Promotions •
Volyn-1 Lutsk, the winners of the
2001–02 Ukrainian First League –
(returning after absence of 6 seasons) •
Chornomorets Odesa, the runners-up of the
2001–02 Ukrainian First League –
(returning after absence of 2 seasons) •
Obolon Kyiv, the third placed of the
2001–02 Ukrainian First League –
(debut) Renamed • On 22 July 2002 SC Volyn-1 Lutsk changed its name to FC Volyn Lutsk. • 17 December 2002 FC Metalurh Mariupol changed its name to FC Illichivets Mariupol. • 25 February 2003 FC Polihraftekhnika Oleksandriya changed its name to FC Oleksandriya.
Location ==League table==