Traditionally, PhD training in Ukraine has been carried out primarily within educational and research programs, without mandatory integration into separately selected and competitively funded research projects aligned with state policy priorities, national security needs, and economic development. Non-competitive PhD stipends, a lack of resources for conducting research—especially experimental research—and declining motivation among academic supervisors in recent years have made it increasingly difficult to attract talented candidates to research laboratories. As a result, the number of researchers for whom research constitutes a core professional pursuit has been decreasing.

To introduce a new approach to training the next generation of researchers, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved the implementation of an experimental project-based PhD training model. The experiment will run for two years from the date the Cabinet’s resolution enters into force, with the possibility of extension through legislative amendments.

The scale of the experiment includes up to 100 PhD projects in the thematic field of Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Statistics, and accordingly up to 100 PhD candidates. This pilot scale will allow for an assessment of the model’s effectiveness prior to potential expansion across all fields of knowledge.

A New Model for PhD Training

The experimental project introduces a fundamentally new model of doctoral education. Under this approach, dissertation research is conducted within a separately funded research project that is competitively selected and has clearly defined objectives, timelines, and expected outcomes. The results of the project form the basis for the preparation and defense of the PhD dissertation.

PhD projects may include international cooperation, including the involvement of foreign scientific advisors, provided this complies with competition requirements and national legislation.

What Is New About This Approach?

The novelty of the project-based PhD model lies in a shift in the logic of doctoral training:

• PhD education is carried out through the implementation of a research project, rather than in parallel with a general educational process;
  
• Funding is allocated not to the student’s status, but to a specific PhD project with a defined plan, budget, and performance requirements;
  
• Selection is conducted on a competitive basis, using scientific peer review and transparent evaluation criteria.
  

The project-based PhD model is intended to serve as a foundation for training young researchers who choose research as their primary professional path, rather than viewing the PhD degree merely as a formal qualification or competitive advantage.

The experimental model is explicitly oriented toward producing scientifically grounded, practically relevant, and socially valuable results.

Funding of PhD Projects

Funding will be provided on a project basis, according to approved project budgets, within existing state budget allocations and/or other sources not prohibited by law.

The model covers key costs required for conducting research and achieving measurable results. Importantly, the remuneration of the responsible project executor—the PhD candidate—will increase by 300%. Compensation for the project leader (the PhD supervisor) is also предусмотрено, restoring a critical component of high-quality doctoral training that has been largely absent in recent years.

Eligible costs also include materials and services, use of research infrastructure, and other expenses directly related to project implementation.

To ensure both financial support for PhD candidates and transparency in remuneration, the model establishes a unified rule: the maximum salary of a PhD candidate is set at three times the salary of a junior research fellow.

Selection of PhD Projects

The selection of PhD projects will be conducted through a competitive call within the National Electronic Scientific Information System URIS, in accordance with principles of transparency, objectivity, and equal access. Applications will be submitted jointly by the prospective PhD candidate and the scientific supervisor.

Evaluation criteria will include:

• scientific novelty of the research;
  
• practical and/or societal relevance of the expected results;
  
• alignment with priority areas of science and innovation development, economic needs, and national security and defense objectives;
  
• feasibility of the phased implementation plan and justification of the project budget.
  

Priority will be given to STEM-oriented PhD projects, particularly within Field of Knowledge 10 (Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Statistics), that align with Ukraine’s Strategy for Digital Development of Innovation Activities through 2030 and demonstrate potential for advancing cutting-edge science and/or practical implementation.

PhD Training in the Project-Based Model

Project-based PhD training combines an educational and research program with work on a PhD project under an employment contract. This approach ensures systematic research activity, appropriate conditions for conducting research, professional development of PhD candidates, and increased accountability for research outcomes.

Upon enrollment in the project-based PhD program, candidates acquire all rights of full-time PhD students as defined by Ukrainian legislation.

The results of the PhD project are used for the preparation and public defense of the dissertation in accordance with established legal procedures.

Participants, Funding, and Coordination

Participants in the experimental project include higher education institutions and research organizations—regardless of governance structure—that have been classified as Groups A or B following state research assessment; PhD candidates; and scientific or academic staff serving as PhD project leaders. Participation in the experiment is voluntary.

The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine serves as the coordinator of the experimental project. Funding will be provided within state budget allocations for scientific and scientific-technical activities, as well as from other lawful sources, including international technical assistance—provided this is foreseen by relevant EU programs, foreign governments, or donor organizations.

The call for applications to participate in the experimental project is planned for March 2026, with the start of PhD training in the project-based model scheduled for July 2026.

Next Steps

Upon completion of the experimental project, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine will submit a report to the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine detailing the results of implementation, along with proposals for potential legislative changes based on the experience gained.

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