According to Serhiy Babak, the head of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Education, Science and Innovation, the number of male applicants for postgraduate studies in Ukraine is expected to reach 80% in 2025. Additionally, 52% of master’s degree applicants are projected to be male. Babak’s data highlights a troubling trend in the country’s higher education system, where women are increasingly being outpaced by their male counterparts in advanced academic pursuits.
The statistics suggest a significant gender gap in postgraduate education, which may have long-term implications for gender equality in the workforce. With the majority of postgraduate students being men, there is a risk of underrepresentation for women in traditionally male-dominated fields such as engineering, computer science, and medicine. Babak’s remarks have sparked discussions about the underlying factors contributing to this disparity, including societal norms, educational opportunities, and institutional biases.
The findings raise questions about the effectiveness of current policies aimed at promoting gender equality in higher education. While the data is specific to Ukraine, it could serve as a warning sign for other countries facing similar challenges. Educational leaders and policymakers are now being urged to address the issue through targeted initiatives and support systems to encourage more women to pursue postgraduate studies.