Sometimes you can't do without a diploma. How higher education affects a career in IT

Most Ukrainian IT professionals have a university degree, but IT companies say that a diploma is not required and does not affect salaries. What matters is knowledge and practical experience, which can be gained at courses.

However, it is difficult to get into some positions without a higher technical education. For example, in AI/ML, such engineers can be found, but their enthusiasm often wears off in a few weeks. In addition, some customers require a diploma to participate in projects.

LIGA.net tells what are the advantages of IT professionals with technical education, what positions can be filled without it, and what universities and online academies say about the importance of education.

How many IT professionals have a diploma

According to data from EPAM Ukraine, which has analyzed the profiles of more than 10,000 of its IT professionals, 96% of specialists have a diploma or are still studying.