Generally, no. Most foreign universities evaluate the secondary school leaving certificate, the grade point average (GPA), and a language proficiency certificate rather than NMT results. However, some institutions—specifically certain public universities in Poland and Slovakia, as well as universities in Austria—require NMT results as proof of the applicant's eligibility for higher education in Ukraine.

The answer depends on three factors: the country, the type of university (public or private), and the level of study (Bachelor’s or Master’s). Students in grades 10–11 and their parents—for whom studying abroad is either a primary plan or a backup option—should clarify these factors before registering for the NMT to avoid missing deadlines.

What foreign universities consider for admission instead of the NMT

Foreign universities evaluate applicants based on four main criteria: the secondary school leaving certificate (with its transcript/appendix), the GPA, a certificate of proficiency in the language of instruction, and a motivation letter.

Certificate and GPA. The secondary school leaving certificate, along with its transcript, is the primary academic document for admission. The GPA influences admission decisions in most countries, so grades from the 10th and 11th grades are directly relevant.

Language certificate. Programs taught in English require IELTS or TOEFL; German-language programs require TestDaF, Goethe-Zertifikat, or DSH; and programs taught in the national language require the specific exam of that country. The typical required proficiency level is B2–C1.

Motivation letter and portfolio. A motivation letter explains why the applicant chose a specific program and university. For creative, architectural, and certain technical majors, a portfolio or an entrance assignment is additionally required.

Recognition of the school-leaving certificate. The Ukrainian certificate undergoes a recognition procedure in the country of study—either through the university, a national recognition center, or a comparison of school curricula. This often requires an apostille and a certified translation.

Example: An applicant is applying for an English-language bachelor's program at a private university in Poland. Usually, the school-leaving certificate (with its transcript/supplement), an IELTS certificate, and a motivation letter suffice; the NMT certificate is not mentioned in the list of required documents.

Is the NMT required in different countries?

NMT requirements depend on the country and the type of university—public or private.

Country

Is NMT required?

What is more important for admission?

Note

Poland

Private universities — no; public — sometimes

School-leaving certificate, GPA, language certificate

Some public universities accept Ukrainians only with NMT results

Czech Republic

Usually no

School-leaving certificate, nostrification

Recognition via curriculum comparison or exams

Slovakia

Private universities — no; Public universities — possibly

School leaving certificate, language certificate

Requirements of public universities should be checked individually

Germany

Usually not a key document

Recognition of the school leaving certificate, Studienkolleg or studies at a Ukrainian university, German language

Recognition rules can be found in the anabin database and on uni-assist

Austria

Yes, at many universities

NMT results, apostilled school leaving certificate, German language

The University of Vienna and TU Wien list NMT results in their requirements

Italy

May be required

School leaving certificate, document recognition, language certificate

Proof of eligibility for university admission in Ukraine may be required

Netherlands

Usually not

School leaving certificate, GPA, English language

A preparatory year is sometimes required for research universities

Denmark

Usually not

School leaving certificate with transcript, English language

—

France

The certificate may be formally required

School leaving certificate GPA, language certificate

NMT scores are usually not taken into account

Specific university requirements may differ from general national practices; therefore, the list of documents should be checked on the chosen university's website.

Countries where NMT results are usually not required for admission

Most universities in the Czech Republic, Denmark, and the Netherlands, as well as private universities in Poland and Slovakia, do not require NMT results—a school leaving certificate and a language certificate are sufficient.

Czech Republic

Most Czech universities do not require NMT results from Ukrainian applicants. Ukrainian school-leaving certificates are recognized through a process of credential recognition (nostrification)—which involves comparing curricula or taking additional exams—so NMT results do not play a decisive role.

Poland and Slovakia (private universities)

Private universities in Poland and Slovakia generally do not list the NMT among their admission requirements. Enrollment typically requires only the school-leaving certificate (with its transcript/supplement), a language proficiency certificate, and a motivation letter.

Denmark and the Netherlands

Admission in Denmark and the Netherlands is based on the school-leaving certificate, grade point average (GPA), and English language proficiency. The NMT does not appear in standard requirements; however, for certain programs at Dutch research universities, the certificate alone may be insufficient without a preparatory year.

When foreign universities require NMT results

The NMT is most often required for admission to universities that mandate proof of the applicant's eligibility for higher education in their home country.

The logic is as follows: since NMT results are required for university admission in Ukraine, some countries view a school-leaving certificate without NMT results as an incomplete document for accessing higher education.

Poland and Slovakia (public universities)

Some public universities in Poland and Slovakia may require an NMT certificate.