Ukrainian Private Higher Education.

Overview & Synopsis

This paper provides an overview of higher education in Ukraine, focusing on the small number of private institutions of higher education which have either begun embryonic operation since Ukraine's independence in 1991 or are currently seeking licenses from the Ministry of Education. It examines the history of postsecondary education in Ukraine, the current state of the nation's educational system, and the economic dislocations that have affected state-controlled higher education in recent years. The paper then discusses the finance, governance, and function of private higher education in Ukraine, and the role of the Ministry of Education in licensing or accrediting the estimated 200 or more private institutions. It provides brief profiles of six private institutions, and concludes by observing that in their brief existence the private institutions have appeared to be highly innovative and responsive to the changing educational needs precipitated by the breakup of the Soviet Union and the changing economic environment in Ukraine. (MDM)