1. Concept of the Address Placement Algorithm: Goals, History, and Innovations in 2025
The Address Placement Algorithm (APA) was introduced in 2015 to ensure a fair and efficient distribution of state-funded university seats based on applicants’ competitive scores and application priorities. In 2016, it was modernized to implement the principle of a “broad competition,” which takes into account not only applicants’ scores but also competition among higher education institutions (HEIs) for top applicants.
In 2025, for the first time, the algorithm is being used simultaneously for both state-funded (budget) and tuition-based (contract) places. This applies to applicants pursuing a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree in medicine, pharmacy, or veterinary science. The change aims to increase allocation efficiency, better reflect applicant preferences, and allow for informed choices between types of study.
2. Types of Applications and Participation Rules: 15 Applications and Dual Submission
Applicants may submit up to 15 applications in total, of which up to 5 can be for state-funded places and the rest for tuition-based (contract) places. There are two types of applications:
- Applications for budget places (including mixed “budget/contract” options) — participate in the first stage of address placement for state-funded seats.
- Applications for contract places — may be submitted for the same programs as budget applications (but separately), as well as for programs that do not offer budget seats at all.
Important: If an applicant wishes to be considered for both a budget and a contract place in the same study program, they must submit two separate applications — one for each funding type — with respective priorities.
3. Algorithm Workflow: Priorities, Scores, Stages, and Consequences
The algorithm operates in two stages:
- Stage I – Centralized address placement:
- All submitted applications are reviewed in order from highest to lowest priority.
- Within each competitive program, recommendations are issued to applicants with the highest competitive scores, regardless of the priority assigned to the application.
- The applicant receives one recommendation — for the highest-priority program for which their score is sufficient. Applications with lower priority are automatically disregarded.
- Stage II – Independent recommendations by HEIs:
- This stage applies to contract places, especially for those who did not confirm or receive a budget offer, or who wish to pursue a second degree simultaneously.
Key rule — If the applicant does not confirm the budget offer:
- they lose the right to a budget-funded place for that admission year;
- they also lose the right to receive a government tuition grant for contract-based study;
- switching from contract to budget or retaining the grant later is not allowed.
4. Application Package Formation: Strategy, Priorities, and Common Models
Applicants are advised to strategically select up to 5 budget-funded program choices (e.g., CP-01-B … CP-05-B), considering factors such as:
- University (reputation, conditions);
- Study program (specialization);
- Mode of study (full-time, distance, etc.);
- Housing, travel, and other logistical aspects.
Contract applications may be submitted:
- for the same programs as budget applications (e.g., CP-01-K, if CP-01-B was submitted);
- for programs where no budget-funded places are available (e.g., CP-06-K, CP-07-K).
Typical priority models are illustrated in the document, including:
- if the applicant always prefers budget-funded study — budget applications are listed first;
- if a specific program is most desirable regardless of funding — that application is listed first, even if it’s contract-based;
- for flexibility — contract applications follow their budget counterparts (e.g., CP-01-B, CP-01-K, CP-03-B…).
Practical tip: Submit applications for programs you’re fully confident about as early as possible; avoid waiting until the last day.
