This includes first level technical and vocational schools, second level technical and vocational colleges, and universities, which are considered the third level. In this write up, we will focus on university education, so the term “higher education in Ukraine” will mean university education. Higher education in Ukraine starts with the successful completion of the secondary education and passing the university entrance examination. It is coordinated and supervised by the Ministry of Education and Sciences Ukraine. Degrees awarded on successful completion include Bachelors degree, Masters Degree and Doctorate. Although there are some other degrees awarded in between, the afore mentioned three are the strategic ones. The minimum duration of the university education that will merit a degree is four academic years for a bachelors degree program. Medical courses requires longer duration, up to six years. MSc. and Phd. programs attract additional time, from one year to five years or more, depending on the program, the course, degree pursued and student’s commitment.

Teaching language is either of the following:

• Ukrainian Language (national language)
• Russia Language
• English Language (optional mainly for foreign students)

Ukraine nationals study in their national languages, while foreign students have a choice of either the native language or English. This is subject to the availability of the program in English. Foreign students that opt to study in Ukrainian or Russian language undergoes a one year preparatory language course, during which they undergo a study of language and preparatory courses related to their future discipline. On graduation, they receive an additional certificate of proficiency for the language, which compensates for the additional year. Students studying in English language skip this preparatory stage, but studies the language as an independent course in the course of their academic program.

An academic year runs from 1st of September to 31st of June. This is split into two semesters having a brief two weeks winter break in January, and a long vacation from 1st of July to 31st of August. For foreign students arriving Ukraine for the first time, their academic resumption date is dependent on the chosen language of study. If the student will be studying in English language, then it is inevitable that the student arrives early enough to be ready for academic activities come September 1st. However, students that will have to go through the language learning program are allowed to arrive a bit later, but not later than October 15th, to start language classes.

Foreign students are subjected to the same regulations and guidelines governing higher education in Ukraine. The only addition is that foreign students are  expected to legalize their certificates with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on graduation. This confirms that the certificate was actually issued from a bonafide and accredited Ukrainian university. Failure to do this might put the certificate under additional scrutiny, and in some cases, rejected or invalidated when tendered.

Ukraine has a teeming population of students undergoing higher education, in different fields and specialization. Among this population is a growing community of international students, arriving Ukraine annually for educational purposes. Higher education system in Ukraine accommodates foreign students integration, with the award of certificates of international recognition, on graduation. The certificates are further legalized in the Ministry of Foreign affairs, for validation. If the students home country maintains a diplomatic mission in Ukraine, they also append a consular stamp to the certificate and the result sheet, for further authentication.

Unlike many other European countries higher education in Ukraine is comparatively cost effective. As a young sovereign nation, Ukraine is socially stable, with warm hospitality to foreigners. It is indeed, recommended for anyone seeking for quality and affordable education abroad. Visit the sections on requirements to study in Ukraine, and admission procedures to study in Ukraine to read more. You may also want to read on study in Ukraine universities for more insight.