Grant for young scientists

Grant for young scientists is provided for the implementation of a specific scientific project involving research or an internship.

The aid is intended for researchers who have defended their dissertation and obtained an academic degree. Grant funds for them are provided on a competitive basis, after evaluating the relevance of the idea, methodology, and justification of the budget.

Thanks to the grant, young scientists can also partially cover the costs of trips to foreign laboratories and forums. More details on this are in the article below.

Which young scientists can submit a grant application?

Three categories of researchers can submit an application, depending on their academic degree and age, in particular:

• Doctors of Sciences up to 40 years old inclusive. The main criteria are the presence of a Doctor of Sciences degree and the primary place of work in a Ukrainian institution;
• Doctoral students up to 35 years old inclusive. Such persons must have a degree no lower than Candidate of Sciences;
• Doctors of Philosophy or Candidates of Sciences up to 35 years old inclusive. In addition to the academic degree, the person must also work for a Ukrainian legal entity.

A young researcher can submit only one project within the competition.

It is worth noting that a person who is under sanctions by the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC), belongs to the directorate of the National Council for Science Development, or cooperates with the aggressor state is not eligible to participate.

For which projects of young scientists can a grant be provided?

The main goal of grant support is to give an impetus to scientific developments that are of strategic importance for Ukraine.

The priority thematic areas are as follows:

• national security and defense (strengthening defense capabilities);
• research in the social and economic sphere (increasing competitiveness);
• IT and digitalization (improving the quality of communication technologies);
• energy (development of energy efficiency);
• scientific research in the field of medicine, prevention (innovative treatment of diseases);
• materials science (creation of new substances and materials with various properties).

It is important to know! The project proposed by the scientists must be implemented within a period of up to 8 months. At the same time, the scientist is not allowed to work in foreign institutions, as the state requires maximum transparency in the use of funds.

To get more information, we suggest ordering a consultation with one of our specialists from the grants and investment attraction department.

What documentation needs to be submitted to receive a grant for young scientists?

Obtaining a grant is possible subject to the submission of an application by March 1, 2026. The application must demonstrate that the project has practical value for Ukraine and can be implemented for a significant improvement of the situation in the economy or the defense sector.

To increase its attractiveness for the grant provider's commission, it must also be supported by the following documents:

• project budget (with a description of all expenses and purpose);
• candidate's resume (indicating their experience and qualifications);
• financial report on the previous project (if the person has previously received a grant).

How much funding can a young scientist receive?

In 2026, the funding for young scientists in Ukraine was revised.

Today, candidates who submit a grant application will be able to receive:

• firstly, 500,000 UAH (for Doctors of Sciences);
• secondly, 400,000 UAH (for doctoral students);
• thirdly, 300,000 UAH (for Candidates of Sciences).

It is worth noting that the new amounts will allow not just to buy consumables, but to conduct a full-fledged study. Since these are budget funds, they have a clear list of permitted expenses, which we will discuss in more detail below.

What can the grant funds be spent on under the program?

This grant is exclusively personal and must be directed solely to the payment of the scientist's salary and associated charges.

Grant funds cannot be used to purchase laptops, microscopes, chemical reagents, or pay for business trips or publications in journals, as it will essentially serve as the individual's intellectual reward.

How can specialists from the Law Firm “Prikhodko & Partners” help?

The Law Firm “Prikhodko & Partners” has significant experience in supporting projects to obtain grant support. The assistance of our specialists can be decisive, as the procedure has many "pitfalls."

Their main services will be as follows:

• consulting and expertise of the grant application;
• development and analysis of the application and project budget;
• assistance in preparing additional documents (resume, reports, letters of support, etc.);
• support for submitting the grant application through the submission system;
• correction of deficiencies in the documents (upon request from representatives of the grant provider's commission);
• selection of a relevant grant program (if necessary).

Do you have questions? We suggest filling out the form below, getting a consultation, and finding out the cost of specialist assistance in obtaining a grant for young scientists in the near future.