Universities lack the funds to increase salaries: the Rada speaks of a crisis
On 1 April, the committee, chaired by Serhiy Babak, considered the issue of developing a new remuneration model for academic and research staff. During the meeting, attention was drawn to systemic problems with the current model – its fragmentation, lack of flexibility and weak link to performance outcomes – which, in the committee’s view, negatively impacts the development of higher education and science.
Separately, during the discussion, committee member Roman Hryshchuk raised issues related to the implementation of salary increases in higher education institutions. In particular, the discussion centred on the shortfall in the special funds of universities and the absence of a budget programme specification as of the date of the meeting.
Funding and the new remuneration model
By Resolution No. 1749 of 26 December 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers established a 40% increase in the basic salaries of teaching and research staff at state and municipal institutions and establishments, effective from 1 January 2026. Separately, the Ministry of Education and Science had previously informed the relevant committee that the government is also retaining the second stage of the basic salary increase – a 20% rise from 1 September 2026.
Following the discussion, the committee recommended that the Ministry of Education and Science step up work on a new remuneration model. The Ministry is expected to present a coordinated concept including financial and economic calculations, proposals for regulatory and legal provisions, and an analysis of the financial needs of higher education institutions to ensure adequate remuneration for staff.
The committee also emphasised that without updating approaches to remuneration, the outdated system will persist, which will exacerbate the staffing crisis, the brain drain of qualified staff from education and science, and reduce the attractiveness of an academic career for young people.
As a reminder, on 1 April, a student protest is taking place near the ‘Red Building’ of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, calling for the suspension of Rector Volodymyr Bugrov pending an investigation.
