In Ukraine, since February 28, 2022, due to the introduction of martial law and general mobilization, a ban on students traveling abroad has been in effect. However, there are certain exceptions that apply to students of foreign higher educational institutions. Lawyer Yulia Romanenko explained the details of this policy on the B2B Consult platform.
Who is allowed to leave and under what conditions?
Only students aged 18–22 who:
- Studying full-time:
- at the undergraduate level;
- at the master's degree level (for pharmaceutical, medical or veterinary specialties).
- Participate in academic mobility programs:
- have a certificate of referral to study at a foreign university;
- confirmed the appropriate level of proficiency in the language of instruction;
- have no negative grades or retakes in the last two semesters.
To leave, students must have:
- student e-ticket;
- a document from the Territorial Procurement Center (TCC and SP) with the appropriate marks;
- a certified copy of the academic mobility agreement concluded between Ukrainian and foreign universities.
An additional ban has been imposed on male students studying abroad since September 14, 2022. Their right to travel has been restricted as part of the mobilization policy, which has strengthened the general restrictions on border crossings.
Yulia Romanenko emphasizes that violating the exit rules or attempting to cross the border without the appropriate package of documents can lead to serious legal consequences. It is important for students planning to take advantage of academic mobility programs to prepare all documents in advance and coordinate them with Ukrainian educational institutions and the CCC.
Many students and experts express concern about the restrictions on the right to education abroad. However, the government justifies such measures by the need to maintain the country's mobilization reserve in times of war.
