apply universities Ukraine

How to Apply to Universities in Ukraine (8 Steps)

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Although Ukraine may not be the top choice amongst many international students, the country has shown that it is a great destination for foreign enrollees. For one, some of its higher education institutions have been around since the early 17th century.

Since Ukrainian programs are aligned with the Bologna process, it provides great footing to those who wish to take higher studies in Europe. Ukraine also promises quality education at a cheap price.

With 240 universities to choose from, it can be easy to get lost with the entire application process. Fortunately for you, this comprehensive guide will help you to apply to universities in Ukraine.

1. Know What Subjects Are Popular in Ukraine for International Students

While there are many degree options available in Ukraine, 3 courses remain to be the most popular. They are Medicine/Health, Mechanical Engineering, and Law.

Ukraine is popular amongst aspiring doctors because of its world-renowned, English-taught curriculum. Similar to medical schools from other countries, they offer the latest lessons – with the practical skills one could expect from any top-ranked school. They’re also very cheap, which is why students apply to universities in Ukraine to study medicine.

The same can be said with mechanical engineering, for the country is home to universities equipped with modern, high-tech equipment. Most of its schools are internationally renowned for their immersive curriculums as well.

In terms of Law, Ukrainian universities take pride in their ability to combine theory with practice. Although most of the laws are only applicable to the country, its basic foundations allow for practice in other countries too.

The tuition and cost of living in Ukraine are relatively affordable too, which is why students continue to flock to the country for their university studies.

2. Pass the English Profiency Test if Wanting to Study in English

Compared to other European countries, foreign students need not submit IELTS or TOEFL upon application if you wish to apply to universities in Ukraine and study in English. That means that as long as you have basic knowledge of the English language, you may be able to study in a Ukrainian university. While not required, taking any of these tests will help prepare you for your English classes in Ukraine.

You’re also free to take English classes in Ukraine as you work on your undergraduate or graduate degree.

3. Pass the Ukrainian Profiency Test if Wanting to Study in Ukraine

Although many Ukrainian universities offer classes in English, some still teach in the local language. Because of this, schools such as the V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University require a minimum score of 130 for its Ukrainian language test.

4. Know the application requirements and meet them

The requirements for applying for a Bachelor’s degree in Ukraine are fairly basic. At the Odessa National Medical University, applicants need to submit the following:

  • Completed application form
  • Copy of High School Certificate
  • Copy of International Passport
  • ID Photos

For those who wish to take Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, or Pharmacy, the completion of Biology, Physics, and Chemistry subjects in High School are required as well. For Engineering students, Mathematics and Physics are mandatory subject prerequisites.

Although most schools don’t look at the grade, some universities with competitive programs consider grades for admission. At the V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, for example, Medical school applicants should have a minimum grade of 150 for Biology, Physics, Chemistry, or Mathematics.

For Master’s students, the requirements to apply to universities in Ukraine are similar to that of undergraduates. At UES Ukraine, a copy of the Bachelor’s diploma is needed apart from a High School certificate. Again, most schools are not strict with the grades of postgraduate applicants.

5. Shortlist Universities in Ukraine that You Want to Apply to

While all Ukrainian universities offer quality education, some are deemed better because of their world rankings. According to Times Higher Education, 9 Ukrainian institutions are considered to be some of the world’s best:

  1. Lviv Polytechnic National University
  2. Sumy State University
  3. Kharkiv National University of Radio Electronics
  4. Ivan Franko National University of Lviv
  5. National Technical University Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute
  6. National Technical University of Ukraine – Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute
  7. Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv
  8. V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University
  9. Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University

Expectedly so, the prestigious Lviv Polytechnic National University excels in many disciplines. In Ukraine, they are ranked first in the studies of Business & Economics, Computer Science, Engineering, and Physical Science.

However, when it comes to Life Science, the best school to go to is the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. It is the only Ukrainian institution to enter the world rankings list.

Apart from the 2 schools mentioned above, other institutions prove to be worthwhile considerations as well.

Sumy State University is ranked 2nd in Ukraine for Business & Economics and Engineering. It is also 5th in Physical Science.

The Kharkiv National University of Radio Electronics, on the other hand, is ranked 2nd in Computer Science and 3rd in Engineering.

Despite its high national ranking, Ivan Franko is only recognized in the Physical Science category (2nd place).

NTU Kharkiv also fares well in Business & Economics, Engineering, and Physical Science.

NTU Ukraine is also ranked 4th in Business & Economics, Engineering, and Physical Science. It is even ranked higher (3rd) in Computer Science.

Given the varying expertise of Ukrainian universities, it’s best to do your research before you apply to universities in Ukraine.

6. If You Want Help Financially, Apply to Affordable Universities in Ukraine

As mentioned, Ukrainian universities are cheaper compared to their European counterparts. The general range is $1,300 to $5,000. However, some applicants may find these fees to be rather expensive.

If paying for school is your primary concern, you can still study in Ukraine as long as you apply to affordable universities in Ukraine:

  • Uzhhorod National University – $1,300 a year
  • Odesa I. I. Mechnikov National University – $1,600 a year
  • National Technical University “Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute” – $1,800 a year
  • Sumy State University – $1,800 a year
  • Ternopil National Economic University – $2,150 a year

What’s great about many affordable schools is that they’re considered some of the best in Ukraine. Take the case of NTU Kharkiv and Sumy State, which are placed 5th and 2nd in the Times Higher Education world rankings list. As they are both globally renowned, you can expect stricter competition for slots in these universities.

7. Check Out Scholarships in Ukraine for International Students

Applying for scholarships is another way to defray the cost of your schooling in Ukraine. Fortunately for you, there are hundreds of bursaries available for foreign students who apply to universities in Ukraine. The amount can be as low as $500 (WSU Polatajko Family Scholarship for Students of Eastern European Descent) to as much as $20,000 for the AEF Scholarship. Most of these are merit-based, so even if you are not economically disadvantaged, you may still be considered for the scholarship.

Apart from these general scholarships, some bursaries are available to students of certain nationalities. The Gilman Scholarship Program, for example, is given to American students.

Your field of study may entitle you to a scholarship as well. Should you wish to study the Ukrainian or Russian language, you may qualify for the Boren Award. This awards fellowships ranging from $20,000 to $30,000.

As there are many scholarships up for grabs, researching them and applying early on may help increase your chances of getting the award.

8. Submit Your Application

Once you have done these preliminary research, you are ready to submit your application! Research schools, meet their requirements, prepare your application, and submit your application!

I hope that this article on how to apply to universities in Ukraine was helpful. If you are interested, visit Europe Scholarships Page!