What influence does the education of foreign students have on the economy and image of Ukraine? Why do foreign students choose Ukraine for education? What is needed to promote education opportunities in Ukraine among foreigners? This was discussed by the Director of the Ukrainian State Center for International Education (“Study in Ukraine”) Dr. Olena Shapovalova on the air of the Parliamentary TV channel “Rada” on November 9, 2021.
“International students choose Ukraine, first and foremost because of the quality of education and recognition of diplomas at home or abroad. And we are very pleased that Ukrainian higher education helps graduates to become successful and self-actualize.” – noted Dr. Olena Shapovalova.
According to Dr. Olena Shapovalova, there are many government officials, representatives of the scientific community and business among the citizens of foreign countries who were educated in Ukraine.
“For the 30th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, the “Study in Ukraine” team has prepared a special project dedicated to well-known foreign graduates of Ukrainian higher education institutions. These are 30 stories of foreign students who became famous and successful after graduating from Ukrainian universities. Among them are: the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan Sirodzhiddin Mukhriddin, the Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage of Kenya Mohamed Amina, the President of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu (Nigeria) and other famous persons.” – said Dr. Olena Shapovalova.
Dr. Olena Shapovalova explained that foreign students can learn about the conditions of admission, the list of higher education institutions that are ready to recruit foreigners for study and other useful information on the “Study in Ukraine” website (https://studyinukraine.gov.ua), as well as on the Ukraine.ua portal and the websites of foreign diplomatic missions of Ukraine. She also spoke about the admission process, visa and migration procedures for foreign students.
“We greatly value the fact that more than 75,000 students from 155 countries are studying in Ukraine. After all, the education of foreign students is recognition of Ukrainian education, the image of Ukraine and an investment in the economy.” – noted Dr. Olena Shapovalova.
According to the estimates of “Study in Ukraine”, a foreign student, while studying in Ukraine, spends at least 6-8 thousand US dollars annually. The overall cost of education, accommodation, insurance, paperwork, food, transportation and other needs reached more than 570 million US dollars. If the average duration of study is 5-6 years, then in total Ukraine’s income from foreign students for this period is more than 3 billion US dollars.
Dr. Olena Shapovalova assured that Ukraine is creating conditions for there to be more foreign students in Ukrainian universities. Among them is the Action Plan to promote opportunities for higher education in Ukraine for foreign students, which was developed in accordance with the Order of the President of Ukraine №210/2020 “On Improving Higher Education in Ukraine” and approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine on April 21, 2021.
“This is the first time in the history of independent Ukraine that we have a plan to promote Ukrainian higher education for foreigners. It includes a number of measures aimed at attracting more foreign students to Ukrainian universities. Among them: conducting a marketing study of the attractiveness of Ukrainian education, holding the Ukrainian International Education Forum, “Study in Ukraine” exhibitions abroad.” – said Dr. Olena Shapovalova.
Among other conditions – the development of amendments to the law by deputies, which would allow students to study in their native language.
