Last year, the number of military personnel in foreign language courses at higher education institutions increased by 14%.

Growing interest in learning foreign languages in higher military educational institutions

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reported that higher military educational institutions in the country are interested in expanding foreign language studies. In 2024, the number of military personnel attending foreign language courses increased by 14%.

Most participants in language programs, 86.5%, are active servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In addition, state officials, Armed Forces employees, and scientific-pedagogical staff are also joining the courses.

93% of attendees successfully passed the foreign language proficiency test. The Ministry of Defense emphasized that several cases of course incompletion are related to service necessity.

Half of the program participants achieved a basic 'survival' level according to NATO standards STANAG 6001, and 19.3% of attendees reached a functional level.

'Proficiency in the English language helps our military implement NATO standards and effectively interact with allies. It also shows that the Ukrainian military is becoming stronger and more modern,' said Deputy Minister of Defense Brigadier General of Justice Serhiy Melnyk.

It should be noted that from September 2025, mandatory basic military training (BMT) will commence in Ukraine for students of higher education institutions. The refusal of a male student, deemed fit for military service, to undergo practical training in BMT is grounds for his expulsion from the higher educational institution in accordance with the legislation.