Scholarship is an important tool to support students, allowing them to get an opportunity for advanced study, research or the development of creative abilities. There are a number of scholarship programmes in Ukraine that provide financial assistance to students of various specialities. Each of them has its own conditions and benefits, helping students to reduce their financial burden and focus on their studies. In this article, we will review the most relevant scholarship programmes available for students in Ukraine, as well as the conditions for obtaining them.
Briefly about scholarship programmes for students
Scholarship programmes are a form of financial support for students, postgraduates and researchers, which is provided to ensure their education, professional development and encouragement of academic achievements.
Their amount and conditions vary depending on the type of programme and the organisation that provides them. Scholarships can be state, university, or private and often depend on academic achievement, social status, speciality, or participation in scientific or cultural projects.
They can cover part or all of the tuition fees, research costs, or living expenses, allowing students to focus on their studies and develop their professional skills without financial constraints.
What scholarship programmes are available in Ukraine?
There are a number of scholarship programmes in Ukraine aimed at supporting undergraduate, postgraduate and young researchers. These include academic scholarships for students of higher education institutions, social scholarships for privileged categories, scholarships from the President of Ukraine, the Cabinet of Ministers and other government institutions, as well as programmes from private foundations and international organisations.
Each of these programmes has its own terms and conditions, eligibility requirements and level of financial support, which allows you to choose the best option depending on the needs and capabilities of the applicants.
Academic scholarship of the President of Ukraine
The Presidential Scholarship is a financial support that is paid to students who have demonstrated significant academic achievements, in particular, winning national or international competitions and olympiads. Students applying for this scholarship are selected with the participation of academics and pedagogical councils of higher education institutions.
As of 2024, the amount of the Presidential Scholarship is as follows:
- UAH 2,750 per month – for students of vocational education institutions;
- UAH 3,320 per month – for students studying for a junior specialist, Junior bachelor's or Bachelor's degree at a college;
- UAH 4,440 per month – for students of higher education institutions and scientific institutions who are studying for an educational or educational and professional degree of Junior Bachelor, Bachelor, Master.
Academic scholarships of the President of Ukraine for students of higher education institutions are awarded twice a year based on the results of the examination session. The relevant decision is made within a month after the end of the session.
Personalised academic scholarship from the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine
A personalised academic scholarship from the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine is awarded to students who have demonstrated significant achievements in their studies, research and scientific activities. Resolution of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine No. 226/96 specifies the total number of scholarships – 500 per year. They are awarded to two groups of students, in particular:
- 175 scholarships for students of professional undergraduate education;
- 325 scholarships for higher education students.
The amount of personalised scholarships varies depending on the educational institution:
- UAH 3,320 per month – for students who obtain the educational qualification of Junior Specialist, the educational and professional degree of Professional Junior Bachelor, the educational degrees of Junior Bachelor and Bachelor in institutions of professional higher education;
- UAH 4,400 per month – for students obtaining a Junior Bachelor's, Bachelor's or Master's degree in higher education and research institutions.
The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine establishes quotas of personalised scholarships of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine for central executive authorities that are subordinated to higher education institutions and distributes scholarships among them.
Candidates for scholarships are nominated by the academic or pedagogical council of the university in consultation with the student self-government body. The main requirements for students are excellent grades for the summer semester and significant academic and research success.
The higher education institution makes a submission to the relevant central executive authority. The scholarship is awarded annually from 1 September for one academic year by order of the head of the body and is paid at the place of study in the established amount.
Academic scholarship named after the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred
The Heavenly Hundred Heroes Academic Scholarship has two important goals: financial support for students and honouring the memory of those who gave their lives for democracy, freedom, independence and a decent future for Ukraine.
The main requirement for applicants for the scholarship is an active civic position that affirms the ideals and values of the Revolution of Dignity.
The Heavenly Hundred Heroes Scholarship is open to students of a number of specialities:
- Physical therapy, occupational therapy;
- Railway Transport;
- Agroengineering;
- Economics;
- Military Administration (by type of armed forces);
- Geography;
- Architecture and urban planning;
- Software Engineering;
- Performing Arts;
- Psychology.
Kateryna Kovshevych Foundation
The Kateryna Kovshevych Foundation provides funding for the education of excellent students from low-income families. In order to be eligible for a scholarship, a student must meet a number of criteria, including:
- The income of the candidate's family must not exceed the subsistence level in the country.
- The student must be proficient in the state language.
- Grades for the previous 2 years must be 4 and 5 only (for scholarship renewal).
- The subject of study must be related to scientific or medical activities.
- Knowledge and study of English is desirable for the candidate.
- The candidate must write a 150-word essay on "What I want to achieve in life".
In order to participate in the competition, you must fill out a Google form.
Scholarship programmes are an important tool to support students on their way to obtaining a quality education, developing professional skills and realising their scientific potential. They not only motivate academic achievement, but also provide opportunities for personal growth and participation in educational and social initiatives. Choosing the right scholarship opens up additional prospects for students, helping them to realise their dreams and achieve their ambitious goals.
