The Victor Pinchuk Foundation - World Wide Studies Scholarships

Benefit

You will receive up to about 46,000 EUR (50,000 USD) for a Master’s degree programme abroad. This will cover up to 60% of your total study costs during the one- to two-year duration of the programme. The grant mainly covers your tuition fees. It may also cover books, health insurance, basic student accommodation, your flights to and from the country where you are studying, and local transport costs. You will need to pay the remainder yourself or from other sources. The exact amount is determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on your financial needs and academic performance. The funding comes from the Victor Pinchuk Foundation, a private Ukrainian charity.

Eligibility

• Nationality: You are a Ukrainian citizen and live in Ukraine.
• Age: When you enrol at the university, you are 35 or younger.
• Degree so far: You already hold a bachelor’s degree (or a higher qualification) in a relevant subject area.
• Where you study: You are studying for a Master’s degree at a foreign university, ideally one that is ranked among the top 200 in the Times Higher Education or QS world university rankings. A university with a lower ranking will only be considered if it is clearly a leader in your specific field of study.
• Admission: You have already been admitted to this Master’s programme for the start of the autumn semester this year.
• Field of study: Agricultural sciences, engineering and technology, alternative energy, ecology and environmental protection, public law or public administration. Interdisciplinary degree programmes will be considered provided you can explain the relevance.
• Return plan: You intend to return to Ukraine within one month of completing your studies and to work there in your field for at least five years. You have a clear plan for how you will use your knowledge for the benefit of Ukraine.
• Co-funding: You can cover the remainder of the costs from your own funds or from other sources.

How to apply

First, secure a place on a Master’s programme abroad. You should then submit your online scholarship application to the Foundation between 1 February and 15 May. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview with an independent panel. You will be notified in writing of the final decision within approximately one month of the last interview.

How realistic are your chances?

This funding scheme is very narrowly defined. You must be a Ukrainian national in accordance with 35, already be admitted to a high-level Master’s programme abroad in specific subject areas, and commit to returning to your home country to work there. This ensures that the funding is targeted effectively, but according to the foundation, there are around ten applicants per place, so competition is fierce. If you clearly meet the subject area requirements, can provide evidence of a strong offer of admission, and present a credible, concrete plan for how you intend to make a contribution in Ukraine, your chances are good.