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.
What Is the USPS Programme and Why Is It Worth Applying For?
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.
We Are Looking for Individuals Who
- 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.
Conditions of Participation:
- 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.
USPS 2026 Selection Timeline
USPS 2026 Programme Schedule
| Dates | Activity |
|---|---|
| 23–26 April | First session |
| 1–5 July | Second session |
| 24–27 September | Third session |
| December | Annual Community meeting |
Q&A Section
The USPS programme consists of three training sessions of different formats, held throughout the year within Ukraine. Each training session lasts 4–5 days.
- Participation-related costs (accommodation, meals, training, learning materials, etc.; excluding travel within the territory of Ukraine) are covered by the School and its partners.
- 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.
We adhere to regional and gender balance — the selected cohort should include an equal number of women and men, with a significant proportion of participants representing different regions of Ukraine. As a result of the selection process, 35–40 participants are admitted to the programme, taking into account professional, regional and gender quotas.
- From the start of their studies, participants will have the opportunity to attend other activities of the School (including events within USPS Clubs and the ecosystem of the USPS Alumni Programme, etc.).
- Participants will acquire the knowledge necessary for responsible leadership — a foundation for informed decision-making at all levels. In addition, upon completion of the programme, participants will gain skills for effectively addressing current socio-political challenges. Most importantly, participants will have the opportunity, under the auspices and with the support of the USPS, to form a Community of like-minded people committed to delivering meaningful change.
