Studying abroad

Applicants enter foreign higher education institutions after graduating from high school, i.e., at the age of 17–18. However, there are cases when studies begin at a younger age. In such cases, the student must be accompanied by parents or guardians with a notarized document confirming the parents’ consent for the child to travel abroad with a responsible person and study at a specific institution. You can also contact AP University managers for more information.

A foreign passport valid for the period of study; a certificate of complete secondary education, if necessary, with an apostille or nostrification; academic transcript; motivation letter; letters of recommendation (if necessary); language proficiency certificate (TOEFL, IELTS, or others); a CV – resume of project experience (upon request); if you are applying for creative majors, then a portfolio; entrance exam results; and financial documents confirming solvency.

All educational institutions abroad require basic language skills and communication abilities. To verify this, admissions committees review test results depending on the country of study: for English: IELTS, TOEFL; for German: TestDaF, DSH; for Polish: Poświadczania Znajomości Języka Polskiego jako Obcego. AP University will help you choose a university with the appropriate requirements and prepare for the exam and admission.

International programs are operating within the EU or Western countries: Erasmus+ (Europe), Fulbright (USA), Chevening (UK), DAAD (Germany), as well as the Ukrainian UGS – Ukrainian Global Scholars. To become an applicant, you need to take several steps. The first is to check the program requirements against your own achievements and capabilities, such as proficiency in a foreign language at a certain level. The second is to submit an application and documents for consideration, such as a motivation letter or test certificate. The third step is an interview. Once you have met all the requirements, you will receive funding. To ensure success, contact your AP University manager.

Many students from other countries combine work with study. For some, this is the only way to pay for the semester, so educational institutions are understanding of this practice if it does not negatively affect academic performance. Special conditions have been created to maintain student progress. In Poland, full-time students can work without additional permission, and in Germany, students are allowed to work up to 120 full or 240 part-time days per year, and if this is not enough time, they can obtain special permission. Other countries have similar rules.

Poland offers affordable tuition, a language environment that is easy to get used to, and the opportunity to combine work with study. It is a neighboring country with a mentality similar to that of Ukraine. Germany offers free tuition at state universities, the possibility of obtaining a scholarship from the DAAD, many jobs, and high standards of teaching quality. This country has some of the best higher education institutions in Europe. This list also includes Canada, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic, where the conditions and quality of educational programs are at the same high level.

First, you need to determine the purpose of your visit or obtain an invitation from an educational institution. Then, submit your documents to the Visa Center: an invitation from the institution, a completed visa application form, a foreign passport, proof of financial solvency, confirmation of state or international assistance, language test results, medical insurance, and, for some countries, you will also need to pass an interview. After that, you will be able to open a visa.

Approximate cost of education in different countries: Poland – from €1,100 per year, Germany – from €500 per semester, Canada – $10,000 for a full course, Great Britain – £10,000 for a full course, Netherlands – €8,000 per level of education. European countries usually offer lower costs than Western countries. Students have the following financing options: scholarships, grants, benefits, state sponsorship, and the opportunity to combine study with work. In the Czech Republic, students who know the Czech language can study for free.

Students going abroad to study can look for accommodation in various ways. Almost all institutions offer accommodation in dormitories, and this option is the most budget-friendly for both parties, as the comfort level here is the lowest compared to other options. Finding a dormitory is not difficult, as it is likely that the student will be offered one. A more expensive but more convenient option is renting, which you can search for on social networks and platforms such as Roomster, Student.com, Uniplaces, Airbnb, or HousingAnywhere, or you can ask AP University for help with your search.

A popular prospect is employment abroad during the validity period of a student visa. With a work visa, students can work longer. This opens up the prospect of building an international career in countries with high economic indicators. Another prospect is returning to Ukraine. There is also a high demand here for specialists with foreign language skills and expertise gained at European universities. Such specialists feel confident in the labor market.