HIGHER EDUCATION REFORM IN POLAND 2025–2026: NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR UKRAINIAN INTEGRATION
Author (s): Borysenko I.
Work place:
Borysenko I.,
PhD of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor,
Professor of the Foreign Languages Department,
Penitentiary Academy of Ukraine
(34 Honcha Street, Chernihiv, 14000, Ukraine,
Senior Researcher at the Department of Comparative Pedagogy,
Institute of Pedagogy, National Academy
of Pedagogical Sciences of Ukraine
(52D Sichovykh Striltsiv Street, Kyiv, 04053, Ukraine,
e-mail: borisenko-irina@ukr.net)
ORCID: 0000-0002-1191-3126
Language: English
Scientific Herald of Sivershchyna. Series: Education. Social and Behavioural Sciences 2026. № 2(17): 167–176
https://doi.org/10.32755/sjeducation.2026.02.167
Ongoing reforms in the fields of science and higher education in Poland have been implemented as part of the strategy for scientific excellence, modern higher education, business partnerships, and the social responsibility of science. This process involves three key areas: «Сonstitution for science», which provides for systemic changes in science and higher education legislatively; іnnovation for the economy, which strengthens the commercialisation of research and partnerships with business; and social responsibility of science.
This article aims to explore the transformation of Poland’s education system in order to use it as a model for the modernisation of Ukrainian higher education. The analysis focuses on how Polish innovations in management and digitisation can be adapted to strengthen Ukraine’s human capital and harmonise educational standards in both countries.
The article examines recent legislative initiatives introduced by the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education between 2025 and 2026. It particularly focuses on the «Anti-Discrimination Package», the transition to mandatory electronic diplomas, and the «Science4Business» framework. The analysis of these reforms can help to define effective models for the Ukrainian higher education system, especially in terms of European integration, digital transformation, and the protection of academic stakeholders’ well-being.
The identified reform initiatives highlight a collective commitment to ensuring and enhancing educational quality. There is a strong emphasis on integrating digital technologies and cultivating competencies essential to success in the European labour market. In particular, the reforms introduced in Poland are especially comprehensive and multifaceted. They focus on key areas, including the internationalisation of education, strengthening the link between scientific research and economic development, developing open online courses for broader access and inclusion, and recognising diplomas across international borders.
The research methodology for this study will include an examination of key Polish documents outlining the legal framework and defining the strategic direction of European policy in higher education and training.
Conclusion. Poland is reforming its higher education to boost transparency and digital skills while enhancing its global reputation. These changes serve as a model for Ukraine’s recovery and integration into the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).
Key words: higher education reform, school reforms, anti-discrimination, digital diplomas, European integration, academic integrity.
References
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