Admission of foreigners to undergraduate studies in Ukraine: rules for 2025

In 2025, foreign citizens continue to enter Ukrainian universities. Find out who has the right to receive education in Ukraine, how applications and competitive selection for a bachelor's degree are submitted, as well as details of submitting documents, entrance exams and the possibility of distance education for foreigners

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Higher education in Ukraine remains attractive to foreign citizens due to the affordable cost of tuition, a wide choice of specialties and high quality of educational programs.

In 2025, the admission rules for foreigners have undergone some updates aimed at simplifying the procedure and ensuring transparency of the selection. Entrants can apply for both contract studies and - in certain cases - at the expense of the state or local budget.

Read about the features of admission of foreigners to a bachelor's degree in Ukraine in 2025 in this article.

Which foreigners have the right to receive education in Ukraine?

Foreign citizens can study in Ukraine both on a commercial basis and on budget terms, if they belong to the following categories:

- Foreigners and stateless persons permanently residing in Ukraine

Persons who have a permanent or temporary residence permit in Ukraine may have the right to enroll on general grounds.

- Foreign Ukrainians permanently residing in Ukraine

Foreigners who have an official certificate of a foreign Ukrainian. They can enroll in higher education institutions (HEIs) on the same terms as citizens of Ukraine, including at the expense of the state or local budget.

- Persons with refugee status

Refugees and persons in need of additional protection in Ukraine have the right to enroll in budget places under a separate procedure

- Persons in need of additional protection

Important! Citizens of Russia and Belarus without a permanent or temporary residence permit in Ukraine can enter a higher education institution only with a separate permit from the Ministry of Education of Ukraine.

What categories of foreigners can study on a budget in Ukraine?

The right to obtain higher education on an equal basis with citizens of Ukraine, including at the expense of the state or local budget, has:

- Foreigners and stateless persons permanently residing in Ukraine;

- Overseas Ukrainians permanently residing in Ukraine;

- Citizens of the Republic of Poland;

- Persons recognized as refugees;

- Persons in need of additional protection.

Visit Ukraine lawyers will help you assess your chances of entering a higher education institution in Ukraine. We help you prepare documents for obtaining a student visa and admission to an educational institution. Our specialists will take care of all the stages, and you will be able to prepare for the entrance exams with peace of mind.

When to apply for a bachelor's degree in Ukraine?

All applicants to higher education institutions have the same rights and obligations in Ukraine. Foreigners are admitted to study only in accredited educational programs.

The application period usually lasts from March to November, but the specific terms are determined by the educational institutions themselves. Some universities have several stages of the admission campaign during the year.

Higher education institutions may enroll foreigners for a contract form of study:

- Twice a year (until November 1) within the terms specified in the Admission Rules;

- Throughout the year – for study at the preparatory department (faculty).

What are the conditions for a foreigner to enroll in Ukraine?

The conditions for foreigners to enroll in a bachelor's degree (terms for accepting documents, conducting entrance exams or creative competitions, dates of enrollment) are established by the admissions committee of the educational institution. All this information is published in the Admission Rules and on the official website of the institution, it must contain:

- List of subjects for entrance exams for each specialty;

- List of partner organizations with which agreements have been concluded for the remote conduct of entrance exams for foreigners.

How do foreigners apply for admission to Ukraine?

Applicants can submit applications for study in electronic or paper form.

Only in paper form do foreigners and stateless persons submit an application, except for those who have a permanent residence permit in Ukraine. This is required in cases where it is impossible to create a personal electronic account of the applicant.

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Competitive selection for studying for foreigners in Ukraine

Foreigners are enrolled in studies based on the results of entrance exams in certain subjects and the language of instruction or on the basis of academic rights to continue education, confirmed by:

- A document on the level of education obtained in the country of origin;

- Success scores.

For Polish citizens, the results of the matriculation examination are taken into account: Polish language, mathematics and one additional subject of choice.

The points/grades of applicants are calculated based on their educational documents, the university sets the minimum passing score.

Foreigners with scholarships under international agreements are accepted within the quotas as directed by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine.

Participants in academic mobility programs or joint educational programs are enrolled under the terms of relevant agreements between educational institutions.

Required documents for foreigners to enter a bachelor's degree program in Ukraine

The list of documents for admission to a higher education institution is determined by the order of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine dated 01.11.2013 No. 1541.

A foreigner submits an application to the admissions committee and attaches:

1. Original and copy of the document on the educational level obtained;

2. Supplement to this document (if available);

3. Academic certificate (in case of transfer or renewal);

4. Copy of passport or identity document;

5. Medical insurance policy (unless otherwise provided for by international agreements);

6. 30x40 mm photographs;

7. Copy of the certificate of a foreign Ukrainian (if available);

8. Documents for academic mobility programs - in accordance with the admission rules or conditions of international programs.

Documents from points 1-4 must be translated into Ukrainian with a notarized translation certificate.

Documents from points 1-3 must be officially certified and legalized in the country of issue (unless otherwise provided for by international treaties of Ukraine).

How can a foreigner enroll in distance learning in Ukraine?

Foreigners are admitted to study in person or remotely through the Unified Interdepartmental Information System of Ukraine.

Distance learning conditions

- Receiving an electronic invitation (valid for up to 6 months).

- Registration in the “Electronic Journal” system.

- Receiving consulting support and a visa for study or legalization of educational documents (through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and consulate or apostille).

Distance learning procedure

1. Identification of the person and entrance exams are conducted online with a mandatory video recording (including the screen of the entrant’s device).

2. The exam record is stored at the educational institution for 5 years and entered into the Unified Database.

Documents are initially sent by mail (legalized and certified copies). The originals are handed over in person upon arrival in Ukraine.

Ukraine attracts foreign students with high quality of education and favorable cost of living, however, in order for a foreigner to receive education in the state, it is important to obtain the appropriate permit and go through the admission procedure.

Contact the specialists of the Visit Ukraine portal, and we will help you understand all the nuances of the admission procedure and obtaining a residence permit in Ukraine. Our specialists provide consultations and support, help to avoid mistakes and guarantee compliance with all legal requirements.

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