Study abroad
Study in Ukraine
Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.
About studying in Ukraine
Higher education in Ukraine, in Eastern Europe, gives international students a chance to study in a new academic and cultural setting. Universities and other institutions offer programmes at different levels, from first degrees to postgraduate study, across subjects such as business, engineering, health, science and the humanities.
The economy has strengths in digital technology, agriculture and healthcare, which is reflected in many study options. Teaching is often in Ukrainian, so check the language of instruction and any language requirements for each course. Start with the subjects available here, then compare institutions, costs and application steps.
Security conditions can change quickly, so check your own government's official travel advice and each institution's guidance before making plans.
Why study in Ukraine?
What makes Ukraine worth considering depends on what you want from your studies. Its location in Eastern Europe, the local language and the subjects on offer all shape the experience, alongside your budget and career goals.
- Industry context: Digital technology, agriculture and healthcare matter locally, which can make related courses and projects especially relevant.
- Academic choice: institutions offer programmes in areas such as Computing & Information Technology, Agriculture & Environmental Sciences and Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies, with options differing between universities.
- Cities and campus life: Kyiv, Lviv and Kharkiv each offer a different student experience, from larger cities to smaller campus towns.
- Culture and language: living in Ukraine means everyday contact with Ukrainian and local traditions, which many students find valuable in itself.
Look closely at course content, entry requirements and student support, and think about where you would like the qualification to take you.
Top subjects to study in Ukraine
These subject areas are a useful starting point for students looking at Ukraine. They are editorial suggestions based on the country’s wider economy and institutions, not a ranking.
- Computing & Information Technology
- Agriculture & Environmental Sciences
- Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies
- Engineering
- Aviation & Aerospace
- Business & Management
Links to digital technology, agriculture and healthcare mean that related courses may include practical projects or industry examples, although this varies by institution. Each subject has its own page for Ukraine on this site, with its specializations.
When choosing between these areas, think about what you enjoy studying, the entry requirements for each course and the kind of work you would like to do afterwards. A specialization can matter as much as the broad subject.
Universities in Ukraine
- Sumy State UniversitySumy, Ukraine
- THE 2026 1001–1200
- I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical UniversityTernopil, Ukraine
- THE 2026 1201–1500
- Bogomolets National Medical UniversityKyiv, Ukraine
- THE 2026 1501+
Scholarships to Study in Ukraine
Funding for international students in Ukraine can come from several sources, and what is available depends on your nationality, level of study and subject.
- government programmes, including schemes run by your own country or by Ukraine
- universities and colleges, through institutional awards or fee reductions
- foundations, charities and international organisations
- research funding or assistantships for postgraduate and doctoral students
Most scholarships are competitive and have their own eligibility rules, so none can be taken for granted. Read the conditions carefully, apply early and check whether funding covers tuition, living costs or both. Official scholarship providers and university funding pages are the most reliable sources.
Applications often ask for a personal statement, references and academic transcripts, so prepare these early and tailor them to each award.
Intakes to study in Ukraine
In Ukraine, the main intake for many programmes is usually around September. Exact dates vary by institution and programme.
Plan early. Popular courses can close well before the start date, and international applicants usually need extra time for translations, language tests, scholarship applications and visas. Each institution publishes its own deadlines, so check them for every course on your list.
Postgraduate research programmes may have more flexible start dates, agreed with a supervisor.
A simple planning checklist:
- shortlist courses and note each start date and deadline
- prepare transcripts, references and any language test results
- apply for scholarships alongside your course applications
- allow time for the visa and for arranging accommodation
Intake dates and deadlines vary by university and course. Always check them with the university.
Cost of studying in Ukraine
Before you commit to a course in Ukraine, work out the full cost of the programme, not just the first year’s tuition.
When you compare options, look beyond the tuition fee:
- application and registration fees
- course materials, equipment or laboratory costs for some subjects
- health insurance and any visa or permit costs
- accommodation, travel and living expenses for the whole programme
Longer programmes, foundation years and placements all affect the total you will need, so build your budget from the institution’s current published fees.
It is also worth asking how and when fees are paid, whether a deposit is required to secure your place, and how exchange rates could affect the amount you pay from home.
Fees change and differ by university, course and level. Check current fees with each university.
Student visa requirements to study in Ukraine
Before you travel, check what kind of study permission Ukraine requires for your nationality and course.
Requirements can differ by nationality, programme and length of stay. Depending on the rules, you may be asked for:
- an offer or confirmation of enrolment from a recognised institution
- a valid passport and passport photos
- evidence that you can cover tuition and living costs
- health insurance and, in some cases, medical checks
- proof of language ability or previous qualifications
Visa rules and fees change, so always check the current requirements with official government sources before you apply. The embassy or consulate of Ukraine in your country, and its official immigration authority, are the right places to confirm what applies to you.
Visa rules change. Always check the official government immigration website before you apply.
Cost of living in Ukraine
Living costs in Ukraine depend a great deal on where you live and how you live. Costs in Kyiv can differ noticeably from those in Lviv or Kharkiv and smaller towns.
The main costs to plan for are:
- Accommodation: university housing, shared flats or private rentals, plus deposits
- Food: groceries, cooking at home and eating out
- Transport: local travel and occasional trips home
- Utilities and phone: energy, internet and mobile data
- Insurance and health: any required health cover
- Personal spending: study materials, clothing and social life
Ask your institution for its estimate of student living costs and plan for some extra money for arrival and emergencies.
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.
FAQs about studying in Ukraine
Is Ukraine a good place to study?
It depends on your goals. Ukraine offers programmes across many subjects, a location in Eastern Europe and study in Ukrainian (with some English-taught options). Students interested in digital technology, agriculture and healthcare may find the local context especially relevant.
What subjects can I study in Ukraine?
Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Computing & Information Technology, Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies and Engineering. The subjects page for Ukraine lists every subject available here with its specializations.
When should I apply to universities in Ukraine?
Many programmes start around September. Apply well ahead of the start date, especially if you need a visa, and check the deadline for each course on the institution’s website.
How much does it cost to study in Ukraine?
Costs depend on the institution, programme, level of study and sometimes your nationality. Budget for tuition as well as application fees, insurance, accommodation and living costs, and use the current fees published by each institution.
Do international students need a visa to study in Ukraine?
Most international students need a student visa or residence permit. Requirements depend on your nationality and programme, so check the current rules with official government sources and the embassy or consulate of Ukraine.
Are scholarships available for international students in Ukraine?
Some funding is available from governments, universities and other organisations, but awards are competitive and eligibility varies. Check official provider websites and apply early.
Where do international students live in Ukraine?
Kyiv, Lviv and Kharkiv are among the places students often consider. Living costs, housing and the student experience can differ between cities, so compare them alongside your course options.
Can I study in English in Ukraine?
Many courses are taught in Ukrainian. Some institutions offer English-taught programmes, but availability varies, so check the language of instruction and language requirements for each course.
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