Viktor Pinchuk Foundation - Worldwide Studies for Ukraine

WorldWideStudies grant (Victor Pinchuk Foundation)

You will receive a scholarship of up to about EUR 46,000 (50,000 USD) to study for a Master’s degree at a leading university abroad. The scholarship covers up to 60% of your total study costs. You will cover the remainder from your own funds, with support from your family or from other sources. The funding can be used for tuition fees, study materials, health insurance, accommodation, flights to and from the country, and local transport. The exact amount will be determined on a case-by-case basis, based on your financial needs and academic performance. The scholarship runs for the duration of your Master’s programme, which lasts from 1 to 2 years. It is funded by the Victor Pinchuk Foundation to help build a new generation of Ukrainian professionals.

Who can apply

• Nationality: You are a Ukrainian citizen and live in Ukraine.
• Age: When you start your degree, you are 35 or younger.
• Degree so far: You have obtained a bachelor’s degree or a higher qualification.
• Admission: You must already have a confirmed place on a Master’s programme abroad before applying for the scholarship.
• Field of study: Your Master’s degree must be in one of the following key areas: agriculture, engineering and technology, alternative energies, ecology and environmental protection, public law or public administration. Related interdisciplinary degree programmes will also be considered, provided you can justify your choice.
• University: Universities ranked in the top 200 in the Times Higher Education or QS rankings will be given priority. Universities not listed in the rankings will only be considered if they can demonstrate that they are outstanding in their specific field.
• Return plan: You undertake to return to Ukraine after completing your studies and to work there in your field for at least 5 years, whilst setting out a clear plan for how you will apply what you have learnt.
• Remaining costs: You can explain how you will cover the part of the costs not covered by the grant.

How to apply

First, choose a Master’s programme abroad and apply for admission there. Then, between 1 February and 15 May, apply online for a scholarship through the WorldWideStudies programme. Your application must include your letter of acceptance, proof of costs and funding, and a short essay outlining your plans for Ukraine within 5 years of your return. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview with an independent panel of experts, who will make the final decision.

How realistic are your chances?

This funding scheme is very narrowly defined: you must be Ukrainian, under the age of 35, admitted to a prestigious university abroad in a specific subject area, and willing to return to your home country to work there for five years. This keeps the pool of applicants small, meaning that a well-suited candidate with outstanding academic achievements and a convincing plan to return home has a genuine chance of success. Please note that the last documented call for applications began in early 2022; you should therefore check that a new selection process is currently underway before investing time in an application.