Education in Ukraine is considered one of the most affordable and inexpensive in all of Europe, therefore in our country there are many foreign students who acquire the necessary knowledge while studying in institutions of higher education in Ukraine. Universities, institutes and academies with a cordial welcome foreign visitors, providing the highest quality access to new knowledge that foreigners subsequently manifest both in Ukraine and outside our country. So what is the secret of the popularity of Ukrainian higher education institutions, in addition to the low price?

It should be noted that access to education, which most often depends on the cost of higher education, is also affected by international cooperation, manifested in the exchange of experience between students and teachers abroad. One of these programs, which occupies a significant niche, is Erasmus+. This is a non-profit program, the curator of which is the European Union. Students and teachers of institutions of higher education not only in Ukraine, but also in many other countries that are not members of the European Union, can participate in the Erasmus+ program. The new program from the EU is designed for the period from 2014 to 2020.

Read more about the Erasmus+ program

In Europe, they are concerned with raising the level of quality of higher education, positively influencing the development of interaction between different cultures, and strengthening links between foreign students and teachers. It is also important for the EU to introduce European values, and the program only contributes to this. Also in the European Union it is concerned that young people have no problems with unemployment, since improving the quality of education can help expand opportunities and increase the potential of a program participant.

Over 150 countries of the world that are partners participate in Erasmus+. The program budget is almost 15 billion euros, and the program provides grants for students and teachers of all countries involved in Erasmus+. 28 countries are direct participants of the program (members of the EU, the Economic Union, and candidates applying for membership in the European Union) - it is on the territory of these states that knowledge and experience are exchanged.

It should be noted that both individuals (students and teachers) and higher education institutions can participate in the program. The emphasis is on simplicity in education and social inclusion: the program encourages the participation of refugees, immigrants, those who have problems with money, people with disabilities, special needs, various diseases (mental or physical), people with non-traditional sexual orientation, and so on . The emphasis is on the accessibility of education for each person, despite the various internal problems in society.

Financial side of the program

The European Union has made sure that all participants receive a worthy scholarship (grants). In addition, the program necessarily insures the life of the participant, and focuses on additional payments in case of illness, accidents, as well as death.

The participant receives an insurance card, which is issued completely free of charge. Thanks to her, you can get free medical care in the territory of the Erasmus+ partner countries.
Who is in charge of Erasmus+?

The program is the responsibility of the European Commission, which distributes the budget, sets goals and priorities, including criteria for the selection of candidates, as well as oversees the quality and well-coordinated work of Erasmus+. It is the European Commission that is fully responsible for this program.

Who can participate in the program?

• Students (over 2 million students of higher education institutions will be able to study abroad);
• Those who receive a master’s degree can apply for free study abroad (25 thousand scholarships) or receive support in obtaining a loan for education (200 thousand masters);
• Persons studying in vocational education institutions may spend some time abroad, gaining new knowledge (650 thousand people);
• Young people who intend to learn the basics of volunteering can take part in the exchange (500 thousand people);
• Teachers, coaches, as well as employees in the field of youth policy are also involved in this program (800 thousand people).

Student opportunities

All students who receive higher education in Ukraine, including foreigners, can apply for participation in the program - study abroad, internship in European companies. It should be noted that in Ukraine (in some cities, but most often in Kiev), seminars, trainings, forums, and scientific conferences are held regularly, which are organized by representatives of the Erasmus + program.