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Publication date: 23.05.2024
Law on the Development of Individual Educational Trajectories for Higher Education Students Officially Published
On May 16, 2024, the Law No. 3642-IX "On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine Regarding the Development of Individual Educational Trajectories and Improvement of the Educational Process" was officially published in the "Voice of Ukraine" newspaper. This law was passed by the Verkhovna Rada on April 23, 2024, and will come into force three months from the date of its publication, on August 16, 2024. The exception is paragraph 2 of section II of the Law, which comes into force the day after its publication and concerns instructions to the Cabinet of Ministers.
Significance of the Law
The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine reported that this law is an important component of the comprehensive transformation of the higher education system. Its goal is to create conditions for the individualization of students' educational trajectories and improve the educational process in higher education institutions (HEIs). This will allow students to flexibly plan their studies and better meet the needs of the labor market.
Changes for Higher Education Students
Individualization of Educational Trajectories
The law allows students to individualize their educational trajectories through interdisciplinary educational programs. This means that students can choose a specific major not immediately but after one or one and a half years of studying at the university. This approach enables the "field entry" model, which facilitates a more informed choice of specialty after getting acquainted with different areas of study.
Flexibility in Study Pace
Students in contract-based forms of education will be able to independently determine the duration of their university studies. For example, they can complete a 4-year bachelor's program in three years or combine studies with work and complete the required 240 ECTS credits in 6 to 8 years. This provides the opportunity to adapt studies to each student's individual needs and circumstances.You may be interested in the following articles: Analysis, consultation, evaluation. legal analysis of the situation, lawyer's consultation, lawyer's consultation, analysis of documents, legal analysis of the situation, written consultation, verification of documents by a lawyer, lawyers' documents, lawyer's help online, lawyer online, legal opinion, legal opinion of a lawyer, lawyer online.
Recognition of Learning Outcomes
Participants in academic mobility will be able to recognize learning outcomes obtained in formal, non-formal, and informal education. This is especially relevant for students who combine studies at Ukrainian HEIs and abroad. A relevant Procedure will be created to regulate the process of education recognition.
Changes for Higher Education Institutions
Greater Autonomy
Universities will gain greater autonomy and will be able to independently determine the tools for achieving the competencies established by the standard for non-regulated specialties. This aligns the Ukrainian higher education system with European standards. It is expected that there will be more elective courses, allowing students to better adapt their study plans to personal interests and career goals.
Updating Higher Education Standards
Higher education standards will be updated within the next few months, introducing more elective options. This will help increase competition among universities and improve the quality of education. A greater number of elective courses will enable students to acquire knowledge and skills that most closely match their professional ambitions.
Requirements for Regulated Specialties
For regulated specialties such as law, medicine, law enforcement, etc., detailed requirements for competencies and learning outcomes will be defined. For these specialties, mandatory state qualification exams will be introduced. This will ensure that graduates of such programs possess the necessary knowledge and skills for professional activity and meet high-quality standards.
Benefits of the Law for Students and Universities
Benefits for Students
- Flexibility in Choosing a Major: The "field entry" model allows students to postpone the choice of a specific major until they have some university study experience, reducing the likelihood of making the wrong choice.
- Individualized Learning: The ability to independently plan the duration of studies gives students the freedom to combine studies with work and other life circumstances.
- Recognition of Various Forms of Education: Students who have participated in academic exchanges or acquired knowledge informally will be able to officially recognize these achievements, contributing to their professional development.
- Improved Quality of Education: A larger number of elective courses and updated higher education standards will allow students to obtain more relevant and in-demand knowledge.
Benefits for Universities
- Increased Autonomy: Universities will be able to independently determine the tools and methods for achieving the competencies established by the standard, promoting a more innovative approach to the educational process.
- Enhanced Competitiveness: Increasing the number of elective courses can attract more students seeking flexible and individualized educational trajectories.
- Recognition of Learning Achievements: Universities will be able to officially recognize learning outcomes obtained in formal, non-formal, and informal education, improving the reputation of institutions and their graduates.
Conclusion
Law No. 3642-IX "On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine Regarding the Development of Individual Educational Trajectories and Improvement of the Educational Process" is a significant step forward in reforming the higher education system in Ukraine. It creates new opportunities for students and universities, promotes the individualization of education, and improves its quality. The implementation of this law will help better meet the modern labor market demands and ensure the competitiveness of Ukrainian graduates at the international level.
