Education for children abroad during temporary protection: how to obtain documents, enroll in school or university, and comply with residence rules

Children from Ukraine are entitled to free education in the EU, subject to certain conditions. Find out how to organize your child's education, obtain documents, and enroll in school or university without returning to Ukraine

Legal assistance on education issues for Ukrainians in Ukraine and abroad

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After the start of full-scale war in Ukraine, hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian families found temporary protection in European Union countries. One of the most common questions parents ask is how to organize education for their children while under temporary protection abroad. In this article, we will take a detailed look at:

– whether children have the right to education abroad,

– how to enroll in a school or university,

– whether a visa is required and whether it is necessary to return to Ukraine to obtain documents.

Right to education for children under temporary protection: what the law guarantees

Children under temporary protection have the same right to education as citizens of the host country. This is guaranteed by EU Directive 2001/55/EC, which regulates the mechanism of temporary protection in the EU. In most EU countries, Ukrainian children can:

● attend kindergarten, primary and secondary school free of charge;

● receive preparatory language courses before admission;

● enroll in higher education institutions on a general basis or through special quotas for Ukrainians.

How to enroll a child in kindergarten or school abroad?

The process of enrolling a child in a kindergarten or school may vary from country to country, but usually includes the following steps:

1. Apply to the municipality or education department with a package of documents:

– passport or birth certificate of the child;

– proof of temporary protection (ID card, extract);

– medical certificate or vaccination record (depending on the country).

2. Assignment to a school or kindergarten with available places, preferably close to your place of residence.

3. Language adaptation if the child does not speak the official language – preparatory courses or separate “adaptation classes” are often offered.

Please note: if the child does not speak the language of the country, this is not a reason for refusal of admission.

Read also: Finishing school abroad — how to obtain a Ukrainian diploma in 2025?

How to enroll in a university in an EU country?

Ukrainian teenagers and young adults can enroll in a foreign university under general conditions or through preferential programs. To do this, you will need:

● a certificate of complete secondary education (translated and notarized);

● a language proficiency certificate (or admission to a preparatory course);

● proof of identity and status (temporary protection ID or other residence permit).

Please note: Ukrainian youth who completed their secondary education abroad have priority admission to higher education institutions in their country of residence, just like other graduates of local schools and colleges.

Read also: Where do Ukrainian graduates most often go to study abroad and what specialties do they choose?

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Do I need to return to Ukraine to complete the paperwork?

No, almost all procedures can be completed remotely. Issuing certificates, apostilles, translation and certification of documents can be done through the consulate or ordered online, for example, through Visit Ukraine lawyers. Our specialists provide document apostille services and issue duplicates with delivery abroad. If your child does not have a birth certificate/diploma, you can also obtain a duplicate through a lawyer in Ukraine.

An electronic copy of documents is often sufficient for admission to a university abroad, and the originals can be submitted later. However, please note that the original document will be required with an apostille and translation.

Read also: How to obtain an extract from the NMAT for admission abroad?

How to obtain a visa or change your residence status for study?

If your child plans to move to another EU country to study:

● If temporary protection is in effect in one country, it is necessary to either change your status or obtain a special residence permit for study in another country (study visa/residence permit for education).

● Most EU countries allow you to change your basis of stay to student without leaving Ukraine.

For example:

● In Germany, the Czech Republic, and Poland, it is sufficient to contact the migration service and submit a package of documents for a student residence permit.

● In France or Belgium, proof of funds, accommodation, and medical insurance may be required.

Important: changing your status will allow you to avoid violating migration rules and legally stay in the country while studying.

Why should you contact Visit Ukraine lawyers?

Preparing documents for studying abroad is often difficult, especially if some of the documents are lost or contain errors. Visit Ukraine lawyers will help you:

● obtain a duplicate birth certificate or diploma;

● apostille documents for submission to a higher education institution;

● translate and notarize documents;

● get advice on educational and visa procedures in a specific country;

● resolve issues remotely without returning to Ukraine.

Consult with Visit Ukraine lawyers and simplify the process of preparing your child to study abroad.

Conclusions: what parents of Ukrainian children abroad should know

1. Children with temporary protection are entitled to free education in the EU.

2. Education in kindergarten, school, and university is accessible and often accompanied by state support.

3. All documents can be prepared remotely — no need to return to Ukraine.

4. Legal assistance will speed up the process and protect you from bureaucratic mistakes.

5. If you are planning to enroll your child in kindergarten, school, or university, it is best to start preparing 2-3 months before the start of the academic year.

We remind you! Ukrainian students may be considering studying abroad, but some believe that it is very difficult and expensive. Today, there are special programs in various countries in Europe and around the world to help students settle in and find institutions. Find out how special grants work and where to find them.

Photo: Depositphotos

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