Public Policy and Povernance Master's Program

Learn more

About the Program:

The program brings together active citizens, representatives of the government, the public sector, think tanks and business who seek to influence social processes

The training is based on evidence-based policy. Students do not just study public administration - they analyze real-world policies and propose solutions using data and analytical approaches

Practical approach and international experience. The program includes internships at government agencies, international organizations, and think tanks. Students work on real-life cases, participate in research, and learn from professors from leading universities around the world

Global context and European standards. The program trains professionals capable of working in international institutions, government agencies, think tanks and NGOs

Key Skills of a Graduate:

In-depth knowledge of public policy - understanding how the public sector functions, how policy is formed, and how to evaluate its effectiveness

Analytical thinking - the ability to work with data, conduct quantitative and qualitative research

Problem-oriented approach - the ability to identify social problems and propose solutions

Leadership and communication - effective interaction with the team, formulating recommendations and communicating with different audiences

Ethics and integrity - adherence to high standards of transparency and responsibility

Proficiency in analytical tools - using R, cost-benefit analysis, policy mapping, impact assessment, etc.

Policy paper writing skills - the ability to prepare analytical notes, policy briefs and other documents that influence decision-making in a structured and reasoned manner

Vira Usyk — Academic Director of the Master's "Program in Public Policy and Governance"

"This program is important because it teaches people to think, to reflect on politics and to understand that politics is what surrounds us. Politics is about the rules of the game."

Career Options

The field of public policy. Advisor in ministries or other government agencies and manager or employee in specialized departments
Corporate sector. Corporate social responsibility consultant and expert in government relations
Political career. MP or mayor and candidate for election

International organizations. Project coordinator, analyst in international organizations and political consultant
Think tanks and research organizations. Policy research analyst and project manager
Non-governmental sector. Head of a non-governmental organization and reform advocacy expert

Internships in leading companies and world-class organizations

PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE

The program focuses on the practical application of academic theories and research methods. Our students are not only able to understand complex policy issues, but also have the skills to develop and implement effective policies

Work on real-world projects and interact with government agencies, NGOs, or businesses. Gain valuable practical experience and build a community of change-makers for the future

OUTSTANDING PROFESSIONAL TEAM

The program's faculty have been educated at leading Western universities and have experience in senior public service positions. The combination of academic rigor and practical experience provides students with valuable insight into the complexities of policymaking

Learn from experienced practitioners, solve real-world problems, and become leaders in the Ukrainian political landscape

Studying at KSE is a brand that immediately gives an employer an idea of the quality of your qualifications. I have no fear of mentioning this stage of my studies in my resume for any position. In fact, it also made it possible for the Head of the National Agency on Civil Service to trust me and appoint me as a freelance youth adviser. Without this education or with the education of another university, this would hardly have been possible

Sergiy Horovenko, works at the EU Project “Support to Justice Sector Reforms and Digitalization in Ukraine (PRAVO-JUSTICE II)”, National Expert of Component 2 “Judicial Reform”, graduate of the Public Policy and Governance program

Before starting my studies at KSE, I had experience in the public and government sectors. However, I always felt that I was missing something important. Over time, I realized that it was a theoretical foundation and a general vision of the picture that I could rely on in my work. This was the biggest internal need that I was able to satisfy through my studies at KSE. Although, in fact, I got much more than that: I discovered my passion for qualitative research methods and formed a habit of reading scientific literature

Now I work as a program manager at the US Peace Corps in Ukraine. The experience I gained while studying at KSE helped me to serve as the Director of the Peace Corps Program and Training Department in Ukraine, as well as to gain international experience as a program and training advisor to the Peace Corps in Sri Lanka.

Oksana Shabas, Program Manager at the U.S. Peace Corps in Ukraine, graduate of the Public Policy and Governance program

What is the tuition fee for the "Public Policy and Governance" program?
Start of study in September 2025

● 11,250 UAH per month
● Total cost 225,000 UAH
Possibility of financial support
How to apply to KSE?
● Register and take the "ЄВІ" and the "ЄФВВ"
● Register an electronic account of the applicant from July 1
● Apply for admission to KSE from August 08 to August 25 (18:00) through the electronic account of the applicant
● Submit documents to KSE online
● Become a KSE student

* To enter the programs “Business and Finance Economics” and “Bioinformatics and Biomedical Data Analysis”, in addition to the "ЄВІ" and "ЄФВВ", you must also pass a professional test
If you are applying to the second (master's) level on the basis of a bachelor's degree and already have a master's (or specialist) degree, you can choose to either submit the result(s) of the "ЄВІ" and/or the "ЄФВВ", or pass the relevant interview(s) and/or professional exam
"ЄВІ" / "ЄФВВ" calendar
Main session:
1. Registration: from May 2 to May 23 (at the admission office of the higher education institution)
2. Invitation: until June 12
3. Testing dates: from June 21 to July 12
4. Results: by July 18

Additional session (for those who could not register during the main session):
1. Registration: from June 16 to June 17 (at the admission office of the higher education institution)
2. Invitations: until July 26
3. Testing dates: from July 29 to August 18
4. Results: by August 22
What documents do I need to prepare for admission?
● Passport of a citizen of Ukraine
Identification code
Diploma of previous education
● Number of the "ЄВІ" certificate
● Motivation letter
For privileged categories: details of documents certifying the grounds for special conditions for participation in the admission campaign (if any)
For men: - Under 25: a certificate of registration with a military enlistment office, a military registration document or an extract from the Reserve+.
- After 25 years: a military registration document or an extract from the Reserve+.
Documents can be submitted to KSE online from August 26 to September 05 (18:00)
* for the budget and contract for applications with priority
Learning in English - do you need a certificate?
No, we do not require an English language certificate to study with us. However, the recommended level of English is B2, as we use a lot of English-language literature and some courses are taught by foreign teachers.

You will have additional professional English classes to help you improve your language skills and feel confident while studying
Is there a state-funded form of studying for a master's degree?
For example, such programs as "Economic Analysis", "Social Psychology", "Urban Studies and Postwar Reconstruction", and "Public Policy and Governance" have a state-funded form of education.
The licensed number of state-funded places can be found in the KSE Admission Rules for 2025.
How to get a grant?
1. Select a grant category: Academic grant, Financial aid, Come back home
2. Prepare the necessary documents, certificates confirming the category for which you want to receive a grant
3. Fill out the form on the KSE website, upload copies of documents and successfully pass the motivation test
4. Send a motivation letter, the requirements for which will be sent to your e-mail
! Please note that the time for sending a motivation letter is limited (2 days from the date of receipt of the requirements)
5. Pass an interview with the grant committee
6. Receive a grant confirmation letter by e-mail

For more information about the grant regulations and available types of grants, please follow the link – https://university.kse.ua/en/grants
What is the training format?
The learning format is mixed: combines online and offline classes
Classes are held in the evening, approximately from 18:00 to 21:00
The number of classes per week and the proportion between online and offline learning depend on the specific master's program
Can I transfer from another university?
Yes, it is possible to transfer to KSE from another university
To do this, you need to provide a transcript with a list of courses you have already completed
Our academic department will analyze the academic difference and inform you if there is a possibility of re-entry and to which course
What is the entrance score to study at KSE?
The minimum competitive score for admission to the master's program is 140
Are KSE master's programs accredited?
You can check the licenses for our programs in the registry – https://registry.edbo.gov.ua/university/3924/specialities/

Public Policy and Povernance — Master's program for those who want to shape policies, implement reforms and influence the future of Ukraine

Our Partners

Our Partners

Vira Usyk — Academic Director of the Master's "Program in Public Policy and Governance"

Career Options

PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE

OUTSTANDING PROFESSIONAL TEAM

Become Part of the University that
Creates Future Leaders

Demanding academic standards

Feedback From Program Graduates

Grants and Scholarships are Available for Students of this Program

FAQ