The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine has announced that by 2026, the dual education model will become a common practice in higher education institutions. According to Deputy Minister of Education Mykola Trofymenko, the ministry is moving toward the systematic implementation of this model, with employers and state enterprises participating in the educational process by providing workplaces, mentorship, and joint assessment of learning outcomes. The priority areas include sectors essential for the country’s recovery: engineering, energy, IT, cybersecurity, logistics, construction, medicine, and agricultural technologies.

Dual education combines university learning with practical training in the workplace, where 25–60% of the curriculum is dedicated to hands-on professional experience. This approach allows students to acquire both theoretical knowledge and practical skills simultaneously, while also receiving pay or a scholarship from the employer. For educational institutions, it means building partnerships with businesses, and for companies — the opportunity to train personnel to meet their specific needs.

The relevance of dual education in Ukraine stems from the demand for qualified professionals, particularly in technical and vocational fields. It helps align the educational process with the real needs of the economy, reduce youth unemployment, and adapt Ukraine’s education system to European standards. Moreover, in the context of postwar recovery, the dual model will help quickly build the human capital needed for key industries.

In practice, this format is already being implemented at several universities. For instance, at Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University, students majoring in Primary Education combine their studies with work in schools and childcare institutions. A similar model is supported by large companies, including the MHP agricultural holding, which cooperates with more than fifty educational institutions to provide students with paid positions for practical training.

Thus, dual education represents an important step in modernizing higher education. It aligns the interests of students, businesses, and the state, ensures the preparation of competitive professionals, and lays the groundwork for economic recovery. If implemented systematically from 2026 onward, it could become one of the most effective tools for developing Ukraine’s professional potential.