The current tendencies of higher humanitarian education in Ukraine are defined in the article as well as the strategy tasks and the main ways of modernization of the Ukrainian higher educational system according to the European standards are characterized. It is stated that the modernization of higher education in Ukraine involves a series of reforms, namely the introduction of credit technologies based on the European system of credits transfer, encouraging mobility and creating conditions for students, teachers and researchers’ free movement within the European space, simplifying the procedures for qualifications and employability of graduates and students on the European labor market and so on. However, it is also noted that these reforms should be introduced carefully in order to preserve national heritage and prevent the destruction of the national higher educational system.