The change does not apply for those applying through state grants, the minister clarified. Simultaneously, the ministry has increased the number of publicly funded doctoral positions from 3,200 to 7,000. According to Lisovyi, this will “ensure opportunities for genuine, motivated, and capable candidates.” Explaining the change in policy, the minister said the number of applicants for these programs has surged dramatically since Russia’s 2022 invasion. Before the war, around 7,000-8,000 individuals pursued doctoral studies via both government-funded and contract programs. This year, 91,561 mili…