Ukraine introduces digital admission to higher education institutions for foreigners with EU support

From 1 April 2025, foreign students will be admitted to Ukrainian higher education facilities exclusively through the new Unified Interagency Information System, created with the support of the European Union (EU) under the DT4UA and EU4DigitalUA projects implemented by the e-Governance Academy (Estonia). In the first three months of the system’s operation, about 1,700 foreigners have already applied to study in Ukraine, and the first students have arrived at Ukrainian universities.

The unified system ensures full transparency and security of the admission campaign by digitising all its stages. Applications, document verification, approval, and sending of electronic invitations are done online, without intermediaries. In addition, the system is integrated with government agencies, including the Security Service of Ukraine, the State Border Guard Service, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which ensures effective interagency cooperation and prompt decision-making.

“The full launch of the Unified System was made possible thanks to effective coordination between government agencies and the support of international partners. About 1,700 applications have already been submitted through the system, and the first foreign students who applied through the new system have already been enrolled and arrived in Ukraine to study,” said Dmytro Zavhorodniy, Deputy Minister of Education and Science for Digital Development, Digital Transformation and Digitalisation.

“This system is a vivid example of successful cooperation between Ukraine and the European Union in the field of digital innovation. Thanks to the effective interaction of international experts and Ukrainian specialists, we have created a tool that not only simplifies the admission process but also strengthens the trust of foreign citizens in Ukrainian education. The EU supports such initiatives, as they strengthen Ukraine’s engagement with the international community and improve its image as a modern and open state,” said Asier Santillán Luzuriaga, Head of Section for European Integration, Governance, Rule of Law and Civil Society of the EU Delegation to Ukraine.

Key advantages of the Unified System:

• Direct online admission to higher education institutions
• Personal electronic accounts for the applicant, the educational institution and the competent authorities
• Integration with state institutions: Security Service of Ukraine, State Border Guard Service, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Digital educational offer with a detailed description of study conditions, cost, and form of education
• Electronic invitation to study, which is automatically generated, approved by the authorities and sent to the applicant through the system.

“The unified system of digital admission of foreigners is a powerful step towards transparency and openness of Ukraine’s educational services in the international arena. The e-Governance Academy has made every effort to ensure that the system meets the highest European standards,” said Hannes Astok, Chairman of the Board of the E-Governance Academy.

To learn more about the system and apply, please follow the link: apply.studyinukraine.gov.ua