In 2026, there are dozens of opportunities for Ukrainians to study, conduct research and undertake work placements abroad, funded by international foundations and governments. The range is wide — from fully funded master’s programmes to short summer placements and youth exchanges. These programmes have different eligibility criteria, age limits and application deadlines, and the list is updated every year. This guide brings together the main options, explains who they are suitable for, and shows where to keep track of the latest deadlines.
Fully-funded Master’s scholarships
The widest range of opportunities relates to master’s degree programmes. The Erasmus Mundus programme funds joint master’s programmes run by several European universities and covers tuition fees, accommodation and travel costs, as well as providing a monthly stipend. The British Chevening programme, funded by the UK government, covers a one-year Master’s degree at any UK university, along with accommodation, airfare and visa costs; it is aimed at professionals with work experience and leadership potential. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) supports master’s students and researchers with monthly stipends and coverage of living and travel expenses. The French Eiffel Excellence Scholarship funds master’s and doctoral programmes lasting between twelve and thirty-six months, with age restrictions for applicants. Sweden offers full Swedish Institute scholarships for those who demonstrate leadership potential, whilst Poland offers the Stefan Banach Scholarship from the NAWA agency for study programmes taught in Polish or English.
Research and academic scholarships
There are specific opportunities available for those engaged in research. The Fulbright Programme enables researchers, lecturers and postgraduate students from Ukraine to carry out research at US universities for periods ranging from a few months to two years, whilst the programme’s Master’s track funds study at American universities. DAAD and Austrian scholarships, administered by OeAD via the grants.at portal, cover short-term and long-term research visits for undergraduates, postgraduates and researchers, provided they have a command of German or English at B2 level or above. The Canadian Mitacs Globalink programme offers a twelve-week summer research placement with a stipend of around six thousand Canadian dollars for students in the final years of their bachelor’s degree. For researchers at all levels, the European Commission has set up a dedicated portal, EURAXESS, which brings together job vacancies, grants and mobility programmes available to Ukrainians.
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Youth exchanges and volunteering
Young people who have not yet decided on their academic path can take advantage of exchange programmes. Erasmus+ funds youth exchanges, study visits, seminars and training courses lasting from a few days to two months, with no age restrictions for many of these formats. Since 2019, volunteering projects have been brought under a separate programme — the European Solidarity Corps — which covers the costs of participating in social, environmental and cultural initiatives abroad. The SALTO-YOUTH resource centres and the Eurodesk network help young people navigate these opportunities by publishing calendars of events and open calls for young people from Ukraine.
Culture, media and the creative industries
A separate stream is designed for those working in the cultural and media sectors. House of Europe funds internships, study trips, residencies and networking opportunities, fostering collaboration between Ukrainians and their EU counterparts in the creative sectors. Journalists and journalism students can apply for the Youth4Regions programme, which introduces newcomers to the workings of European newsrooms and EU institutions. Creative projects are also supported by the Creative Europe programme, which funds cultural cooperation and the mobility of artists.
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Where to keep an eye out for opportunities and when to apply
Application deadlines vary from programme to programme, so it is best to refer to official sources. Applications for Chevening typically open in late summer and close in early November. Erasmus Mundus deadlines depend on the specific consortium and generally fall during the winter months. The Fulbright Programme in Ukraine accepts applications in spring and summer, depending on the track. The most reliable approach is to check the conditions immediately before applying: the official portals Study in Europe and ‘Study in Europe’, the website of the National Erasmus+ Office in Ukraine, EURAXESS for researchers and House of Europe for cultural professionals all contain up-to-date lists of programmes. Many countries and foundations have introduced specific conditions for Ukrainians and those under temporary protection, and these offers are updated annually.
How to improve your chances
It is worth starting your preparations well in advance. Most programmes require a certificate of proficiency in English or the language of the country where you will be studying, a personal statement, references and a clear description of your plans. It is best to start gathering your documents several months before the deadline, whilst applications for competitive scholarships such as Chevening or Erasmus Mundus can be submitted at the same time as your university application. Paying close attention to the selection criteria and meeting deadlines are often just as important as academic achievements, as even a strong application can be rejected due to technical errors or late submission.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which scholarships cover the full cost of a master’s degree abroad? Programmes offering full funding include Erasmus Mundus, the UK’s Chevening, Germany’s DAAD, France’s Eiffel Excellence, the Swedish Institute, and the Polish Stefan Banach Scholarship from NAWA.
Can Ukrainians obtain funding for research? Yes. Researchers can apply for the Fulbright Programme, DAAD scholarships, Austrian grants via the grants.at portal, the Canadian Mitacs Globalink programme for summer placements, and the EURAXESS portal, which lists research vacancies and grants.
What opportunities are available for young people without an academic background? Erasmus+ funds youth exchanges, seminars and training courses, whilst the European Solidarity Corps supports volunteering projects abroad. The SALTO-YOUTH resource centres and the Eurodesk network can help you find your way around these programmes.
Where can cultural practitioners and journalists find grants? Creative placements, residencies and travel are funded by the House of Europe; the Youth4Regions programme is suitable for journalists; and Creative Europe supports cultural cooperation.
When should you apply? The deadlines vary: Chevening applications traditionally open in late summer and close in early November; Erasmus Mundus deadlines are mostly in winter; and the Fulbright Programme accepts applications in spring and summer. It is advisable to check the exact dates on the official websites.
How can you improve your chances of securing a scholarship? Prepare a language proficiency certificate, a personal statement and references, gather your documents a few months before the deadline, and apply for the scholarship at the same time as you apply to university.
