Challenges and Problems of Higher Education Development in Ukraine during the Russo-Ukrainian War (2014–2025)

Maryna DUD — Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor,
Rector of the Carpathian University named after Augustyn Voloshyn
Uzhhorod, September 11, 2025

Abstract

This article summarizes the impact of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine on the higher education system in 2014–2025. It analyzes security risks, destruction of universities, forced digitalization, quality assurance under martial law, financing challenges, and international support. Practical recommendations for universities and public policy during wartime and post-war recovery are provided [1; 3; 5; 10].

Keywords:  higher education; martial law; quality assurance; academic integrity; internationalization; financing; digitalization; educational safety.

Introduction

The full-scale invasion has created unprecedented conditions for Ukrainian universities: destruction of infrastructure, displacement of students and faculty, constant security threats, power outages, and frequent air raid alarms. At the same time, the state and international partners have launched programs of support and recovery focusing on security, accessibility, and modernization [3; 15].

Legal Framework and Government Policy

The foundation for actions in the education sector remains Ukraine’s legislation on education, complemented by special wartime resolutions of the Ministry of Education and Science (MoES). Medium-term priorities are defined in the strategic document “Education of Winners” (until 2027), which directs universities to ensure continuity, quality, and academic integrity under martial law [4; 12].

Security Risks, Damage, and Continuity of Learning

According to the World Bank (February 2024), at least 89 higher education institutions were damaged or destroyed — more than 12% of all HEIs. This directly affects the ability of universities to provide face-to-face learning and preserve laboratories and dormitories. In response, universities have scaled blended and online formats, built shelters, adapted schedules to air raid alerts, and implemented backup energy solutions [2; 15; 16].

Access and Equity: Displacement and Migration

Millions of citizens remain displaced, with many young people studying abroad or in safer regions of Ukraine. UNESCO and World Bank data highlight disrupted educational trajectories, requiring flexible recognition mechanisms, academic mobility programs, and “bridge” schemes to reintegrate students into Ukrainian HEIs [6; 11].

ADVERTISEMENT

Quality Assurance and Academic Integrity under Martial Law

The National Agency for Higher Education Quality Assurance (NAQA) resumed and adapted quality procedures during the first months of the war. In 2024, temporary accreditation mechanisms were formalized, with stronger emphasis on academic integrity and internal quality systems. These steps maintain trust in Ukrainian diplomas and ensure compatibility with the European Higher Education Area [1; 5; 17].

Financing, Governance, and the Economics of Recovery

Budget deficits have significantly increased due to wartime expenditures and reduced revenues. According to international estimates, Ukraine’s recovery requires over $ 524 billion, including investments into educational infrastructure. Without targeted investments, disparities in quality and accessibility across universities may deepen [11].

Digital Transformation and Internationalization

The forced transition to remote formats accelerated digitalization: expansion of LMS platforms, cloud services, e-resources, online examinations, and digital verification tools. International programs (Erasmus+, donor partnerships, World Bank’s LEARN project) play a crucial role in supporting safe, inclusive, and modern higher education [3; 12; 16].

Human Capital: Academic Staff, Mobility, and “Brain Drain”

Relocation of faculty, mobilization, family displacement, and migration of research teams undermine stability. Universities require flexible policies: hybrid workloads, joint Ukrainian-international laboratories, and grants aimed at retaining and eventually repatriating young scientists [11].

Ethical Challenges and Academic Integrity

Massive digitalization brings risks of online fraud, improper use of AI tools, and pressure on research communication. NAQA recommendations on integrity, transparent assessment, and institutional monitoring must be embedded in internal university regulations [5].

Regional Universities

For regional HEIs (e.g., in Zakarpattia), priorities include integration of internally displaced students, cooperation with local communities on shelters and logistics, clusters with businesses and authorities for graduate employment, and micro-qualification programs for adults. These directions align with national strategies up to 2027 [12].

Conclusions

Ukrainian higher education has demonstrated resilience, yet requires systemic support along three key axes:

1. Security and continuity — shelters, energy independence, backup learning formats.
2. Quality and trust — wartime accreditation, academic integrity, recognition of learning outcomes, transparent digital tools for assessment.
3. Investment and partnerships — targeted capital expenditures, dual-purpose labs (learning/R&D), EU-based joint programs, and mechanisms for researcher return.

These measures will ensure controlled modernization of the higher education sector during the war and in the recovery phase [3; 5; 15].

References

1. NAQA. Report on Higher Education Quality in Ukraine in 2022. URL: https://en.naqa.gov.ua/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/REPORT-ON-HIGHER-EDUCATION-QUALITY-IN-UKRAINE-IN-2022.pdf (accessed: 10.09.2025).
2. UNESCO. UNESCO warns on dramatic increase in attacks against schools in 2024 (9 Sep 2025). URL: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/unesco-warns-dramatic-increase-attacks-against-schools-2024 (accessed: 10.09.2025).
3. World Bank. Learning and School Reforms Continue in Ukraine Despite War Challenges (25 Mar 2025). URL: https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2025/03/25/learning-and-school-reforms-continue-in-ukraine-despite-war-challenges (accessed: 10.09.2025).
4. MoES. Education of Winners. Strategic Priorities to 2027 (ENG PDF). URL: https://mon.gov.ua/static-objects/mon/sites/1/docs%20osvita/zagalna%20serednia/Strategy.MON%202027.12.03_compressed.ENG.pdf (accessed: 10.09.2025).
5. NAQA. Annual Report of the National Agency for Higher Education Quality Assurance for 2024 (Kyiv, 2025). URL: https://en.naqa.gov.ua/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ANNUAL-REPORT-OF-THE-NATIONAL-AGENCY-FOR-HIGHER-EDUCATION-QUALITY-ASSURANCE-IN-FOR-2024.pdf (accessed: 10.09.2025).
6. UNESCO. Education for Ukrainian refugee learners in European host countries (2022–2025). URL: https://www.unesco.org/en/ukraine-war/education (accessed: 10.09.2025).
7. NAQA. Self-Assessment Report 2025. URL: https://naqa.gov.ua/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/SAR-2025.pdf (accessed: 10.09.2025).
8. World Bank. Ukraine: Education – Impact of the War (May 2022). URL: https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/099945306202211104/pdf/P1775870809f1d04d0844c0e7042abf0eb5.pdf (accessed: 10.09.2025).
9. World Bank. Ukraine Improving Higher Education for Results (IHER) – Project paper update (Feb 2024). URL: https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/099062724165013005/pdf/P1710501bf957f026196be1bf1f48d34338.pdf (accessed: 10.09.2025).
10. Reuters. Ukraine needs $524 billion to recover after three years of war, says World Bank/UN/EU (25 Feb 2025). URL: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-needs-524-billion-recover-rebuild-after-three-years-war-world-bank-says-2025-02-25/ (accessed: 10.09.2025).
11. MoES. LEARN Operation – Operational Manual (Oct 2024). URL: https://mon.gov.ua/static-objects/mon/sites/1/mizhnarodna/2025/svitovyy-bank-2025/rizne/07-02-2025/pom-learn-07-02-2025-eng.pdf (accessed: 10.09.2025).