NMT passing rates show test is accessible, Education Minister says

The percentage of graduates who failed to achieve the minimum passing score on the National Multi-Subject Test (NMT) this year is extremely low.

This was stated by Ukraine’s Minister of Education and Science Oksen Lisovyi in comments to journalists, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"The percentage of students who did not pass the NMT by reaching the minimum passing score is extremely low, fluctuating at up to 20% from year to year. This indicates that the test is accessible and can be passed. Accordingly, university admission also requires a certain threshold of basic knowledge. And that threshold is not excessively high," Lisovyi stressed.

He recalled that the National Multi-Subject Test format was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to be used under martial law.

The minister also emphasized that he opposes removing mathematics from the list of mandatory NMT subjects and supports retaining the Ukrainian language and the history of Ukraine as core disciplines.

"Regardless of the format, the Ministry of Education’s position is absolutely clear: a test that grants access to university studies must assess basic skills such as reading, writing, and arithmetic, as well as one subject chosen by the applicant. Therefore, I am categorically against abolishing mathematics or moving it into the category of elective subjects. The same applies to other subjects, including the history of Ukraine. The history of Ukraine is a fundamental element of worldview, identity, and understanding the path of one’s nation. It should remain part of the NMT, just like the Ukrainian language," Lisovyi said.

He added that Ukraine has several dozen competitive universities and is also developing an alternative educational pathway through vocational colleges.

"Career-oriented education – colleges and vocational training – allows students to enter the workforce immediately after the 11th grade, and in the future after the 12th grade, and build a career according to their aspirations and ambitions. Given the labor shortage we are currently experiencing, this is also a very good option," Lisovyi noted.

As reported, Member of Parliament Yuliia Hryshyna proposed removing mathematics from the list of mandatory NMT subjects. Lisovyi emphasized that no such changes are planned for the 2026–2027 academic year.