The first international students appeared in independent Ukraine back in the early 1990s. Since then, Ukraine has remained attractive to foreign students thanks to the high quality of education, affordable tuition fees, and its rich cultural heritage. Kyiv, Lviv, Kharkiv, Odesa, and other cities offer modern universities with English-language programs that meet international standards.
Some of the main reasons why foreign applicants choose to study in Ukraine include:
Quality of education.
43% of international students cite this as the decisive factor when choosing where to study. Medicine and engineering are the most popular fields, as Ukraine has highly qualified professors and practitioners in these areas who pass on their knowledge and experience to young professionals.
43% of international students cite this as the decisive factor when choosing where to study. Medicine and engineering are the most popular fields, as Ukraine has highly qualified professors and practitioners in these areas who pass on their knowledge and experience to young professionals.
Affordable tuition fees.
39% of students are attracted by the relatively low cost of studying in Ukraine, which can be several times cheaper than in universities in Asia or Europe. At the same time, students emphasize the good balance between cost and quality in Ukrainian universities.
39% of students are attracted by the relatively low cost of studying in Ukraine, which can be several times cheaper than in universities in Asia or Europe. At the same time, students emphasize the good balance between cost and quality in Ukrainian universities.
Recognition of diplomas abroad.
More than half of international students choose Ukraine because Ukrainian university degrees are recognized in other countries, including China, the UK, and EU states. This allows graduates to apply their knowledge and skills in their home countries or in third countries.
More than half of international students choose Ukraine because Ukrainian university degrees are recognized in other countries, including China, the UK, and EU states. This allows graduates to apply their knowledge and skills in their home countries or in third countries.
“I wanted to study in Europe.”
This is another common reason among international students. Although Ukraine is not yet an EU member, it has been taking steady steps toward European integration, and in many areas already meets European standards (transport, infrastructure, digitalization, social culture, leisure, etc.). Students can study in English and take part in academic mobility programs, spending a semester or a year in other European countries.
This is another common reason among international students. Although Ukraine is not yet an EU member, it has been taking steady steps toward European integration, and in many areas already meets European standards (transport, infrastructure, digitalization, social culture, leisure, etc.). Students can study in English and take part in academic mobility programs, spending a semester or a year in other European countries.
Opportunities for practical experience.
One-third of international students highlight this advantage. In Ukrainian universities, they can intern at companies, government institutions, international organizations, and startups, as well as participate in project work, lab research, and academic conferences. This is especially valuable as it allows them to learn about Ukrainian realities in business, medicine, engineering, or culture while gaining internationally recognized skills.
One-third of international students highlight this advantage. In Ukrainian universities, they can intern at companies, government institutions, international organizations, and startups, as well as participate in project work, lab research, and academic conferences. This is especially valuable as it allows them to learn about Ukrainian realities in business, medicine, engineering, or culture while gaining internationally recognized skills.
In addition to medicine and engineering, foreign students also choose fields such as management, dentistry, economics, computer science, and tourism.
Beyond academics, students are drawn by Ukraine’s rich cultural life, architecture, museums, and events that make student life vibrant and dynamic. Ukrainian cities have active student communities that support international integration by organizing clubs, language courses, and cultural events. Another important factor is the hospitality of Ukrainians and the chance to immerse oneself in local culture while staying connected to the international community.
For many, studying in Ukraine becomes an opportunity to get a quality education, broaden horizons, make friends from around the world, and learn more about Ukraine’s history and modern life.
Written by
Olha Yatsyshyna
Philologist, PhD in Pedagogical Sciences, lecturer at Ternopil Volodymyr Hnatyuk National Pedagogical University. Olha researches the internationalization of higher education and intercultural communication.
Translated by
Mike Svystun
Software developer, entrepreneur.