Thirty higher education institutions started the 2016-2017 enrolment campaign. These include 19 public institutions and 11 private institutions.  This year the number of places for bachelor’s and master’s degree studies is lower than last year, IPN reports.

According to the Ministry of Education, candidates will be admitted to 170 university specialties and about 500 master’s degree programs. The number of places for bachelor’s degree studies fell by over 500 on last year to 17,416, while of places for master’s degree studies decreased by over 600 to 7,377.

The candidates have the right to enroll at a number of specialties at one or several universities, but will ultimately have to choose one specialty, at one education institution.

The admission contest is common for budget-funded places and for contract places. The candidates are enrolled based on the descending order of the average grade.

The candidates from socially deprived families will benefit from 15% of the available places this year too. Priority is given to orphans and persons with the first and second disability degrees. About 70% of the candidates who will be admitted to universities will receive scholarships.

Applications within the admission contest can be submitted until August 1. The contest results will be announced on August 11. If necessary, the organizers will stage additional admission sessions to fill the unoccupied places.