In Ukraine, from February 28, 2022, in connection with the introduction of martial law and general mobilization, there is a ban on the departure of students abroad. However, there are certain exceptions that apply to students of foreign higher education 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 years who:
- They study according to the full-time form of education:
- at the bachelor's degree;
- at the master's degree (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 command of the language of instruction;
- have no negative grades or retakes for the last two semesters.
To leave, students must have:
- e-ticket of the student;
- a document from the Territorial Procurement Center (TCC and SP) with appropriate markings;
- a certified copy of the academic mobility agreement concluded between Ukrainian and foreign universities.
From September 14, 2022, an additional ban has been introduced for male students studying abroad. Their right to leave was restricted as part of the mobilization policy, which increased general border crossing restrictions.
Yuliya Romanenko emphasizes that violating the rules of departure or attempting to cross the border without the appropriate package of documents can cause serious legal consequences. It is important for students who plan to use academic mobility programs to prepare all documents in advance and coordinate them with Ukrainian educational institutions and TCC.
Many students and experts express concern about the restriction of the right to study abroad. However, the government argues for such measures by the need to maintain the country's mobilization reserve in wartime conditions.
