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The Ukrainian higher education and research sector has shown remarkable resilience under extreme circumstances, not least thanks to the dedication of its staff. It is of paramount importance for the future of Ukraine that this invaluable resource - its people - is preserved and nurtured, including by increased European support.
Three years into the invasion of Ukraine, the higher education sector in Ukraine remains seriously affected. One fifth of higher education institutions and about one third of research institutions and facilities have been either partially damaged or entirely destroyed.
Nonetheless, universities and the wider higher education and research sector in Ukraine have shown remarkable resilience. Thanks to the dedication and professional commitment of academic and non-academic staff, the higher education system has been maintained, and several initiatives have been launched to further develop it. Given the continued uncertainty that Ukraine faces, it is of paramount importance for future generations of students in Ukraine that this invaluable human capital is preserved and nurtured.
The Ukrainian higher education system is currently under intense pressure. The combination of destruction, student and staff displacement, limited access to quality online education, psychological stress and trauma, as well as the limited financial capacity of higher education institutions may significantly impact Ukraine’s overall human capital.
About 20% of Ukrainian academic and research staff have been forced to take refuge in other countries. Many others who remain in the country are no longer engaged in higher education and research. Brain drain continues as young professionals leave Ukraine due to low salaries and lack of support. This trend is not unexpected. The problem is that many may find it difficult to return or contribute effectively as members of the diaspora once the war is over.
In the very competitive field of cutting-edge international research, many of the best Ukrainian scientists or students may be tempted to stay in their new homes rather than return to institutions that have been ravaged by war. Under current circumstances in Ukraine, it is entirely legitimate and understandable that any individual academic may choose to leave the country, and indeed university life. But what can we do to ensure that the long-term future of Ukrainian higher education and research is not jeopardised?
The academic community all over the world, especially in Europe, has rallied to support Ukrainian colleagues both within and outside of the country’s borders. According to EUA’s recent Trends report, 80% of European higher education institutions have put solidarity measures in place. Two out of three institutions host Ukrainian students, and many provide support grants, reduced fees etc. Approximately every second institution hosts academic staff from Ukraine and has enhanced existing partnerships or established new ones with their Ukrainian counterparts.
These actions to foster exchange and collaboration are supported by EU, national, local and even personal funding. Ukraine’s association to the Horizon Europe programme is one of the key support instruments. Moreover, Ukraine continues to be a thematic priority in Erasmus+ calls for collaboration and by the end of 2024, 30 Ukrainian universities had joined a European Universities alliance as associated partners.
The EU-funded MSCA4Ukraine fellowship scheme is another important support system. The project currently supports 125 fellows in European institutions, with a recent second call providing funding for 50 more. These are all commendable efforts, but more must follow.
Displaced Ukrainian academics now living across Europe also face significant challenges. Even though the EU’s Temporary Protection Directive has been prolonged until March 2026, it might yet be contested in court. Once this directive expires, it is not clear what might happen to Ukrainian citizens living in the EU, including university students and staff, because there is no automatic transition to another status (e.g. student visa or refugee status). Whether the European Commission will develop a new initiative in time, possibly for a period of ten years, is uncertain.
Advancing the capacity of Ukrainian universities to research, educate and innovate is a strategic investment in the country and its people. This can take many different shapes.
Moreover, the Ukrainian government has recognised that tertiary education is critical to most, if not all, key sectors in the country. Therefore, higher education must be central to Ukraine’s reconstruction. Some measures will need to wait until the war ends. Others can and must take place now, to ensure the survival and sustainability of the Ukrainian higher education system. The most important task is preserving and nurturing the people working day in, day out at Ukrainian universities. They are academia’s key asset.
For example, if the EU and other countries can continue and intensify their efforts to host Ukrainian scholars, displaced academics need not be disconnected from their country. Hosting arrangements should also include support for those who choose to return to Ukraine and for sustainable, long-term partnerships between higher education and research institutions to be maintained once the war ends. Mobile scientists also have an important role to play in connecting non-migrant colleagues and academic networks.
Capacity building in Ukrainian higher education goes beyond research and academia. For example, conducting projects requires staff with project management and administration skills within higher education institutions. A programme to build these competencies is being launched by the Ukrainian Ministry of Education and the British Council.
As the war enters another year, Ukraine’s needs remain high, and its resources limited. In this context, while there are many good national initiatives, more European and international cooperation and coordination is needed. Indeed, this was highlighted in EUA’s recommendations on supporting the European higher education sector, published in 2023.
There are already some encouraging examples. For example, the Digital University – Open Ukrainian Initiative (DigiUni) project, supported by Erasmus+, unites Ukrainian and European higher education institutions in the endeavour to establish an open university for Ukraine. Another interesting example is the recent LUKE project (Linking Ukraine to the European Research Area - Joint Funding and Capacity Building Platform for Enhanced Research and Innovation Cooperation). It is a €2 million funding support platform, to which 19 partner organisations from 13 countries have so far committed to pay into a joint research fund for Ukrainian institutions.
In conclusion, it is not just about doing more for Ukraine, but doing more together. EUA and its dedicated Task Force for Ukraine will continue to support this approach as a core goal of the Association.
