CONCEPT AND DIRECTIONS OF ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL SUPPORT OF THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS IN HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN UKRAINE

Abstract

It is substantiated that the administrative and legal support of the educational process in higher education institutions of Ukraine constitutes a complex, multi-level framework integrating foundational principles as well as regulatory, organizational, and procedural components of public administration. Legislative and subordinate legal acts defining the content and implementation mechanisms of educational activities are systematically analyzed. This framework encompasses the activities of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, and other public administration bodies, along with institutional-level regulatory instruments. It is demonstrated that its core elements include the determination of rights and obligations of participants in the educational process, the organization of educational procedures, and quality assurance mechanisms. It is established that administrative and legal support is implemented through a system of administrative instruments, including licensing, accreditation, and quality monitoring. The key directions of such support in higher education institutions are identified and examined. Student-centeredness is defined as a fundamental principle, ensuring that the educational process is oriented toward the needs and interests of learners. Particular attention is given to the implementation of the Bologna Process principles, which facilitate Ukraine’s integration into the European Higher Education Area. Subordinate legal regulation is shown to have a comprehensive nature and to operate across national, sectoral, and institutional levels. It is proven that the provision of administrative services, particularly licensing and accreditation, serves as a central mechanism for ensuring educational quality. The study systematizes that administrative and legal support of the educational process demonstrates a clear European orientation and aims to maintain a balance between public and private interests. Its further development is associated with the implementation of academic freedom, the autonomy of higher education institutions, and the strengthening of students’ roles. Current trends include the digitalization of the educational process and the expansion of learning formats, including distance and dual education. The effectiveness of administrative and legal support ultimately depends on the state’s capacity to establish a coherent regulatory framework and ensure its effective implementation.