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According to DOU data, the number of applicants for IT specialities continues to decline: by 24% in 2024 compared to 2023, and by 8% in 2025 compared to 2024. GlobalLogic, a member company of the ITU, analysed why the number of applicants is decreasing and what universities themselves are saying about this trend.
The main reason for the decline is the war. This factor forces school graduates to opt for studying abroad or to postpone higher education entirely. Specialities such as Computer Science, Software Engineering, and Cybersecurity and Information Protection consistently rank among the top 10 most popular. Nevertheless, fewer graduates are enrolling in these areas:
At the same time, higher education in IT was and remains essential. “Despite the outflow of applicants, training continues. IT companies are cooperating with institutions to create joint programmes for students to acquire practical skills. This is an investment in Ukraine’s intellectual potential and the future expansion of our teams. After all, we are not stopping the involvement of beginners in projects
commented Viktoriia Viktorenko, Associate Manager, University & Education Programs, GlobalLogic Ukraine
Contrary to the general trend, the universities surveyed did not experience an outflow of applicants. How do they explain the statistics, and how have the admission campaigns gone in recent years?
The National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy attributes the trend to the general reduction in the number of applicants in Ukraine. This is caused by a decrease in the number of graduates (due to demographic trends and moving abroad) and a rise in the number of those choosing to study outside of Ukraine.
At the same time, in the case of our Faculty of Informatics, we are not observing a decline: in 2024, we enrolled a record number of students in our Bachelor’s programmes (225 compared to 140 in 2019). The results of the current admission campaign are close to last year’s figures. We have reached the limits of our capacity and consciously adhere to the principle that it is better to teach fewer students but ensure the highest quality of training
comments Andrii Hlybovets, Dean of the Faculty of Informatics
The Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU) similarly notes that the decline in enrolment is linked to applicants choosing to study abroad. Regarding applicant numbers, UCU enrolled the planned number of students across all its IT programmes, including the new Robotics specialisation.
Engineering professions are universal, so an education gained in one country easily converts into opportunities in another
commented Yaroslav Prytula, UCU’s First Vice-Rector
We had more applicants than we could accept, as we focus on the quality of education, not mass enrolment. Virtually all of our applicants indicated UCU as their top priority and realised their dream of studying here. We are even receiving requests to transfer to UCU from those who have enrolled abroad
adds Yaroslav Prytula
The Lviv Polytechnic National University emphasises the importance of higher education for the ability to build a future career.
Short courses provide certain skills required for specific tasks, but they do not form the worldview and in-depth understanding necessary for a high-level specialist
explains Nataliia Shakhovska, the University’s Rector
In contrast to the general trend, the number of applicants to Lviv Polytechnic also increased this year. This applies both to state-funded places, which increased compared to last year, and to contract (tuition-paying) students.
Despite the general decline in the number of applicants for IT specialities, major universities are demonstrating the opposite trend. Quality higher education in Ukraine remains highly sought after, and IT companies continue to invest not only in the training of future specialists but also in the continuity of education.
It is important for us to support universities in all areas: from educational programmes to the general functioning of institutions. This is especially true today, when educational buildings can come under fire. For example, we provided a donation of 1 million UAH to Lviv Polytechnic for the restoration of a university building following a Russian attack
commented Anna Shcherbakova, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of GlobalLogic Ukraine
