International Students in Ukraine: Numbers, Countries, and Admission Requirements During the War

The war has had a significant impact on the number of international students at Ukrainian universities, yet thousands of citizens from various countries continue to choose Ukraine for their higher education. Currently, nearly 20,000 international students are studying in the country, the majority of whom are citizens of Asian nations. Learn more about the latest statistics, students’ countries of origin, and admission requirements for international students during martial law

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Despite the full-scale war, Ukraine remains a country where thousands of foreign nationals pursue higher education. RBC-Ukraine recently reported on the current situation regarding foreign students studying at Ukrainian universities, citing Deputy Minister of Education Mykhailo Trofimenko.

How many foreign students are currently studying in Ukraine, which countries they come from, how the security screening system for applicants works, and how foreigners travel to Ukraine—we’ll cover all of this in the article below.

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How many foreign students are studying in Ukraine?

Before the full-scale invasion, approximately 100,000 foreign citizens were studying at Ukrainian higher education institutions. Currently, this figure stands at 19,687 people—meaning the number has decreased by about five times. Despite this significant decline, Ukrainian universities continue to admit students from dozens of countries around the world.

The best apps for traveling in Ukraine — are listed here.

Which countries do international students come from to study in Ukraine?

The largest group of international students in Ukraine consists of citizens from Asian countries. The top countries by number of students are as follows:

1. China — 6,304 students;
2. Azerbaijan — 4,790;
3. Georgia — 1,364;
4. India — 904;
5. Morocco — 754;
6. Turkey — 559;
7. Turkmenistan — 546;
8. Poland — 525;
9. Armenia — 387.

Azerbaijan remains one of the key partners in the field of education. Ukrainian higher education is traditionally considered attractive to Azerbaijani applicants due to the optimal balance of cost and quality of education. A visit by a Ukrainian delegation to Baku is scheduled for June to further develop this area.

By the way, in our previous article we discussed what to do during an air raid alert in Ukraine.

How are international applicants screened before admission?

Under wartime conditions in Ukraine, a unified interagency coordination system is in place for issuing invitations to international applicants. The State Migration Service and the Security Service of Ukraine have access to it. Every applicant is screened for security purposes even before an invitation is issued. Only after verification can the applicant contact a Ukrainian consulate abroad to apply for a visa.

Do people speak English in Ukraine?— read more at the link.

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How do international students get to Ukraine?

The main travel route for international students goes through countries that are not part of the Schengen Area. EU countries conduct stricter checks due to migration risks, so transit through the Schengen Area is complicated.

The most common option is to arrive at Chisinau Airport (Moldova). There, students are met by specialists from the Ukrainian State Center for International Education or representatives of specific universities, who accompany them to their place of study.

How to buy train tickets in Ukraine — we explained in this article.

Why is the education of international students important for Ukraine’s economy?

The Ministry of Education and Science emphasizes the economic benefits of educating foreign citizens. Tuition fees go into special funds at higher education institutions. Additionally, international students spend money on housing, food, and daily necessities, which supports the local economy. In certain fields, despite an overall decline, there has even been an increase in the number of applicants.

Helpful Tip! Foreign citizens planning to study or stay in Ukraine often need qualified assistance with immigration matters, from obtaining a temporary residence permit to navigating visa procedures. The Visit Ukraine portal offers the services of an immigration lawyer who can help you navigate all the nuances of legal residence in the country.

Schedule a consultation to get personalized answers to your questions!

Reminder! In our previous article, we discussed who is eligible for Ukrainian citizenship through the simplified procedure.

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