Student Residency Permits After Age 35: Why Ukrainians in Europe Are Returning to School in Droves

An increasing number of Ukrainians in the EU over the age of 35 view university not only as an opportunity to gain a new profession, but also as a chance to legally remain in Europe after their temporary protection expires. In many countries, a student residence permit grants the right to work, build a career, and eventually transition to long-term residency status. Learn more about how studying in the EU could mark a new chapter in life for Ukrainians in 2026

Legal advice on education and employment abroad for Ukrainians

BOOK A CONSULTATION

After the outbreak of full-scale war, millions of Ukrainians moved to European Union countries under the Temporary Protection Program. More than 4.2 million Ukrainian citizens with temporary protection status are currently residing in EU countries. At the same time, an increasing number of countries are already discussing the future of this program beyond 2027.

Against this backdrop, Ukrainians have begun to actively seek alternative ways to legally reside in Europe. One of the most popular options is enrolling in university, even at a mature age. And we’re not just talking about young people: more and more often, people over 35–40 are enrolling in European universities, seeking to acquire a new profession, change careers, or establish legal residency in their country of residence.

Why are Ukrainians over 35 returning to universities in the EU?

Just a few years ago, studying at a university after age 35 seemed more like an exception for many. However, the situation changed significantly in 2025–2026. For thousands of Ukrainians in Europe, education has become not only an opportunity to acquire a new profession but also one of the most realistic ways to legally remain in their country of residence after temporary protection expires.

Many Ukrainians realize that after 2027, the rules for staying in the EU may become stricter. That is why people have started looking for alternative ways to legalize their status in advance. A student residence permit today allows not only studying but also officially working, accessing health insurance, opening bank accounts, and gradually integrating into a new country.

The most common applicants to universities are:

- Women with children

- Professionals who lost their jobs after moving

- Ukrainians who want to change careers

- People who have long planned to obtain a European degree

The labor shortage in European countries also plays an important role. For example, Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic actively support programs for adult students in the fields of IT, logistics, medicine, engineering, and elder care. Due to a shortage of workers, universities are increasingly launching evening, distance, and hybrid learning formats that can be combined with work.

Another reason for the popularity of this format is the changing attitude toward education in Europe. Whereas universities were previously associated mainly with young people aged 18–25, studying in adulthood has now become common practice. Many classes include students aged 35+, 40+, and even older.

For Ukrainians, this is not just a second education but an opportunity to build a new life in the EU with long-term prospects for residence and work.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

What are the benefits of a student residence permit in EU countries?

For many Ukrainians, a student residence permit has become one of the most stable ways to stay in Europe legally. Unlike temporary protection, which has a limited duration, studying provides a more predictable and long-term status.

In most EU countries, a student residence permit allows you to officially live in the country for the entire duration of your studies. Additionally, students are allowed to work—though the number of permitted hours varies by country. For example, in Germany, international students are allowed to work up to 140 full working days per year, and in Poland, full-time students can often work without a separate permit.

Another important advantage is the opportunity to remain in the country after graduation. In many EU countries, graduates are given additional time to look for work. For example:

- In Germany, you can stay for up to 18 months after completing your studies to find employment

- In France and Spain, there are specific programs for transitioning from student status to work status

- In the Czech Republic, graduates of local universities have simplified access to the labor market

For Ukrainians with children, it is also important that a student residence permit often allows you to process documents for family members. Children can attend public schools, and spouses can obtain residency alongside the student.

In addition, student status provides access to many essential services:

- Public or private health insurance

- Banking services

- Long-term housing rentals

- Student discounts on transportation and educational programs

As a result, studying in the EU after age 35 is increasingly seen not as a temporary solution, but as a full-fledged path to relocation and integration into European society.

In which European countries is it easiest for Ukrainians over 35 to enroll?

In 2026, several EU countries remain the most accessible for adult students from Ukraine. They offer relatively affordable tuition, flexible programs, and simplified admission requirements even for people who completed their previous education long ago.

Poland

Poland remains one of the most popular destinations for Ukrainians. Many private universities accept students without complex entrance exams, and some programs are available in Ukrainian or English. Tuition here costs an average of 1,500 to 4,000 euros per year, and living expenses, depending on the city, amount to approximately 500–900 euros per month. Most often, Ukrainians over the age of 35 choose majors in the fields of logistics, management, business, psychology, and IT.

Germany

Germany attracts students with the opportunity for free education at public universities, even for international students. The main expenses are related to tuition fees and living costs. On average, students spend between 900 and 1,500 euros per month, depending on the city. At the same time, admission is more challenging due to language requirements—most programs require German proficiency at the B2–C1 level. However, the number of English-language programs for adult students is growing every year.

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic remains one of the most convenient options for Ukrainians thanks to affordable prices and the quick processing of student residence permits. You can study for free in Czech at public universities, and many institutions offer preparatory language courses before admission. Technical, medical, and engineering majors are particularly popular.

Spain

In recent years, Spain has become popular among Ukrainians seeking flexible study formats and a comfortable climate. Evening and online programs are actively developing here, making it easy to combine studies with work. Tuition typically ranges from 2,000 to 7,000 euros per year, and living expenses from 800 to 1,400 euros per month. Programs in tourism, marketing, design, and international business are in the highest demand.

Slovakia

Slovakia remains one of the most affordable options for Ukrainians in Europe. In many cases, education in the Slovak language is free, and the cost of living is significantly lower than in Western European countries. It is often easier for Ukrainians to adapt here due to linguistic similarities and a large Ukrainian community.

What majors do Ukrainians over 35 most often choose?

After moving to the EU, many Ukrainians decide not just to continue in their old profession but to completely change their field of work. The highest demand is for majors that allow them to find a job in Europe more quickly and secure a stable income.

IT remains one of the most popular fields. Ukrainians enroll in programs in business analytics, cybersecurity, testing, digital marketing, and project management. Many courses are available online or in evening formats.

Specializations in the following fields are also in high demand:

- Logistics and international transportation

- Management and finance

- Psychology

- Medicine and elderly care

- Hospitality and restaurant business

- Language education and translation

Interest in medical and social professions is growing separately. EU countries are facing a shortage of nurses, social workers, caregivers, and staff to work with the elderly. Because of this, universities and colleges are actively recruiting international students for these programs.

Another trend for 2026 is short vocational programs and retraining. Many Ukrainians over the age of 35 are not willing to spend 4–5 years on a full degree program, so they opt for 1–2-year courses that allow them to enter the job market quickly.

How much will tuition and living expenses cost in the EU in 2026?

The cost of studying in Europe depends on the country, the type of university, and the field of study. Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia traditionally remain the most affordable options for Ukrainians, while in Germany, one can study almost for free at public universities.

On average, a Ukrainian student in the EU in 2026 will need:

- From 1,500 to 7,000 euros per year for tuition

- From 500 to 1,500 euros per month for living expenses

- An additional 100–300 euros per month for transportation, insurance, and mobile service

The most expensive cities for students remain Paris, Amsterdam, Munich, and Barcelona. The largest portion of expenses is typically housing rent—in some cities, a room can cost over 700–900 euros per month.

At the same time, some countries offer free or partially free programs. For example, in Germany and Slovakia, public universities often do not charge tuition fees if the student studies in the official language.

The following options are also available to Ukrainians:

- Grants and scholarships

- Support programs from universities

- Discounts on dormitories

- Special educational funds for people under temporary protection

Many students combine their studies with work. In major EU cities, Ukrainians often work in the service sector, logistics, IT, delivery, or administrative support. That is why, for many adult students, the main factor is not only the cost of education but also the ability to quickly find part-time work.

What documents are required for admission and a student residence permit?

In most EU countries, the set of documents required for admission after age 35 is almost identical to the standard requirements. However, adult students are more likely to undergo additional interviews or be asked to explain their educational goals and career plans.

Universities typically require:

- Diploma or certificate of prior education

- International passport

- Statement of purpose

- Proof of language proficiency

- Health insurance

- Proof of financial means

In some countries, they may also ask for a resume or documents regarding work experience, especially if the person is applying for a master’s degree or professional programs for adults.

After receiving confirmation of admission, the student must apply for a residence permit. Most often, the following are required for this:

- Enrollment agreement with the educational institution

- Proof of tuition payment

- Housing lease agreement

- Bank statement

- Insurance policy

- Photos and application form

It is important to note that in many EU countries, the document processing takes several months. For this reason, lawyers and educational consultants advise starting preparations at least 4–6 months before the start of studies.

Special attention should be paid to proof of financial means. In 2026, most EU countries require students to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to cover living expenses. For example, in Germany, obtaining a student residence permit often requires proof of over 11,000 euros per year in a designated bank account.

Are you planning to enter one of the world's leading universities in 2026? Visit Ukraine's educational lawyers will help you understand the document requirements, admission procedure, and legal stay abroad to ensure that your studies abroad are safe and legally correct.

Reminder! In 2026, Ukrainian graduates currently abroad will be able to sit the national multi-subject test and enrol at Ukrainian universities without having to return to the country. Special examination centres will be opened in various countries across Europe and the world for this purpose. Find out in which countries you can take the NMT in 2026 and how to choose a convenient location.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2026, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.