Douglas Olsen
Ukraine has historically been a popular destination for international students due to its plentiful options for English-language study, reasonable tuition fees, and lenient student visa requirements. However, since the outbreak of war, thousands of international students have been forced to leave the country and seek alternative study destinations. While some countries and institutions have welcomed these displaced students, others have been reluctant to open their doors or relax their strict visa requirements or recognize online learning. Despite the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian higher education institutions continue to accept and educate foreign students, and the country remains a popular choice for international students seeking a high-quality education. However, safety is a significant concern, as there are no cities in Ukraine that are completely safe from the threat of rocket attacks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | There are currently no cities in Ukraine that are completely safe, and the entire country is subject to regular rocket attacks. |
| Visa Requirements | Ukraine has more lenient student visa requirements than other European countries. |
| Tuition Fees | Ukraine has reasonable tuition fees compared to other European countries. |
| English-language Study Options | There are plentiful options for English-language study in Ukraine. |
| Recognition of Qualifications | Ukrainian education meets international requirements and standards. |
| Popularity with International Students | Ukraine is a popular destination for international students, particularly those from China and India. |
| Online Learning | Restrictions on online education are in place in Ukraine. |
| Support for International Students | Some universities in other countries have welcomed Ukrainian students, while others have been reluctant to do so. |
| Insurance | International students are advised to buy insurance for safe entry and stay in Ukraine. |
| Travel Advice | International students should make electronic copies of all documents and save them on their devices. They should also find out the curfew times in their region and install the Air Alert app on their smartphones. |
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What You'll Learn
Safety recommendations for international students in Ukraine
Ukraine has long been a popular destination for international students due to its plentiful options for English-language study, reasonable tuition fees, and lenient student visa requirements. However, the ongoing war has forced thousands of international students to leave the country. While some countries and institutions have welcomed them, others have been reluctant to open their doors.
- Before travelling to Ukraine, make electronic copies of all your important documents and save them on your electronic device so that you always have access to them.
- Keep yourself informed about the current situation in Ukraine. Currently, there are no cities in Ukraine that are completely safe, and the entire country is subject to regular rocket attacks. The main fighting is concentrated in the eastern and southern parts of the country.
- If you are planning to stay in Ukraine for more than 90 days, you will need to obtain a temporary or permanent residence permit and register your place of residence.
- Purchase extended war risk insurance before travelling to Ukraine.
- Install the Air Alert app on your smartphone. This app will alert you to any nearby threats, and you should immediately head to the nearest shelter when you receive a signal.
- Be aware that you may encounter bribe demands or threats from staff members at educational institutions. If this happens, notify the police, and ask your Ukrainian friends for help if needed.
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Visa requirements for international students
Ukraine is a popular choice for international students due to its plentiful options for English-language study, reasonable tuition fees, and more lenient student visa requirements. Here is some information about the visa requirements for international students wishing to study in Ukraine:
- Students from countries requiring a visa or with a visa-free agreement for up to 90 days (tourist, private, or business travel) need to apply for a long-stay visa (Type D) to stay in Ukraine longer than 90 days.
- Citizens of countries with a visa-free regime agreement with Ukraine (e.g., Georgia, Moldova, Armenia) do not need a visa but must provide an "Invitation to Study" when crossing the Ukrainian border.
- To obtain a long-stay visa (Type D), students must submit documents to the Ukrainian consulate or embassy in their country, as indicated on the embassy's website.
- The "Invitation to Study" is issued by universities and registered at the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine before being provided to applicants.
- Other required documents may include proof of previous education, passport copies, and proof of sufficient funds.
- Visa applications can be submitted to Ukraine's embassies or consulates, visa application centers (VACs), or online via the e-visa website, depending on the applicant's country of residence and citizenship.
- There is a visa fee that varies depending on the application method and urgency.
- Transit (B type) visas are for foreigners transiting through Ukraine for up to 5 days, while short-term (C type) visas are for stays of up to 90 days within every 180 days.
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Admission requirements for international students
Ukraine is home to some of the world's most prestigious universities, and its higher education institutions are open to foreign citizens. The admission process is straightforward, with no complicated language tests, and the quality of Ukrainian education meets international requirements and standards.
Step 1: Register an Account
Firstly, register a personal electronic account. This can be done from July 1st of the year of application, and the applicant's account will remain open until November 30th.
Step 2: Consult with the University
If necessary, get a consultation. The higher education institution will advise applicants if they have any questions. Counselling centres will be established at the admission committee for this purpose.
Step 3: Study the Requirements
Study the requirements for admission on a state-funded basis. To be eligible for state-funded education, you need to score at least 130 points. The minimum requirements for contract-based education are determined by each educational institution.
Step 4: Gather Documents
Gather the necessary documents, which typically include:
- A copy of the international passport showing the candidate's biodata (name, age, nationality, etc.)
- A copy of the secondary/high school completion certificate, showing subjects and marks obtained
- Five credit passes in subjects relevant to the course of interest
- Payment for processing university admission/invitation letter
- Health insurance certificate valid in Ukraine up to the day of the student's arrival
- Original and translated/legalized copies of birth certificates and secondary/high school certificates and results with grades
- A Type D visa with a validity period of at least 15 days on the day of university registration
- Original university invitation letter
Some universities may have additional in-house requirements, so it is important to check with the specific institution. Additionally, candidates studying in the local Ukrainian or Russian language are expected to have completed a language preparatory program.
Step 5: Pass Entrance Exams
Pass the necessary entrance exams, which may include:
- The National Multidisciplinary Test (NMT) for all specialties except arts and sports
- A creative competition, which can be passed in person or remotely
- An interview or motivation letter for paid studies for certain specialties
Step 6: Choose a Place of Study and Sign an Agreement
Choose a place of study and confirm your choice within a certain period, either in your personal account or in person at the educational institution. Then, sign an agreement with the chosen university. This can be done remotely using an electronic signature.
It is important to note that the admission process may vary slightly depending on the university and the specific course applied for. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with processing the university admission, visa support, and other academic-oriented expenses.
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Online learning and its recognition
Ukraine has been facing challenging times since the Russian invasion. To support the continuity of learning in the country, UNESCO's Global Education Coalition (GEC) has been providing online learning opportunities for Ukrainian students. The online course provider Coursera has been working with Ukraine's Ministry of Education and Science (MESU) to enable students and faculty members across more than 280 Ukrainian universities and higher education institutions to access a wide range of courses and guided projects from top universities and companies. This initiative has benefited around 50,000 Ukrainian learners, who have participated in over 150,000 courses at no cost.
Other members of the Global Education Coalition have contributed to expanding online learning opportunities for Ukrainian students and teachers by supplying devices, offering mental health training, translating content into Ukrainian, and providing scholarships for students to continue their studies online. These online courses promote student employability by teaching in-demand skills in fields such as English language communication, leadership, management, and computer programming. For example, a graduate in information technology from Kyiv Polytechnic, Maksym Natalchuk, turned to online learning to gain skills for high-demand roles and earned 16 professional certificates. Similarly, Anastasia Kot, a graduate from T.G. Shevchenko Chernihiv Collegium National University, was able to continue her Master's studies online while seeking refuge in Poland.
In addition to these initiatives, the European Commission and CIMEA (the Italian National Academic Recognition Information centre) held an online training session in April 2022 to support the fast-track recognition of Ukrainian academic qualifications. The training aimed to inform higher education institutions, public bodies, and organisations in the European Union and beyond about the Ukrainian education system, its qualifications, and the tools available for verifying academic qualifications. This enables people fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine to benefit from temporary protection and pursue study and work opportunities.
Overall, these online learning initiatives provide valuable support to Ukrainian students and refugees by offering educational opportunities, promoting skill development, and facilitating the recognition of Ukrainian academic qualifications internationally.
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Support for international students fleeing Ukraine
The war in Ukraine has forced thousands of international students to flee the country and seek safety elsewhere. While some countries and institutions have welcomed them, others have been less receptive, with stringent visa requirements and a lack of recognition for Ukrainian qualifications creating barriers for students seeking to continue their studies.
- Sewa International in the US has launched a helpline to assist stranded international students, providing transportation to border crossings and offering food and shelter during their journey. Sewa Europe is also active on the ground in 10 Ukrainian cities, helping students evacuate.
- The Indian Embassy in Kyiv advised Indian students on how to reach Poland, Romania, or Hungary, from where they could board Air India flights to India.
- Semmelweis University in Hungary has welcomed students fleeing Ukraine, offering them a one-year academic program.
- The University of Hamburg's UHHhilft program assists refugees who have had to interrupt their education, and is working on ways to advise students in Ukrainian.
- The Volkswagen Foundation is offering funding to Ukrainian academics and scientists who have arrived in Germany or are in transit there, allowing them to continue their work at universities or research institutes for 6-12 months.
- CARA, the Council for At-Risk Academics, is helping Ukrainian academics flee to safe areas where they can continue their work.
- The European Commission has launched the 'European Research Area for Ukraine' portal, providing information and support services to Ukraine-based researchers and those fleeing the country. The portal helps researchers find housing and jobs, facilitates diploma recognition, and offers other services.
- The Kyiv School of Economics is raising funds for humanitarian aid to support those affected by the war.
- Care.org has established a Ukraine Crisis fund to provide food, water, hygiene kits, psychosocial support, and cash assistance to those impacted by the conflict.
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Frequently asked questions
Ukraine is currently at war, and while foreign students continue to enrol in Ukrainian higher education institutions, there are no cities in Ukraine that are completely safe. The entire country is subject to regular rocket attacks.
Here are some recommended safety measures:
- Make electronic copies of all documents and save them on your electronic device so that you always have access to them.
- Find out in advance the curfew time in the region where you are going.
- Install the Air Alert app on your smartphone and, upon receiving the signal, immediately go to the nearest shelter.
It is necessary to notify the police. Your Ukrainian friends can help you talk to the local police who may only speak Ukrainian or Russian.
Foreign citizens can enter Ukraine with a temporary or permanent residence permit. If staying for longer than 90 days, a student visa will be required.
