Where do Ukrainian graduates most often go to study abroad and what majors do they choose?

More and more Ukrainian graduates are choosing to study abroad because of safety and high-quality education. Learn more about the most popular destinations and leading majors

Legal assistance on education for Ukrainians in Ukraine and abroad

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The full-scale war has radically changed the priorities of Ukrainian applicants and their parents.

Whereas previously, the decision to study abroad was usually a long-term plan to increase competitiveness and gain international experience, now safety is increasingly becoming the primary criterion. Olesya Shakhyuk, founder of Edusteps, a company that assists those wishing to enroll in foreign universities, spoke about this in an interview with NV.

This foundation is complemented by the family's financial capabilities, language skills, and ability to adapt quickly. As a result, a new geography of popular destinations and a list of the most sought-after specialties are emerging.

If you plan to enrol in an educational institution abroad, we recommend that you seek advice from specialists. Lawyers at Visit Ukraine can help you collect documents and find the right university.

Which countries are leading among Ukrainian applicants?

Central and Eastern Europe (Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia)

These countries consistently hold the top positions thanks to a combination of several factors: relatively affordable tuition fees (often lower than in Western Europe), geographical proximity to Ukraine, convenient transport links, and cultural similarities.

For many families, this is a compromise between the quality of education and the ability to return home quickly if necessary. Demand for “more affordable” education is a key trend this year.

Baltic countries (Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia)

The Baltic states are showing a noticeable increase in interest. Even graduates who did not consider studying abroad before the war are now applying here.

Reasons: relative affordability, European diplomas, modern campuses, and flexible English-language programs in technical and business fields. The Baltic states actively communicate their support for Ukrainians, which lowers the psychological and organizational barriers to entry.

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Germany and Austria

For applicants with a sufficient level of German, these countries offer the opportunity to study at state universities either free of charge or at a relatively low cost.

The high reputation of technical, engineering, economic, and research programs makes them particularly attractive to motivated students who are willing to invest time in language training.

Ireland

A separate “hit” of the year is Ireland. For Ukrainians with temporary protection status, it has equated the cost of tuition to the rates for citizens (local students), which makes studying significantly cheaper compared to standard international rates. This is a powerful financial argument that is rapidly increasing the flow of applications.

United Kingdom, Belgium, Netherlands

Demand is growing thanks to a combination of prestigious degrees, a wide range of English-language programs, and relatively transparent admission procedures. For many families, the availability of high-quality English-language bachelor's and master's programs in business, IT, engineering, and social sciences is a decisive factor.

What determines the choice of country?

Security and stability are the dominant factors in times of war.

Financial accessibility — a shift from “expensive” destinations to more budget-friendly alternatives.

Language of instruction — willingness to take language exams and attend preparatory courses.

Speed of adaptation — similarity of the cultural environment or the presence of Ukrainian student communities.

Transparency of procedures and support — simplified conditions or benefits for Ukrainians (as in the case of Ireland).

Most popular majors

Business, management, marketing, economics, and finance remain the “classic core” of demand. Graduates see these fields as offering universal skills and a wide range of employment opportunities.

There is growing interest in programming, architecture, public (civil) construction, electronic and mechanical engineering, and machine building. This is in line with the global trend toward STEM education and is reinforced by the prospect of Ukraine's reconstruction in the future, when engineering personnel will be critically needed.

Biotechnology, biology, and chemistry are attracting new applicants. For some graduates, this is a way to enter the EU's research ecosystems, where laboratories, grant programs, and international projects are available.

Challenging but attractive: medicine and law. There is demand, but these fields have higher entry barriers:

Language: medical programs are mainly taught in the language of the country; a high level is required (C1 or rigorous local exams).

Quotas: there are often limited places for foreign students in medicine — the state wants to ensure that its own system is adequately staffed.

Law: nationally oriented curricula are of little use unless you intend to stay and work in a specific jurisdiction; the exception is programs in international or European law.

Educational migration of Ukrainian graduates has entered a new phase: the balance between safety and quality has shifted the focus to geographically closer and more financially accessible countries. The range of specialties is shifting towards STEM and business, and scientific programs are gaining weight along with engineering — areas that are critical for post-war recovery.

Reminder! The rules of the admission campaign are now applicable to all applicants. Find out when the application process for admission to universities in 2025 will begin, what important dates you should not miss, and how applicants can obtain a state-funded place or a grant for contract-based education.

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

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