USPS 2026: Applications Now Open

The Ukrainian School of Political Studies is an institution of civic and political education, founded in 2005 as a democratic achievement of the Orange Revolution and on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of Ukraine’s accession to the Council of Europe. Over more than 20 years, we have brought together over 500 successful leaders from various fields — civil servants, lawyers, service members, business leaders, academics, politicians, civil society actors, representatives of creative professions and the media.

Studying at USPS is an opportunity to find a community of people who share the values of Ukraine’s European and democratic development, as well as to gain knowledge across a wide range of relevant social, political and cultural trends. The programme of the Ukrainian School of Political Studies is about networking and learning that provides the basis for thoughtful problem-solving and decision-making, while also strengthening the leadership potential of its participants.

The mission of the School is to strengthen change-makers who form the USPS Community through shared learning and discussion. It seeks to foster closer, higher-quality connections and the added value of interaction that enables meaningful change in Ukraine.

Each year, the USPS programme is updated to better reflect current trends and pressing challenges. At the same time, the core curriculum of sessions always includes:

• study of the foundations of democracy, human rights, political processes and public administration;
• discussion of issues related to local self-government and regional policy;
• analysis of public policy in Ukraine and abroad;
• review of key issues in political theory, economics, philosophy and law, as well as discussions with representatives of public authorities.

The programme offers opportunities for networking within the Community that brings together leaders and lays the groundwork for fruitful cooperation. Therefore, if you share the School’s aspirations, we encourage you to join this year’s programme.

More details about the USPS programme are available via the link.

• have significant professional achievements in the fields of politics, journalism, public service, military service, law, civil society, academia, creative industries and entrepreneurship;
• demonstrate an active civic position and are motivated to apply the knowledge gained in their professional and public activities;
• are citizens of Ukraine with an appropriate educational background for their chosen field;
• knowledge of foreign languages is an additional advantage in the selection process.

The School sees it as its responsibility to support and empower people with military experience. Therefore, we encourage service members, veterans (women and men) who stand guard over Ukraine’s free future to apply for the programme.

• Selected participants must be based in Ukraine and able to take part in all three training sessions of the School, which are held throughout the year;
• The Ukrainian School of Political Studies determines, at its own discretion, a registration fee for participation in the annual programme for selected participants; since 2023, this fee has been directed to the ‘Come Back Alive’ Foundation in support of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

However, if a participant does not have the financial capacity to pay the registration fee, the School addresses this on an individual basis. One of the core principles of the School’s work is to ensure equal opportunities for participation for people from diverse backgrounds and with different capacities. Our main criterion has always been — and remains — values.