Ukraine Study Abroad Market

Quick Facts

Population

32,862,000

Education

General secondary education is compulsory; literacy rate ~ 99.4%

Academic Year

September – June

Currency

Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH)

Capital City

Kyiv

Official Language

Ukrainian (plus wide use of Russian)

Internet Domain

.ua

International Dialling Code

+380

Time Zone

GMT +2

Best Transportation Options

UBER & BOLT

Wi-fi

Emergency Number

🌍 Country Overview

Ukraine is a large Eastern European country with a strong tradition of education and human capital. Historically, it has been one of the more educated societies in the region.
However, since 2022, the country has been deeply affected by conflict, which has had major impacts on infrastructure, population distribution and the economy.
Despite these challenges, the education sector remains operational and reform efforts continue. The market still offers interesting opportunities for international education engagement — especially for institutions able to navigate complex logistics and deliver value.

🎓 Education System & Government Support

Ukraine’s education system offers universal access to primary and secondary education, with literacy rates close to 100%.
Tertiary (higher) education gross enrolment ratio is relatively high compared to many regional peers.
The war has caused extensive damage to educational infrastructure (3,373 educational institutions damaged, 385 destroyed) with a cost estimate of over US$13.4 billion for damage alone.
Reforms are ongoing, including vocational education initiatives connecting education to labour market needs.

✈️ Study Abroad Trends & Student Recruitment Opportunities

Before the war, Ukraine was a destination for international students (e.g., ~80,470 international students in 2019) particularly in fields like medicine. Ukrainian students also increasingly study abroad: in 2017/18 about ~77,424 Ukrainian citizens were recorded abroad.
For recruiters: While the outbound student market from Ukraine is disrupted by war, those students who still aspire to study internationally may be particularly motivated and looking for stable options abroad; recruitment efforts may focus on Ukrainian diaspora or displaced students.
Digital outreach may work especially well given high student drive and the need to access stable international institutions offering English-medium programmes.

🌐 Internet & Digital Access

Urban internet connectivity remains strong; Ukraine has a well-educated population with good digital literacy.
Online recruitment, webinars, virtual fairs, and social media campaigns are increasingly relevant given mobility constraints and conflict-related disruptions.
Consider offering flexible admission pathways, remote/hybrid options and strong student support to appeal to Ukrainian students.

🛂 Visa & Travel Information

Travel and recruitment logistics are more complex given the conflict. Ensure you check current entry/visa policies, accommodation, and safe transport for any in-country activity.
For virtual or hybrid engagement: highlight scholarships, flexible start dates, remote modules, and strong student welfare services to build trust with Ukrainian students and their families.