University education is not counted towards pension service: how to fix it.

The impact of education on pension service

According to ТСН: Educational periods are not automatically considered in the insurance service, as since 2004 no insurance contributions have been made to the Pension Fund for students and learners.

Thus, the years spent at university or graduate school will not affect the future pension unless the individual takes steps on their own, as noted by the Pension Fund of Ukraine.

Compensation for the period of study

The law provides for the possibility of compensating for this period through a voluntary participation agreement, which allows 'buying' service time for the years of study from January 1, 2004.

Calculation of insurance service

The insurance service is determined by the territorial bodies of the Pension Fund based on information from the personalized accounting system, which is part of the register of insured persons. For periods before the implementation of this system, documentary confirmation is used in accordance with the legislation that was in force earlier.

Mandatory state pension insurance

The list of persons subject to mandatory state pension insurance is defined in Article 11 of Law No. 1058. This article does not include the category of individuals studying in higher and secondary specialized educational institutions, vocational schools and training courses, advanced training courses, graduate schools, and doctoral studies.

Changes in requirements for retirement

It should be noted that the requirements for insurance service for retirement by age change every year. In 2025, the threshold will be increased again.

• To receive a pension at 60, one needs to have at least 32 years of service.
• At 63, one can retire only with service from 22 to 32 years.
• For payments at 65, 15 to 22 years of service is sufficient.

By 2026, it is already known that the requirements will tighten again.

Thus, for many students and learners, it is important to be aware of the possibilities of compensating for educational service, as well as to keep track of changes in legislation regarding retirement. This will help avoid misunderstandings in the future, as pension rules become more complex and service requirements increase. We hope that this information will be useful for those planning their pension provision.