Kyiv being the country’s capital and largest city with 3 million inhabitants is alan important hub of education, culture, and innovation throughout all of Eastern Europe. With a fascinating history that spans all the way until before medieval times and has culminated most recently with the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Kyiv has maintained a spirit of resilience and hard work which is very much alive in its streets t Other popular locations for study abroad in Ukraine include Kharkiv, Lviv, and Odesa.
Kharkiv is Ukraine’s second-largest city and has long been a scientific and industrial center of the country. Being in the eastern part of Ukraine, it is influenced by many elements of Russian culture. Lviv is known for its architectural beauty and historical significance, having survived both Soviet and Nazi occupation while continuing to thrive as a cultural hub of the region. Odesa is an important seaport with much of its history also grounded in the Russian empire.
It is important when choosing where to study in Ukraine, that you stay updated on the safety of the country for foreign travelers. There has been much political unrest and violence in Ukraine throughout recent years as there are struggles between its Russian and European identities, so make sure the location you are interested in is safe and secure.
Ukraine has a large thriving university system that graduates the fourth-largest number of students in Europe every year. Many of the country’s institutes of higher education were founded during the Soviet era, although quite a few private universities have also sprouted up in the decades since. These institutions utilize Ukrainian as the language of instruction, so if you plan to study in Ukraine at one of the national universities then you may want to include language studies in your academic plan. There are also international schools and opportunities to study abroad in Ukraine which have their own academic institutions in-country, so if you do not plan on learning the language then it would be best perhaps to apply to one of these English speaking alternatives.
Ukraine’s economy took a large hit when the Soviet Union collapsed, and again during the recession of 2008. With the economy underperforming, the costs of living in Ukraine are typically cheaper than in most other European countries, especially those in the West. Many of the expenses you will incur while studying in Ukraine will thus be paid directly through program fees (for such commodities as housing, tuition, some meals, etc.). Many schools will rollover your financial aid to help in covering the costs of studying abroad too, and there are also a large number of scholarships available from outside institutions.
Many Ukrainian universities offer on-campus housing to foreign students, which is a great way to fully immerse yourself in the student population. Individuals who study in Ukraine usually have the opportunity to opt for individual living arrangements in off-campus housing or the chance to live in a homestay. Housing comes down to individual preference, so do some research with your program and decide which option feels right for you.
You will need a student visa to study abroad in Ukraine, so communicate with your program provider or host university about the best way to go about obtaining this. Typically you will want to begin this process early on and it may require the endorsement of your local school or academic institution.
Ukraine is an extremely interesting country with an infusion of Eastern and Western European influences. Whether you are in a big city or a small college town, you will find it an exciting and fascinating place to be living and learning as a young student abroad. It may seem like a daunting challenge to uproot and move halfway across the world to a faraway country, but the benefits of studying abroad in Ukraine are truly intangible. While you study In Ukraine you will come to intimately explore a much different culture and perspective, and find yourself wiser and more willing to strive for new experiences because of it.