University of Tartu supports the implementation of Ukrainian higher education reform and its alignment with EU requirements

On 12 September, the opening event of the Estonian-Ukrainian cooperation project “Enforcing the Ukrainian higher education reform with a focus on modernizing and implementing personnel policy” took place at Mariupol State University in Kyiv.

Last summer, the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV) signed a cooperation agreement with the Ministry of Education and Research, Universities Estonia, and the University of Tartu to support the reform of Ukraine’s higher education system and its alignment with European Union standards. The University of Tartu became the lead partner of the project.

The project focuses on reforming Ukraine’s higher education system and modernising policies concerning academic staff – these are among the key areas for the country’s accession to the European Union. From the University of Tartu, Jaak Aaviksoo, Member of the Academy of Sciences, and Indrek Reimand, Director of the Narva College, are involved in the project as experts.

The participants were welcomed at the opening event by Mykola Trofymenko, Rector of Mariupol State University, Liina Kersna, Chair of the Cultural Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu, Triin Laasi-Õige, Secretary General of the Estonian Ministry of Education and Research, and others.

Jaak Aaviksoo delivered a presentation on university governance and opportunities for increasing transparency, and Indrek Reimand introduced activities planned within the project.

On the Estonian side, the project will be implemented by a consortium comprising the University of Tartu, the Ministry of Education and Research, Universities Estonia, and the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV). The consortium will offer mentoring, training and consultation to Ukrainian partners.

The project will produce analyses and policy recommendations to support the Ukrainian Ministry of Education and Science in drafting new regulations on academic staff. It will also provide training programmes for university leaders and staff.

Estonia’s cooperation with Ukraine to support higher education reforms began in autumn 2024 during Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas’ visit to Ukraine, where Ukraine’s Minister of Education expressed the need for international experience and expert knowledge.