The article studies the attitude of university students to corruption. Researchers give ambiguous assessments of the nature of corruption in higher education, so the purpose of this study is to determine the students’ attitudes to corruption and to reveal the factors that can reduce it at the university.
Methods. The research is based on a complex of general scientific methods, such as system analysis, generalization and systematization of theoretical and practical data contained in the scientific works of various authors, as well as comparison, systemfunctional and complex approaches. The survey and questionnaire methods were used.
Results. The theoretical and practical significance of the study is that it provides an assessment of students’ understanding of the essence of corruption, reveals their attitude to this phenomenon, and identifies the level of corruption in the university. As a result of the study, it has been found that the majority of university students have a vague idea of the essence of corruption and consider it acceptable for solving some personal problems. Only one of four respondents has a negative attitude to corruption. Almost a third of respondents are ready for commercial bribery and to give a bribe in certain living conditions. Moreover, 3 % of respondents committed this act at the university. The results of the analysis of the factors influencing the restriction of corruption allowed us to identify the strongest and weakest influences on this process.
The hypothesis is verified that the university students have a superficial understanding of the essence of corruption, the majority are loyal to it and prefer administrative measures to prevent and combat corruption.
Scientific novelty. Based on the author’s analysis of the state of corruption at the university, the students’ understanding of the essence of corruption is assessed, the nature of their attitude to this phenomenon is established, as well as the level of corruption at the university. Corruption types are singled out and their levels are identified. The article provides the students’ opinion regarding the factors that influence the spread of corruption and the factors that can reduce its level in the university. Among the most effective anticorruption measures are: upgrading of penalties for corruption offenses, strengthening of administrative control at the university, and increase of teachers’ salaries.