Financial Support for the Education of Ukrainian Children in Europe

Ukrainian children who were forced to leave their home country because of the war faced new challenges. These include adaptation to a different cultural environment, language, and integration into the local educational system. For many families, this becomes an additional financial burden, as studying at European schools and universities involves the cost of textbooks, school equipment and tuition fees.

European funds play an important role in this process. They support Ukrainian children by providing grants, scholarships and financial assistance. This is an invaluable contribution to their future and development.

Education without borders: European programmes to help Ukrainians

For Ukrainian children who have found themselves in Europe because of the war, financial support opens the door to quality education. Thanks to numerous aid programmes, many families can cover the costs of education that would otherwise be unaffordable.

Grants: a chance for everyone

Grant programmes help to address the urgent needs of Ukrainian schoolchildren and students. For example:

• Erasmus+ offers grants for students who want to continue their studies at European universities. The programme covers tuition fees, accommodation and even language courses.
• UNICEF provides grants for families with children to cover the cost of textbooks, laptops and school supplies.
• In the Czech Republic, the People in Need Foundation finances the education of Ukrainian children in local schools, including specialised language programmes.

Scholarships: an investment in the future

European scholarship programmes provide long-term support for children and students. For example:

• DAAD (Germany) offers scholarships for Ukrainian students that include tuition fees and a monthly living allowance (up to EUR 861 per month).
• France has a PAUSE programme that provides scholarships for students and researchers forced to leave because of the war.
• In Lithuania, a state scholarship covers 100% of tuition fees for Ukrainian students in secondary and vocational schools.

These scholarships allow children to continue their education even if the family has lost their source of income.

Support from local communities

Local communities across Europe are also actively involved in supporting Ukrainian children. For example:

• In Poland, the ZHP Polska school network offers free Polish language courses and adaptation programmes for Ukrainian students.
• In Romania, the Fundatia Comunitara Foundation provides school supplies, tutoring and free meals for Ukrainian students.
• In Slovakia, communities organise free clubs for children where they can learn the language and develop their talents.

Local initiatives help children integrate faster, feel more comfortable in the new environment and continue their studies without interruption.

How to get help

Obtaining financial support for your child’s education may seem like a complicated process, but the right approach will help you solve this problem quickly and efficiently.

Finding support programmes is the first and most important step. To do this:

1. Visit the websites of international organisations.
2. Contact Ukrainian consulates or embassies in your host country.
3. Talk to local communities and volunteer organisations.

A set of documents is usually required to participate in the programme. To avoid wasting time, prepare them in advance:

• Child’s passport or birth certificate.
• Proof of refugee status or temporary protection, if required.
• Certificate of residence in the host country.
• Educational documents: report cards, certificates, school recommendations, etc.
• Application form provided by the programme (usually available online).

When everything is ready, go to the official website of the programme, fill out the application online or contact the relevant office. Check the application deadlines – most programmes have strict deadlines. If you need to send your application by post, do so in advance to avoid delays.