Victor Pinchuk Foundation for Ukrainian Students

What the WorldWideStudies grant gives you

You will receive a scholarship of up to 60% of your total study costs, capped at 50,000 USD (about 46,000 EUR) to cover the entire duration of your Master’s programme abroad. The money can be used towards tuition fees, study materials, health insurance, accommodation, flights to and from the country where you are studying, and local transport. The Foundation determines the exact amount on a case-by-case basis, depending on your needs and academic performance. You will cover the remainder from your own funds, through family support or with other scholarships. The grant is provided by the Victor Pinchuk Foundation, which runs this programme to train qualified professionals for Ukraine. In return, you will sign an agreement to return to Ukraine within 1 months of completing your studies and to work there for at least 5 years in your field of specialisation.

Who can apply

• Nationality: You are a Ukrainian citizen and live in Ukraine.
• Age: You must not be older than 35 when you start your studies.
• Degree: You already hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in a subject area relevant to the Master’s programme you wish to undertake.
• Admission: You have received confirmation of your place on a Master’s programme at a foreign university.
• Where you study: The degree programme lasts from 1 to 2 years and leads to a Master’s degree. You will choose a university from the top 200 in the Times Higher Education and QS world university rankings. A university not featured in these lists will only be considered if there are valid reasons for doing so, for example if it is a leader in a specialised field.
• Field of study: Agricultural sciences, ecology and environmental protection, public law, public administration, alternative energies, or engineering and technology. Interdisciplinary degree programmes in related fields may be recognised if you provide a justification for this.
• Return plan: You intend to put your knowledge to use in Ukraine and will work there for at least 5 years after graduating.
• Co-funding: You can explain how you will cover the part of the costs not covered by the grant.

How to apply

Online applications are accepted every year between 1 February and 15 May. You must submit details of your education and career history, your university admission certificate, a full breakdown of costs, proof of additional sources of funding, and a letter of motivation (max. 3,000 characters) in which you outline your plans for Ukraine within 5 years of your return. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview with an independent panel comprising industry experts, employers and representatives of the foundation, who will make the final decision.

How realistic are your chances?

The target group is narrowly defined: exclusively Ukrainian nationals from six priority areas who have already been admitted to a prestigious university abroad and who undertake to return for 5 years. This keeps the pool of applicants manageable, but competition is fierce, with around ten applicants per place. If you meet these criteria and can convincingly demonstrate how you will put your degree to use in your home country, your prospects are good.