Ukraine, the second-largest country in the European continent, is known for its majestic cathedrals and monasteries, has over 800 educational institutions. Every year, a large number of international students from all over the world flock to Ukraine.
Ukrainian universities offer courses that are recognized all over the world. These universities and institutes have an excellent teaching method that focuses on practical aspects of the subject with theoretical knowledge.
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About Ukraine
Ukraine is Europe’s second-largest country, with a history dating back over a thousand years and traditions dating back to antiquity.
Ukraine is a member of several international organizations, including the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Council of Europe, the EU Energy Community, the GUAM, and the Commonwealth of Independent States.
The country is currently working to become a member of the EU and NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization), and it has a special relationship with both organizations.
Ukraine has been granted market economy status by the United States and the European Union, and it has also joined the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Ukraine’s climate is temperate, with pleasant summers and mild winters.
Ukraine’s industrial sector is well-developed, and the adequately funded National Space Agency of Ukraine promotes space exploration.
Railways are the most popular mode of transportation in the country, connecting various cities.
Although the railways are not known for their speed, it is worth noting that travel is relatively inexpensive when compared to other countries.
People can travel across the country on a shoestring budget and still arrive at their destination without incident.
Ukrainian is the most widely spoken language in Ukraine, though Russian is also widely spoken.
The majority of the country’s people practice Christianity.
There is, however, a small Muslim and Jewish population.
The country’s diverse ethnicity is a mingling of Russian and Romanian cultures.
Education in Ukraine
The government places a high value on education in Ukraine, and a plethora of facilities and institutions exist to educate the populace.
Ukraine’s educational system encompasses all levels of education, from pre-school to university. Ukraine has an excellent higher education system.
Higher education is provided by higher education establishments, private bodies, and government scientific and methodological facilities. This system also includes post-graduate programs, PhD programs, and self-education.
The levels of accreditation are determined by the status of the Higher Education Institutes.
Level one institutions include vocational schools and other institutions that train junior specialists. Colleges and similar organizations that teach bachelor’s degrees are classified as level two. Level three consists of universities, institutes, academies, and conservatories that offer bachelor’s and specialist’s degrees.
It is indisputable that Ukraine’s educational system is well-developed, and opportunities exist for the entire population, including those living in rural areas.
The universities offer three main degrees: a four-year Bachelor’s Degree, a five-year Specialist Degree, which is traditional for post-Soviet states, and a western-style Master’s Degree, which is traditionally bestowed upon a student after five or six years of study.
Despite this, the Specialist Degree is a complete research and time equal to the western Master’s.
Certain degrees, such as medical and engineering, necessitate further years of study to obtain the requisite certification.
Except for technical language schools, most Ukrainian universities offer classes in Ukrainian; however, a range of programs are available in English.
International Students in Ukraine
With nearly 75,605 students from various parts of the world studying in Ukrainian universities, Ukraine has the highest international student population in Europe.
That could be due to the high quality of education available in the country, the relatively low cost of tuition, or a combination of the two.
Institutional Life
Living in a Ukrainian institution provides students with a life that most universities around the world do not.
Depending on the course, this will include many lectures, assignments, and laboratory work.
There will also be a few hours dedicated to interacting with teachers and other students, which they believe is essential for assimilating to the country and having a better learning experience.
International students can also learn the local language in their first year of school, which will help them understand the culture and language better in the coming years.
Most Ukrainian universities require 100 per cent attendance, which can only be made up by attending compensatory classes.
Failure to comply will revoke their right to take the final exams, resulting in losing their degree.
Students from all over the world attend Ukrainian universities, creating a multicultural environment. This necessitates students’ willingness to understand and acknowledge diversity and their ability to understand different points of view without passing judgment.
Let us now explore why Ukraine now has thousands of international students from over 55 countries studying in fields ranging from short-term language courses to Bachelor and Masters Degrees and Doctoral Degrees.
Excellence
The Ukrainian approach to vocational and technical education is now widely regarded as one of the greatest and most creative in the world. It has an international reputation for academic excellence in all fields. Ukrainian universities are highly regarded as having a high level of quality in a wide range of areas.
Institutions include realistic and career-focused preparation so that graduates can be assured that they have the qualifications that employers need. It has contributed to Ukraine’s economic success by progressing worker skills and leading to increased productivity.
Innovation
Ukraine is well-known for embracing emerging technology quicker than most other nations, and it reaches the new millennium with one of the world’s highest rates of internet access.
Teaching, training, and research facilities are world-class, with cutting-edge laboratories and classrooms, striking libraries, and cutting-edge technology.
Qualification recognition
Employers and leading educational institutions in many countries worldwide acknowledge Ukrainian credentials.
Quality Assurances
Ukraine’s national quality assurance program is one-of-a-kind in terms of structure and rigour. International students, as well as their guardians, profit from unrivalled service and financial security.
The country is dedicated to providing students with high-quality education, whether they are national or foreign.
The country offers a plethora of things to see and do.
Ukraine is a nation rich in history and culture that has a lot to offer visitors. Tourists from all over the world visit this country to see the many attractions it has to offer.
Here you will find many beautiful views, exotic smells, and typical sounds. So far, the remarkable heritage of Ukraine has received little attention from the rest of the world, even though this vast country has an extraordinary wealth and richness of heritage.
Cost of Studying
Compared to most countries that offer courses to international students, Ukraine has extremely low tuition and a meagre cost of living.
The following are the prices for basic amenities:
- Tuition fees are limited to a maximum of $5,000 per year.
- The cost of living in Ukraine varies depending on the student’s lifestyle, but it is estimated to be around $2000 per year.
- MBA programs have a higher fee structure, with students paying around $7500 per year.
- One liter of milk costs between $0.5 and $0.9.
- A liter of water costs approximately $0.3-$0.5.
- 1 kg of rice costs approximately $0.8-$1.1.
- Ten eggs cost approximately $0.9-$1.
University in Ukraine
Vinnista National Medical University
Every year, about 5500 students are admitted to this university, with nearly 1000 being international students. The National Medical Commission, the World Health Organization, and Ukraine’s Ministry of Health have all given it their seal of approval.
After finishing their degree at this university, students will be eligible to apply for the FMGE or NME screening test.
For international students to be able to attend lectures, the university provides all lectures in English.
The Taras Shevchenko National University of KYIV
- It is a public university with the most academic programs and the best research facilities.
- Science, technology, and literature are the most common fields of study.
- Rather than theory, emphasis is placed on practical education.
- The university has many exchange programs and other joint activities with reputable research institutes.
Vinnista National Medical University
- Every year, approximately 5500 students are admitted to this university, with nearly 1000 being international students.
- The National Medical Commission, the World Health Organization, and Ukraine’s Ministry of Health have all given it their seal of approval.
- After finishing their degree at this university, students will be eligible to apply for the FMGE or NME screening test.
- For international students to be able to attend lectures, the university provides all lectures in English.
Karkiv National University
- This Ukraine University is ranked highly in the fields of Management, Technology, and Economics.
- Students can enrol in undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate courses.
- The research facilities are up to date, with faculties eager to add value to the university’s education.
Ivan Franko National University of Lviv
- This is the country’s oldest public university, and it still holds a respectable reputation.
- This university offers degrees at various levels in Science, Journalism, and Technology.
- Because the faculty believe in a practical teaching mode, they have different research divisions such as the Institute of Archaeology and the Institute of Historical Research that provide students with research-specific knowledge rather than textbook theory.
Donetsk National Technical University
- This is Ukraine’s first university dedicated to technical education.
- They provide courses in Science, Technology, and Engineering at the undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate levels.
- The university collaborates with various research facilities and universities, which increases the number of job opportunities available to students.
Danylo Halytsky Lviv State Medical University
- This university is one of Ukraine’s oldest and has consistently ranked among the country’s top institutions.
- There are 22 science schools from which students can choose their area and course of study.
- It includes pharmacy, obstetrics and gynaecology, ophthalmology, oncology, chemistry, surgery, etc.
International Students’ Admission Requirements
Required Documents
- Completed application form with correct information.
- A copy of your international passport
- A copy of your most recent educational qualification
- Five credit passes in subjects relevant to the applied course.
- Receipt of payment for university admission.
- A letter of invitation from the university.
- Letter of recommendation for a visa
Additional requirements for postgraduate students
- Copy of Masters’ Certificate
- Transcripts from universities.
Required Documents upon Arrival
- With a Ukrainian Visa, you’ll need an international passport or a travel document.
- University Invitation Letter
- A birth certificate translated into Ukrainian and attested by a Notary Public or the Ukraine Embassy.
- Educational certificates must be translated into Ukrainian and notarized by a Notary Public or the Ukraine Embassy.
- A medical certificate must be obtained at least two months before entering Ukraine.
- This must be translated into Ukrainian and witnessed by a Notary Public or the Ukrainian Embassy.
- In Ukrainian, a certificate stating that the student has been HIV-AIDS tested negative.
- This must be issued and attested at least two months before travelling to Ukraine.
- Students must have health insurance that covers them for a year or the length of their stay.
- They must also bring a letter of sponsorship from a parent or guardian who has agreed to cover the student’s expenses during the study stay.
- Eight photos in passport size.
- To demonstrate financial stability, students must submit a bank statement.
- Students must also have purchased one-year round-trip plane tickets.
- Students must fill out migration forms upon arrival and keep them up to date throughout their stay.
- This must be produced during the Immigration check when returning home or leaving the country.
Living In Ukraine for International students
Accommodation
International students have a variety of options from which to choose. For example, Ukraine has a diversity of hostels, including well-renovated and semi-renovated options; it is up to students to decide where they want to live.
Of course, prices vary depending on the condition of the renovation.
Instead of staying in a hostel, students can choose to live in an apartment, which is more expensive.
Here are some estimates for monthly living expenses:
Hostel prices range from 100 to 150 USD.
270-700 USD for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center.
185-400 USD for a one-bedroom apartment outside of the city center.
488-1221 USD for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center.
305-700 USD for a three-bedroom apartment in the city centre.
City Exploration
Students’ travel passes on government transportation (subway trains, electric buses) are issued by universities and cost only $5 per month.
Tour to the country-
Students receive a 50% discount on the regular fare of train, bus, and other transportation tickets.
Travelling Abroad
The International Student Card is issued to students immediately after they are admitted to the university.
Students with an International Student Card receive a 30% discount on air tickets.
Here are a few estimates:
0.24-0.31 USD for a one-way ticket (Local Transport)
9.78-15.00 USD for a monthly pass (regular price)
1.83-3.67 USD for taxi service (Normal Tariff)
0.31-0.49 USD for 1 km a taxi ride (Normal Tariff)
4.00 – 7.33 USD for a 1-hour taxi ride (Normal Tariff)
1.34-1.47 USD per liter of gasoline
Market and Food
Ukraine is a vast agricultural country with a diverse range of culinary traditions.
Shops, supermarkets, and agricultural markets all sell a variety of foods.
Cafes, restaurants, and fast food joints all serve a variety of cuisines.
There is an option for Indian and Arabic messes.
Because Ukraine is a major agricultural producer, food prices in Ukraine are much lower than in other parts of Europe.
Near the Hostel or University, there are numerous supermarkets.
Some well-known supermarkets are AMSTOR, ATB, OBJORA, ASHAN, METRO, etc.
Students can buy groceries at the Open Market, which is less expensive than the store.
Here are few estimates:
0.98-1.22 USD for 1 liter Milk (regular)
0.45-0.61 USD for Loaf of Fresh White Bread
1.10-1.71 USD for 1kg Rice
1.22-1.76USD for 10 Eggs
7.33-9.16USD for 1kg Local Cheese
4.00-5.00USD for 1kg Chicken Breasts (Boneless, Skinless)
0.98-1.71USD for 1kg Apples
1.47-2.08USD for Oranges
0.98-2.44USD for 1kg Tomatoes
0.37-0.61USD for 1kg Potatoes
0.61-0.88USD for 1.5 liter water bottle
4.00-6.11USD for Mid-Range Bottle of Wine
0.61-0.98USD for 0.5 liter Domestic Beer bottle
1.25-1.83USD for 0.33 liter Imported Beer bottle
Shopping and Lifestyles
There are many shopping malls in the city where you can buy branded clothing, shoes, and accessories, with prices varying according to brand and location.
61-120 US dollars for one pair of denim (Levis, similar)
USD 48.88-73.31 for 1 Summer Dress from a Chain Store (ZARA, H&M, etc.)
One pair of Nike shoes, priced between 85.53 and 110 USD
One pair of men’s leather shoes ranging in price from $75.00 to $135.00
Currency
Hryvnia is the national currency (UHR).
1 USD equals 25.0 Hryvnia
Banks, trade offices, train stations, and airports will also exchange foreign currency.
The currency rate at the international airport is the same as it is elsewhere.
You can deposit funds in both foreign currency and Ukrainian hryvnia at this location.
Many of the country’s central banks are located in the country.
Western Union makes receiving and sending money easy.
Working while Studying in Ukraine
When international students enrol in a course in Ukraine, they are issued a temporary residence permit.
This residence permit enables the student to obtain a work permit required to find work in the country.
This work permit can only be obtained by an employer who is willing to hire the student or is interested in the services they can provide.
According to the rule, candidates who have started working can only work a maximum of 40 hours per week.
International Students’ Safety Concerns in Ukraine
Ukraine, as a tolerant country, is healthy for both native and international students.
The government has placed safety precautions for students from the moment they arrive in the country until they depart.
Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, and Lviv are the safest cities in Ukraine.
The newly established Official Ukrainian Admission Center has improved the country’s overall attractiveness to international students.