Icon
Come back

2 min

24 Nov. 2023

19454

English will become compulsory in Ukraine: what will change

Education
Popular
Ukraine
English will become compulsory in Ukraine: what will change

The English language is about to undergo a significant upgrade in Ukraine, as the Verkhovna Rada has approved a bill that grants it the status of one of the languages of international communication in public spheres. Find out more about the important changes that will occur in various aspects of society

Do you need legal advice? Order the "Private lawyer" service online — quickly and professionally
Do you need legal advice? Order the "Private lawyer" service online — quickly and professionally
BUY


The Verkhovna Rada has approved draft law No. 9432, which grants English the status of one of the languages of international communication in public spheres of life. 


The article below explains what citizens can expect and what the new status of English in Ukraine entails.

English will become the official language of international communication in Ukraine: details


According to the document, English will be introduced on a mandatory basis for some civil servants, military, customs officers, and emergency services. 


In addition, English will be actively introduced in educational institutions, cultural and artistic institutions, the medical field, and other public spheres of life.


Who will need compulsory English in Ukraine?


In general, the new draft law defines eight categories of civil servants who must be proficient in English:


• Civil servants of categories A, B and C, heads of local administrations, their first deputies and deputies.

• Military officers serving under contract.

• Prosecutors, mid-level and senior police officers of the National Police who hold managerial positions in other law enforcement agencies and civil defense services.

• Tax and customs officers.

• Managers of public sector entities.


In local governments, English will also become mandatory for positions involving international cooperation (except for elected positions).


Civil servants of categories A, B and C who have at least a B2 level of English will receive a bonus of 10% of their monthly salary.


However, during the period of mobilization, state of emergency or martial law, the military will be exempt from language tests. 


Thus, the requirement to know English for civil servants of category A, heads of local state administrations and their deputies will come into force 2 years after the termination of martial law, and for other officials - 4 years later.




Visit Ukraine on social media: Telegram | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | TikTok




How will the level of English be tested in Ukraine?


Currently, there is a mandatory NMT and DPA in English in Ukraine, which determine the level of English of pupils and students. 


For government positions, the level of English will be determined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). 


For military personnel - according to the NATO STANAG 6001 standard.


All of these exams are free of charge and regulated by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine. However, unlike the NMT, which is held once a year, civil servants can take the English language proficiency exam an unlimited number of times, but no more than once every 4 months.


In addition, confirmation of the level of English proficiency at the international level can be obtained through paid exams IELTS, TOEFL and DELE. 


These tests can be taken by persons who do not fall into the categories for free exams.


Use of English in education 


The government will promote the study of English in kindergartens, schools and universities. However, in most educational institutions, English is already compulsory. 


The changes will affect the educational process only for children of early, junior and middle preschool age in kindergartens. Previously, learning English in kindergartens was optional and was conducted in different sections or at additional classes. Now children will learn English alongside Ukrainian.


Significant changes are expected in the cultural sector. After the law is signed by the president, posters, announcements and other materials related to cultural events in cultural institutions will be presented in English along with Ukrainian.


In addition, the government does not reject the idea of showing English films in their original language with Ukrainian subtitles in cinemas.

We remind you! Earlier we wrote that the Ukrainian government is trying to actively promote the English language in Ukraine. Find out how many Ukrainians don't know any foreign languages and how many are fluent in English.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.




We recommend purchasing it for a safe and comfortable trip to Ukraine: 


Visit Ukraine Insurance - safe travel in Ukraine (insurance covering military risks);

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tours - the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;

Visit Ukraine Hotels - book hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Merch - choose patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

Cooperation - cooperation and advertising integrations with Visit Ukraine and Visit World projects.




© 2018-2023, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.

Recommended articles

1 min

Finance More than half of new sole proprietorships in Ukraine were opened by women in 2023: which regions are leading

More than half of new sole proprietorships in Ukraine were opened by women in 2023: which regions are leading

In 2023, Ukraine saw a significant increase in women's activity in the field of entrepreneurship. Indeed, 56% of new individual entrepreneurs (IEs) were founded by women. Find out more about the regions where women in business set a gender record

21 Nov. 2023

More details

2 min

Popular Electricity shortages began in Ukraine even before russia's attacks on infrastructure: what happened

Electricity shortages began in Ukraine even before russia's attacks on infrastructure: what happened

Ukraine's power grid has already experienced a shortage of electricity, forcing Ukrenergo to bring in emergency assistance from Slovakia, Poland, and Romania. Find out what the state of the power system is and whether massive blackouts will begin in the near future

24 Nov. 2023

More details

2 min

Travel How to get to Ukraine from Japan: convenient routes and useful tips for foreigners

How to get to Ukraine from Japan: convenient routes and useful tips for foreigners

The skies over Ukraine are currently closed, making it difficult to travel. However, the land borders remain open. We have prepared the most convenient ways to come to Ukraine for those traveling from Japan

24 Nov. 2023

More details

2 min

Events When to celebrate St. Nicholas and Christmas 2023: new dates of church holidays in December

When to celebrate St. Nicholas and Christmas 2023: new dates of church holidays in December

Recently, the Orthodox and Ukrainian Greek Catholic Churches switched to the new Julian calendar, changing the dates of some holidays. Find out more about when Ukrainians celebrate St. Nicholas, Christmas and other important church holidays in December

24 Nov. 2023

More details