European Universities Offer Free Scholarships to Ukrainian Students

Since February 24, when Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine, the higher education sector across the world has been offering support to Ukrainian universities, students, academics, and scholars affected by the war in their country. 

In the United States, universities have exit academic partnerships with Russia in support of Ukraine. And U.S. colleges and universities have responded to the Ukraine conflict in one way or another.   

Meanwhile, in the European Union, universities are coming together to help with academic support, financial support for living costs, free tuition, academic positions, and more. 

Aalto University in Finland is supporting Ukraine’s university students by offering at least 40 students a place to study at Aalto completely free of charge. Through a donation fund, Ukrainian students can also get their living costs covered during their studies in Finland. 

In addition to this initiative, Ukrainian students studying at Ukrainian universities as well as degree students who have received asylum from Ukraine and whose studies have been interrupted by the war are encouraged to apply to Aalto University for a separate right to study without tuition fees. The scholarship includes €800 ($883) per month for living expenses and a moving grant of €400 ($442) at the start of studies. Information on how to apply here

The admission and study rights are based on certain criteria including the student’s preliminary plan and their English language skills which must be at a sufficient level of proficiency for their studies at Aalto.

The University of Helsinki provided support for the health and wellbeing of the incoming students in a bid to help them complete non-degree studies. The University of Eastern Finland has promised to admit 20 Ukrainian students while also covering their living costs and travel expenses. 

Southern Denmark University (SDU) and seven other Danish universities have suspended collaboration with Russian and Belarusian organizations. In addition, Denmark has offered free access to higher education. 

In Sweden, several universities including Stockholm University are offering research positions to Ukrainian researchers. The Karolinska Institute is preparing to welcome researchers and students from the war zone. 

In Ireland, the Education Ministry has offered reduced tuition fees to Ukrainian students as well as language courses. The National University of Ireland, Galway is working to create scholarships for them.

In Iceland, the government is working with the Icelandic universities to offer accommodation for Ukrainian students and staff who needed to flee the conflict and seek refuge in Iceland.

Italy has allocated a fund of €500,000 ($552,000) to support Ukrainian students and researchers living in Italy or escaping from the war zone. The government also called on academic institutions to offer grants and opportunities for Ukrainian scholars. 

In addition to €1 million ($1,136,000) to help Ukrainian artists and arts professionals with research grants, France offers an additional €300,000 ($331,000) for Ukrainian students to enroll at colleges and organizations of the French Ministry of Culture. 

Poland offers employment for academic teachers and professors at higher education institutions. The University of Warsaw is collecting medical supplies and pharmaceuticals to send to Ukraine. 

Several German universities are assisting Ukrainian students. The Technical University of Munich has offered financial support, counseling services, studies, and easy applications for incoming Ukrainians. The Humbold-Universität, has offered scholarships and other opportunities for students from Ukraine. Freie Universitaet, one of the leading German universities for Earth and Computer Sciences, said it would accommodate Ukrainian nationals and help them find jobs as well as assist them with financial aid. Ruprecht-Karls-Universität in Heidelberg has provided financial assistance and will help new arrivals obtain residence permits.

In Croatia, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Zagreb offers free tuition and free meals, academic and psychological counseling services, and the completion of medical practices for Ukrainian students.

In Slovenia, the University of Ljubljana is running a campaign called Heart University, which is raising money for affected students in Ukraine. The money can be allocated by providing rent and housing costs, food, clothing, study materials, and computer equipment. 

The Budapest Semmelweis University in Hungary has offered free education for Ukrainian students while the war lasts.

For related articles, see:

U.S. Colleges and Universities Respond to Ukraine Conflict

U.S. Universities Exit Academic Partnerships with Russia over Ukraine War