Grants for Development of Vocational Education Institutions

The programme supports vocational education institutions in implementing innovative approaches to improve education quality, inclusiveness, communication skills and cooperation with business. It provides up to 50 mini-grants for implementing proven practices across six funding areas. The programme is funded by the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany through the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), co-financed by the European Union and ESTDEV, implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) under the "Vocational Education in Ukraine / Skills4Recovery" project, and administered by the National Development Institution (NUR) with the participation of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine.

The programme is open to state- or municipally-owned vocational education institutions that meet the Programme's eligibility requirements.

Key eligibility criteria include:

• Applicants must hold a valid licence to provide educational activities in professions related to the targeted economic sectors.
• Institutions that previously participated in Skills4Recovery multi-donor initiative programmes are not eligible for support under this call.
• Eligible sectors include:
  • construction;
  • transport and logistics;
  • agriculture;
  • services.

Participation requirements:

• Previous grant experience, co-financing, or a large project team is not required.
• An institution may submit applications under multiple funding directions; however, only one grant may be awarded and only under one direction.
• A separate application must be submitted for each funding direction.

Under the programme, 50 vocational education institutions will receive grant funding to implement proven approaches that have already demonstrated effectiveness within the Skills4Recovery initiative.

Key funding conditions:

• grant funding of up to UAH 250,000 (equivalent to up to EUR 5,000) is available for one project initiative;
• the funding supports the implementation of innovative approaches to improve education quality, inclusiveness, communication skills, and cooperation with businesses;
• supported projects are expected to be implemented during September–October 2026;
• eligible projects may focus on the following economic sectors:
  • construction;
  • transport and logistics;
  • agriculture;
  • services.

The programme supports projects aimed at introducing innovative approaches in vocational education institutions. Funding is allocated across six thematic areas, each with a defined project quota.

Supported project areas include:

• Business collaboration through joint projects with employers (10 projects).
• Professional development of teachers and vocational training instructors in cooperation with businesses (10 projects).
• Inclusive learning environments for people with disabilities (8 projects).
• Digitalisation of educational services and improved access to online learning (8 projects).
• Better labour market integration through career centres and self-employment support (8 projects).
• Institutional autonomy of vocational education providers through new identity and repositioning initiatives (6 projects).

A separate application form is available for each funding area.

The programme roadmap outlines the main stages of the competition and project implementation.

• Application deadline: 5 August 2026, 23:59.
• Submitted application packages will be reviewed within 14 working days.
• Indicative announcement of results: 24 August 2026. The announcement date may change depending on the number of applications received.
• Project implementation is scheduled for September–October 2026.

Following the selection of successful applicants, the programme includes:

• signing grant agreements;
• disbursement of 100% of the grant funding for project implementation;
• implementation of projects by educational institutions;
• preparation of financial and narrative reports;
• a final project event with a presentation of results (November).

Applicants follow a structured application process to participate in the project competition.

Main steps include:

• Reviewing examples of successful practices (case studies) across all six funding areas.
• Selecting one or more funding areas for participation.
• Completing the application form corresponding to the selected funding area. A separate application must be prepared for each funding area.
• Uploading the completed and signed application through the online registration form via: https://cutt.ly/uytfotck

Applications are evaluated based on:

• previous grant implementation experience;
• relevance of the proposed solution;
• budget justification;
• sustainability of results;
• co-financing (at least 15% of the project budget);
• number of students enrolled;
• priority occupations and specialties defined by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine.

Estimated date for the announcement of results: August 24, 2026 (the date is subject to change depending on the number of applications received; any changes will be announced separately).

You can learn more about the competition and ask the organizers questions during the webinar, which will take place on July 31 at 1:00 p.m.

To participate in the webinar, please register at the following link: https://cutt.ly/bytffQCd

Following the award of funding, grant recipients are required to comply with reporting, monitoring, and financial compliance obligations established by the Programme and the grant agreement.

Key requirements include:

• NUP or its authorised representatives may monitor the proper use of grant funds to prevent misuse, fictitious activities, and potential fraud.
• Grant recipients must submit both narrative and financial reports on the use of grant funding by 15 November 2026.
• Recipients are required to:
  • retain financial records, contracts, invoices, acceptance documents, and other supporting documentation for 10 years after submission of the final financial report;
  • provide authorised representatives with access to project documentation, financial records, and project premises;
  • promptly notify NUP of any circumstances that could affect the implementation of the grant agreement.

Grant funds may be recovered if:

• funding is used for purposes other than those approved or cannot be properly documented;
• Programme or grant agreement requirements are breached;
• the recipient is found not to meet the Programme requirements.

In addition, recipients are expected to ensure public visibility of the Programme, use the required logos in communication materials, and consent to the use of grant-related information for Programme evaluation and dissemination of results.