Ukraine’s higher education system gets a boost from Estonia’s reform expertise

The project will focus on systematic development of Ukrainian higher education and strengthening higher education institutions through improved administration and management, academic staff regulations and updated personnel policies. The project is funded by the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV) and is the first Estonian development cooperation project focusing on Ukraine’s higher education system. 

“Ukrainian higher education is on the threshold of significant change. Estonia's role is to provide knowledge and experience as a partner in order to support them as they design a system that supports the development of universities and helps prepare the next generation of researchers, specialists and leaders,” said Kristi Kulu, ESTDEV’s programme manager for Education. 

Project partners include the Ministry of Education and Research, the University of Tartu and the Universities Estonia. Project lead is Academician Jaak Aaviksoo from the University of Tartu and Director of Narva College Indrek Reimand, who has extensive experience in planning and implementing education reforms. 

“Strengthening higher education is an investment in the future. Universities must provide young people with knowledge and skills that will help them build a stronger and more competitive Ukraine. Estonia’s experience shows that reforms in education create a foundation for the development of society, and this is exactly the experience we want to share with Ukraine,” said Triin Laasi-Õige, Estonia’s secretary general of the Ministry of Education and Research, at the kick-off event. 

Estonian experts will provide strategic advice to the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, organise mentoring and workshops on the implementation of new management practices and personnel models for Ukrainian universities participating in the project. This two-tiered approach – general policymaking and practical university management – helps to increase the institutional capacity of Ukraine’s post-secondary educational institutions. The project aims to support them as they implement the necessary changes, strengthen the quality and competitiveness of higher education in Ukraine and support the country’s integration into the European Union. 

Supporting high-quality education in Estonia’s partner countries is one of the priorities of Estonian development cooperation. 

“We know from our own experience how crucial education is to achieving systemic changes and social development. The way Estonia has consistently developed its education system over the past 30 years offers Ukraine valuable lessons, like how to strengthen academic independence, support transparent management, or value the work of teachers,” said Kulu. “We are grateful to our Estonian partners, the University of Tartu, the Ministry of Education and Research, and Universities Estonia, who will contribute their knowledge and expertise. We also want to recognise our Ukrainian colleagues, whose commitment to implementing reforms in difficult circumstances is inspiring.”