Many international students have the false impression that Ukraine is a dangerous place to live and study in. On the contrary, the Ukrainian government has implemented safety measures to guarantee the safety of foreign nationals upon entry and until they exit the country after their studies.
Except for 2024, due to the onset of the pandemic, Ukraine has seen a steady increase in the number of incoming international students in the past ten years. Currently, over 70,000 students from more than 150 countries study in higher education institutions in the country, mainly in the fields of medicine, research, and engineering. Here, we will be looking at affordable universities in Ukraine for international students.
Graduates from Ukrainian universities commend the low cost of living in the country and claim that the education and degree they have earned from their respective universities are high-quality and world-class. Several others have even gone on to become world leaders in their fields of study and profession.
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Cheap Universities in Ukraine
1. Ukrainian State University of Railway Transport
- Tuition Fees for Undergraduate Programs = UAH11,850 – UAH16,200
- Tuition Fees for Graduate Programs = UAH13,100 – UAH17,200
The growing demand for skilled railway engineers and experts for the booming transportation industry in Ukraine in the late 1920s ushered in the establishment of the Ukrainian State University of Railway Transport (UkrDUZT) in 1930.
This affordable university in Ukraine has expanded its course offerings from railway technology-centered education into six faculties: Humanities, Construction, ICT, Transportation Process Management, Economics, and Mechanics & Energy.
Since its establishment, UkrDUZT has had several international contributions by sending railway experts and technologies to neighboring countries like Kazakhstan. It now has partnerships with several countries in Asia, the US, the EU, and former USSR member countries.
2. Volodymyr Dahl East Ukrainian National University
- Tuition Fees for Undergraduate Programs = UAH14,000 – UAH25,930
- Tuition Fees for Graduate Programs = UAH17,000 – UAH30,570
The Volodymyr Dahl East Ukrainian National University (V. Dahl EUNU) is an outstanding university launched in Ukraine as a machine-building institution. World War II compelled the institution to relocate several times and had to reorganize every time.
Currently located in Luhansk, the university still struggles with the ongoing armed conflict in some parts of the area. Nonetheless, the V. Dahl EUNU continues to deliver quality education through whatever means they can, such as MOODLE.
Its national partner universities also contributed to the university’s rebuilding of its library by providing digital and print research materials. Despite the challenges it experienced and the new ones it is currently facing, the university maintains its high quality of education and expands its international connections.
3. Uzhhorod National University
- Tuition Fees for Undergraduate Programs = UAH29,000 – UAH34,300
- Tuition Fees for Graduate Programs = UAH53,000 – UAH66,000
Territorial conflicts in the Transcarpathia region caused delays in the plans of launching a higher education institution. Finally, in 1945, a university officially opened in Uzhhorod with four faculties: biology, history, medicine, and philosophy.
The multi-country territorial dispute over Transcarpathia has given the region a blend of cultural and architectural influences from several countries, such as Austria, Hungary, and Russia.
Now, the university is working on expanding its international agreements and partnerships to attract excellent students and professors.
4. Kharkiv National University of Radio Electronics
- Tuition Fees for Undergraduate Programs = UAH37,000 – UAH44,900
- Tuition Fees for Graduate Programs = UAH39,600 – UAH52,800
Established in 1930, the Kharkiv National University of Radio Electronics (NURE) is another cheap university in Ukraine for international students.
The university slogan reads, “Cogita audaciter, genera ideas!”, which encourages everybody to think boldly and generate ideas. True to its motto, NURE ranks well nationally in terms of research and several other indicators of excellence.
In addition to NURE’s good reputation in education, international students may also benefit from the city of Kharkiv, the second biggest in Ukraine. It is home to several universities which can help students interact and expand their network in an intellectual society.
5. Odessa I. I. Mechnikov National University
- Tuition Fees for Undergraduate Programs = UAH42,200 – UAH52,800
- Tuition Fees for Graduate Programs = UAH52,800 – UAH79,200
The Odessa I. I. Mechnikov National University, founded in 1865, is one of the most popular universities in Ukraine. It currently has roughly 11,000 students—3% of which are international students from around 40 countries.
This affordable university in Ukraine has ten faculties that give students more academic options to choose from. It also means that several other students in various departments could help their social and intellectual growth through interdisciplinary interaction.
Moreover, ONU has been an active member of the Erasmus+ Program since 2010, allowing students and staff to gain internships and training through exchange programs.
6. National Technical University (Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute)
- Tuition Fees for Undergraduate Programs – UAH47,000 – UAH52,200
- Tuition Fees for Graduate Programs – UAH56,000 – UAH71,400
The National Technical University / Kharkiv Polytechnic University (NTU KhPI) is one of the oldest technical universities in Ukraine. It opened in 1885 and has since then expanded its course offerings to roughly 90 departments.
NTU KhPI is an active member of prestigious international mobility and exchange programs that allow students to participate in globally relevant and competitive research projects.
International students can also enjoy the lively atmosphere and various leisure and entertainment sites in Kharkiv during their break from studying. They can go skiing in the north in winter, visit the botanical garden in spring, or go to the amusement park in summer.
7. Sumy State University
- Tuition Fees for Undergraduate Programs = UAH47,500 – UAH52,800
- Tuition Fees for Graduate Programs = UAH52,800 – UAH58,000
Sumy State University is one of the youngest but highly progressive universities in Ukraine. Since its founding in 1948, the university has been gaining national and global recognition for providing quality education and research.
This cheap university in Ukraine has produced numerous successful alumni who are now leaders of their own business ventures or hold influential positions in companies and public offices.
Students at the university especially enjoy its family-friendly facilities and diversity and inclusion initiatives. International students also actively participate in the university’s creative and sports clubs to balance education and leisure.
