Top Universities to Study in Ukraine for International Students

Ukraine has become a popular study-abroad destination for international students, especially for those pursuing medicine, engineering, business, and technology. With its affordable tuition fees, globally recognized degrees, and vibrant student culture, Ukraine offers a strong academic foundation while being cost-effective compared to Western countries.

Thousands of students from India, Nigeria, Egypt, China, Morocco, and Europe choose Ukraine every year, particularly for its medical universities that are recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), UNESCO, and various medical councils worldwide.

Why Study in Ukraine?

• 🎓 Globally Recognized Degrees – Many Ukrainian universities are recognized by WHO, UNESCO, ECFMG, and MCI (India).
• 💰 Affordable Education – Tuition fees are lower compared to the USA, UK, or Canada.
• 🌍 International Student Hub – Over 75,000 international students from more than 150 countries study in Ukraine.
• 🏥 Medical Excellence – Ukraine is one of the top destinations for MBBS and medical education in Europe.
• 📚 English-Medium Programs – Most medical and engineering courses are taught in English, reducing the language barrier.
• ✈️ Easy Connectivity – Located in Eastern Europe with affordable travel options to other European countries.

Top Universities in Ukraine for International Students

Here’s a comparison table of the leading universities in Ukraine:

Detailed Overview of Top Universities in Ukraine

1. Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv

• Established in 1834, one of the oldest universities in Ukraine.
• Offers programs in humanities, law, social sciences, IT, and business.
• Known for its strong research output and global collaborations.
• Tuition: $4,000 – $6,000 per year.

2. V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University

• Founded in 1804, one of Ukraine’s top-ranked universities.
• Popular among international students for Medicine, Natural Sciences, and International Relations.
• Ranked in the top 500 universities worldwide.
• Tuition: $4,500 – $7,500 per year.

3. Bogomolets National Medical University (BNMU)

• Established in 1841, one of the leading medical universities in Ukraine.
• Offers MBBS, Dentistry, and Pharmacy in English.
• Recognized by WHO, UNESCO, and medical councils worldwide.
• Tuition: $4,000 – $6,500 per year.

4. National Technical University of Ukraine (Kyiv Polytechnic Institute – KPI)

• One of the largest engineering and technical universities in Eastern Europe.
• Strong programs in Aerospace, IT, Robotics, and Mechanical Engineering.
• Known for its innovation and research facilities.
• Tuition: $3,500 – $6,000 per year.

5. Lviv National Medical University

• Established in 1784, one of the oldest universities in Ukraine.
• Popular for MBBS, Pharmacy, and Nursing.
• Large international student community.
• Tuition: $4,000 – $6,000 per year.

6. Odessa National Medical University (ONMU)

• Founded in 1900, famous for its medical faculty.
• Offers Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing in English.
• Provides modern laboratories and clinical facilities.
• Tuition: $4,500 – $7,000 per year.

7. Dnipro State Medical University

• Popular for affordable MBBS programs.
• Courses available in Medicine, Pediatrics, Dentistry, and Nursing.
• More than 2,000 international students enrolled.
• Tuition: $3,800 – $6,000 per year.

8. Sumy State University

• Known for its innovative teaching methods and research orientation.
• Offers Medicine, Business, and Engineering.
• Tuition: $3,000 – $5,000 per year.

9. Kharkiv National Medical University

• Established in 1805, one of the oldest medical universities in Ukraine.
• Over 7,000 international students from 80+ countries.
• Tuition: $4,000 – $6,500 per year.

Admission Requirements for International Students

Undergraduate Programs

• High school certificate with science subjects (for Medicine/Engineering).
• Minimum 50% in Physics, Chemistry, Biology (for MBBS).
• Valid passport and student visa.
• English proficiency (some universities may require IELTS/TOEFL, many offer English-medium without tests).

Postgraduate Programs

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field.
• Competitive GPA.
• Some programs may require entrance exams/interviews.

Scholarships for International Students in Ukraine

While Ukraine is already affordable, some universities provide merit-based scholarships and discounts. Common options include:

• Government of Ukraine Scholarships (limited, for specific countries).
• University Merit Scholarships (e.g., V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University).
• MBBS Fee Discounts for high-performing international students.

Cost of Living in Ukraine for International Students

• Accommodation: $800 – $1,500 per year (university hostel) or $2,500 – $4,000 (private apartment).
• Food: $150 – $250/month.
• Transport: $10 – $20/month (metro, bus, tram very cheap).
• Health Insurance: $100 – $200/year.
• Total Living Cost: $300 – $600/month.

👉 Ukraine is considered one of the most affordable study-abroad destinations in Europe.

Benefits of Studying in Ukraine

✅ Globally recognized universities and degrees.
✅ Affordable tuition and living expenses.
✅ English-medium programs available.
✅ Large international student community.
✅ Easy admission process without excessive entrance exams.
✅ Opportunity to practice medicine in many countries after passing local exams (MCI, USMLE, PLAB).

FAQs – Studying in Ukraine

Q1. Is Ukraine good for international students?
👉 Yes, Ukraine offers high-quality yet affordable education, especially in medicine and engineering.

Q2. What is the average cost of MBBS in Ukraine?
👉 Tuition fees for MBBS range between $3,800 – $7,500 per year, much cheaper than Western countries.

Q3. Do I need to learn Ukrainian or Russian to study in Ukraine?
👉 No, many universities offer English-medium programs, especially for MBBS and engineering. However, learning basic Ukrainian helps in daily life.

Q4. Can I work while studying in Ukraine?
👉 Yes, students can work part-time, but job opportunities may be limited due to language barriers.

Q5. Which is the best medical university in Ukraine?
👉 Popular choices include Bogomolets National Medical University, Kharkiv National Medical University, and Odessa National Medical University.

Conclusion

Ukraine is one of the most student-friendly countries in Europe, offering globally recognized education at affordable costs. With leading universities such as Taras Shevchenko National University, V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, and top medical institutions like Bogomolets NMU and Odessa National Medical University, international students can access quality programs in medicine, engineering, business, and technology.

For students looking for a budget-friendly study-abroad destination with European exposure, Ukraine is a perfect choice.