What is an educational grant?
A state educational grant is partial or full compensation for the cost of tuition on a fee-paying basis for applicants with high National Multidisciplinary Test (NMT) results.
In 2026, according to specialist educational resources, applicants who achieve high marks in two subjects of the National Multidisciplinary Test (NMT) will be eligible for such support. At the same time, eligibility for the grant depends not only on test results but also on compliance with the rules of the admissions process.
This is precisely why turning down a recommended state-funded place could be a mistake that costs the applicant state support.
This is not the first time this rule has been applied
This restriction was also applied during the previous admissions campaign. The Ministry of Education and Science has previously explained that turning down a state-funded place deprives the applicant of the right to a state grant if they enrol on a fee-paying programme.
Applicants are therefore advised to decide in advance which universities, degree programmes and courses are truly their top priorities.
Otherwise, an applicant may receive a recommendation for a state-funded place based on an application they subsequently decline, whilst at the same time losing the opportunity to receive funding for fee-paying study.
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