25 Things You Did Not Know About Studying In Ukraine
1. International students from developing countries flock to Ukraine
Ukraine is one of the few countries in Europe where most of the international students are from
developing countries. India, Morocco, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Nigeria are the top five
countries with the highest number of students in Ukraine.
2. More than half of international students apply for Medical courses
Ukraine is renowned for its medical universities which are both affordable and offer quality
education. Approximately half of all international learners who choose to study in Ukraine are
enrolled for medical-related degrees such as medicine, pharmacy and dentistry.
3. Acceptance rates are high
Ukraine accepts almost all qualified students that apply to study in the country provided they meet
the medical and financial conditions required of them for admission.
4. Tuition fees depend on the language in which you will be taught
That is right. Overall, Tuition fees for international students on average range from $1,200 to
$5,000. Tuition fees are however cheaper for students who will be taught in Russian or Ukrainian,
around $1700-$3500. For courses taught in English language, tuition fees are in the range of $2000-
$5000.
5. Medical courses cost more
Tuition fees for medicine in Ukraine are still relatively cheaper when compared to other places in
Europe. An MBBS degree in Ukraine cost around $4000-$5000.
6. Cost of living is low
A budget of $2500 per year should be able to carry you through the year. But this does not cover the
expenses on accommodation.
7. TOEFL isn’t required
As long as you are proficient in the language you have chosen for the course you intend to study,
universities generally do not ask for TOEFL or IELTS. You can however apply for language support
programs to boost your proficiency.
8. There are no limitations on work-study
If you have your work permit, you are allowed to work in Ukraine with guidelines to Ukraine’s
labour laws. Student employees are allowed to work a maximum of 40 hours a week.
9. Ukraine’s Medical degrees are recognized the world over
One fear most people who apply to study medicine abroad have is whether their degree would be
recognized when they return to their native countries. Have no such fears about MBBS degrees
from Ukraine. They are recognized by the US, UK, WHO, EU, UNICEF and a host of other
international organizations.
10. There are two intakes in a year
The first intake runs between September and November while there is a second intake between
February and March
11. International students get up to 50% cut in travels
Once you get your international students ID card, you are eligible for discounts of up to 50%
whenever you book a flight or a train in Ukraine. Cool right?
12. Health insurance is required
Without a health insurance you will not be able to process your registrations as a student. It is
therefore important to acquire health insurance if you intend to study in Ukraine.
13. There were over 75,000 international students in Ukraine in 2018
The number of international students studying in Ukraine has continued to steadily rise since 2010.
There were over 75,000 international students in Ukraine in 2018.
14. Scholarships are also available
There are a number of scholarships to apply for while in Ukraine. Some of them are fully funded
while some offer certain financial aids. Visit [Link] to find scholarships in
Ukraine.
15. Education in Ukraine is no picnic
Don’t get carried away with the cheap tuition and things you probably heard. Studying in Ukraine is
no walk in the park and if you lose focus, you could find yourself tapping out even before the
journey starts.
16. Ukraine and Russia are not the same
This is a common misconception most people have about the former soviet country. While they
certainly look like opposite sides of the same coin given their history, Ukraine and Russia are not
exactly alike. The two nations have a long history and until the fall of the Soviet Union used to be
one nation. They however have different languages and Ukrainians are more liberal than Russians.
17. Indians make up the bulk of international students
Out of the 75,000 international students enrolled to study in Ukraine in 2018 about 15,000 were
from India.
18. Ukraine has over 800 tertiary institutions
Ukraine has one of the highest numbers of tertiary institutions in Eastern Europe. There are over
800 tertiary institutions in the country.
19. Medical students can receive financial aid
The Ukrainian medical study center often offers financial aid to the best students studying in
Ukraine. UMEC gives to its outstanding students an annual scholarship package from the second
year of their study. These scholarships received by the students is one thousand USD or basically
20% of their tuition fees.
20. Ukraine is dotted with beautiful cathedrals
One thing that will arrest your attention once you arrive in Ukraine are the gold domes of its
majestic cathedrals and monasteries. Most Ukrainians are conservative orthodox Christians and
their places of worship dot their cities.
21. Smoking and drinking in public is banned
In Ukraine, Smoking and drinking alcoholic drinks in public places is officially banned. Public
places include transport, bus stops, underground crossings, cultural, sports and governmental
establishments, playgrounds and parks. Drink indoors and keep your excesses private.
22. Studying In Ukraine offers you enriching cultural experience
There are students from over 140 nations in Ukraine and most of them are from developing
countries. This offers you a chance to experience different cultures while at the same time
showcasing yours.
23. 8 of the 10 most popular universities for International students are medical universities
We cannot over emphasize this. Ukraine is a magnet for international students seeking to study
Medicine. Out of the 10 most popular universities for international students, 8 are medical
universities.
24. Ukraine is still technically at war with Russia
In 2014 Russia invaded Ukraine and annexed its Crimea region in a move that was deemed illegal
by the international community. Russian backed separatists are still fighting government forces in
the east of the country since then.
25. Ukraine has a mildly friendly weather
You’ve probably been told that Ukraine is a cold place. While this is true, it is not entirely accurate.
January is the coldest month in Ukraine with subzero temperatures that can cause frostbites. After
that, comes 290 sunny days with rain and warmth in between.
