Higher Education in IT: why Enrollment is Dropping and what Universities Say — GlobalLogic Analysis

According to DOU data, the number of students enrolling in IT majors continues to fall, dropping by 24% in 2024 compared to 2023, and by a further 8% in 2025 compared to 2024. GlobalLogic investigated why there are fewer and fewer applicants and what universities themselves have to say about this trend.

“Computer Science,” “Software Engineering,” and “Cybersecurity and Information Protection” are invariably among the top 10 most popular majors. However, fewer and fewer graduates are enrolling in these specific fields:

• Enrollment in “Computer Science” dropped by 14%;
• “Software Engineering” saw a 15% decrease;
• “Cybersecurity and Information Protection” experienced a 25% fall.

What GlobalLogic says about the trend

The main reason for the drop is the war, which forces graduates to enroll abroad or postpone their studies.  

At the same time, higher education in IT has been and remains essential.

“Despite the outflow of prospective students, education continues. IT companies cooperate with institutions, creating joint programs to equip students with practical skills. This is an investment in Ukraine’s intellectual potential and future team expansion. After all, we are not stopping the involvement of junior specialists in projects,” comments Viktoriia Viktorenko, Associate Manager, University & Education Programs, GlobalLogic Ukraine. 

What Ukrainian universities say

Contrary to the general trend, the higher education institutions surveyed have not experienced an outflow of applicants. How do they explain this statistic, and how have their admissions campaigns progressed in recent years?

• The National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy attributes the trend to the overall decline in the number of applicants in Ukraine. This is due to the reduction in the number of graduates (stemming from demographic trends and emigration abroad) and the growing number of those who choose to study abroad.

“At the same time, in the case of our Faculty of Informatics, we have not observed a drop: in 2024, we enrolled a record number of students in our Bachelor’s programs (225 compared to 140 in 2019). The results of the current admissions campaign are close to last year’s figures. We have reached the limit of our capacity and consciously adhere to the principle: it is better to educate fewer students but ensure the highest quality of training,” comments Andrii Hlybovets, Dean of the Faculty of Informatics.

• The Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU) similarly notes that the drop in enrollment is related to applicants’ decision to enroll abroad.

“Engineering professions are universal, so an education gained in one country is easily convertible into opportunities in another,” comments Yaroslav Prytula, First Vice-Rector of UCU.

As for the number of applicants, UCU enrolled the planned number of students for all IT programs, including the new “Robotics” program.

“There were more applicants than we could accept, as we focus on the quality of education, not mass enrollment. Almost all of our admitted students listed UCU as their first priority and realized their dream of studying specifically here. We even receive transfer requests from those who enrolled abroad,” adds Yaroslav.

• The Lviv Polytechnic National University emphasizes the importance of higher education for securing good positions in the future.

“Short courses provide specific skills needed for certain tasks but do not form the worldview and deep understanding required for a high-level specialist,” explains Nataliia Shakhovska, the University Rector.

In contrast to the general trend, Lviv Polytechnic National University also saw an increase in the number of admitted students this year. This applies to both state-funded places, which became more numerous than last year, and contract-based students.

Despite the overall decline in IT enrollment, major universities are demonstrating a counter-trend. Quality higher education in Ukraine remains in demand. IT companies continue to invest not only in training future specialists but also in the continuity of education.

“It’s important for us to support universities in all aspects: from educational programs to the functioning of the institutions overall. Especially today, when university buildings can come under attack. For instance, we transferred a UAH 1 million donation to Lviv Polytechnic for the restoration of the university building after a russian attack,” comments Anna Shcherbakova, Vice President and Head of Operations, GlobalLogic Ukraine.