Ukraine is one of the most affordable countries in Europe, with its low tuition fees and cost of living. It has been a popular destination for international students because of its quality education, majestic architecture, and historical national universities. Studying in Ukraine costs between $1,700 and $4,000 per academic year, depending on the program and the number of credits.
Should you decide to pursue your studies, you need to be fully aware of the applicable fees and the process of getting a visa. Look no further. This simple guide covers everything there is to know about getting a student visa in Ukraine.
What documents do you need to apply for a student visa in Ukraine?
All international students are required to obtain an Invitation Letter or Invitation to Study from a Ukrainian institution. This invitation must be registered at the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine before you receive it. If you are an international student coming from a visa-free country, you only need the Invitation Letter to enter the country and study. However, if your country needs a visa or e-Visa, you need to prepare the following documents below. To know if you need a visa, check with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine the list of countries needing a visa in Ukraine.
- a valid passport (valid for at least three months and has two empty pages)
- a completed visa application form (printed and signed)
- one 35mm x 45mm photograph
- bank statement for proof of sufficient funds
- medical insurance (covering at least €30,000 or $35,400)
- receipt of paid visa fee
How much money do you need for a Ukraine Student Visa?
Applying for a visa outside Ukraine costs $65 for regular processing, while expedited processing costs twice the fee. However, there may be some variations in fees depending on the type of visa and where you’re from.
Check the reciprocal fees to know more. Remember, once the visa fee is paid, it is considered non-refundable. Aside from the visa fees, it is required to have medical insurance with at least €30,000 or $35,400 coverage and enough funds to cover your entire study.
Check Also: Available Programs in Europe for International Students
Steps on Applying for a Student Visa in Ukraine
1. Obtain an Invitation to Study or Invitation Letter from a Ukrainian institution
Whether you need a Ukrainian student visa or not, you must obtain an Invitation Letter to verify your purpose of visit at the immigration of Ukraine. To get an Invitation Letter, you need to be admitted to a Ukrainian institution and be provided with an Admission Confirmation letter. Once your admission is confirmed, you can already apply for an Invitation Letter from the school.
It usually takes a month for an Invitation Letter to be issued by the host institution. Thus, it is imperative to apply well in advance. The letter may take a while to produce since it needs to be registered at the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine before the applicant receives it.
Once you have the Invitation Letter, it needs to be submitted to the Embassy along with your other visa requirements.
2. Check the type of visa you need
Depending on the length of stay, you can be issued either a short-term visa (C type) or a long-term visa (D type). A short-term visa is given to those staying in Ukraine for up to 90 days, whereas a long-term visa is for 90 days or more. Check the list of countries needing a visa in Ukraine.
3. Apply for a visa via three options
Applying for a student visa for Ukraine is done in three ways: Ukraine’s Embassies or Consulates in your country, one of Ukraine’s 74 Visa Application Centres (VACs) worldwide, and the MFA website. If you’re applying via the Embassy or Consulate in your country, you can only apply at least three months before the intended date of entry in Ukraine. For those applying through VACs, check if your country is included in 47 VACs location countries in the Visa Information page.
If you are eligible for an e-Visa, you can directly apply through evisa.mfa.gov.ua where you’ll register and create an account. On this website, you’ll be able to complete the visa application form, as well as check the status of the application. Moreover, this is where you’ll upload copies of documents including your passport, photograph, health insurance policy, bank statement, and Invitation Letter.
A single entry e-Visa costs $20 and $30 for a double-entry e-Visa. It takes one business day for expedited service and up to three days for regular processes.
4. Register your visa application and bring your visa application and supporting documents to your interview day
MFA requires all international applicants to register and complete the visa application form at visa.mfa.gov.ua. After registering, you’ll then need to print and sign the form before bringing it to your visa interview day. As a supporting document, you must provide your financial resources to prove your financial capacity that you can support your studies.
It should be sufficient enough to cover the tuition fee costs, daily expenses, and emergency funds. You may also be asked to provide original bank statements, bank cards that are usable in Ukraine, a statement of scholarship, or proof of financial support from sponsors. Some supporting documents may vary from country to country.
For instance, some may be asked to provide a medical health certificate or an HIV/AIDS free certificate. Moreover, all documents must be translated into the Ukrainian language and be certified by the Embassy of Ukraine in your country, the Ministry of Education and Science, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Certifying it via the Apostille stamp is also another option that is legalized by the Embassy of Ukraine in your country.
5. Wait for the visa
After submitting your Ukraine student visa application, all you need to do is wait for it to be approved. Expedited service usually takes five business days from the day of the application. If you choose regular service, it will take up to 10 business days. However, it may take longer for up to a month if there are additional supporting documents required.
We hope that this article on How to Get a Ukraine Student Visa was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe!
