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Belarusian citizens can apply to Ukrainian universities, but some categories of applicants need individual approval from Ukraine’s Ministry of Education and Science. Meanwhile, the possibility of Belarusian children studying online at Ukrainian schools and receiving state-recognised certificates remains unresolved.
This is stated in a response from Ukraine’s Ministry of Education and Science to an inquiry by Pavel Barkouski, the United Transitional Cabinet’s representative for national revival. The clarification was provided by Deputy Minister Ivan Yuriichuk.
Barkouski sent the ministry questions concerning primary and higher education opportunities for Belarusians.
The ministry explained that every child residing in Ukraine has the right to receive a full secondary education free of charge at a state or municipal school. The ministry also expressed support for Belarusian young people’s efforts to access education through online platforms and educational programmes. However, the response does not clarify whether Belarusian children living outside Ukraine can study remotely at Ukrainian schools and receive state-recognised certificates. This issue is expected to be discussed in further consultations.
As for online institutions providing education in the Belarusian language, Ukrainian legislation does not provide for the accreditation of foreign schools. Educational institutions operating outside Ukraine must comply with the laws of the country in which they are based.
The United Transitional Cabinet noted that the possibility of developing joint educational programmes and establishing a legal framework for accrediting Belarusian-language online schools is also expected to be discussed further.
Belarusian citizens are entitled to apply to Ukrainian higher education institutions. Under the 2026 admission rules, applicants who do not have a permanent residence permit in Ukraine must obtain individual approval from the Ministry of Education and Science. This requirement also applies to Belarusians holding temporary residence permits.
An exception is made for Belarusian citizens who took part in defending Ukraine and have been granted combatant status, as well as their children. They do not need individual approval.
Eligibility for state-funded education depends on the applicant’s legal status and other conditions stipulated by law. Universities themselves decide how to organise the academic process and accommodation for international students.
During further consultations, the parties intend to discuss accommodation arrangements for Belarusian students and the possibility of establishing special programmes to make it easier for them to gain admission.
The ministry’s response also notes that the agreement between Ukraine and Belarus on the mutual recognition and equivalence of educational documents is no longer in force.
The Ukrainian ministry said it supports the Belarusian people’s aspirations for independence and the establishment of a European state governed by the rule of law.
Consultations on education are expected to continue with the assistance of Yaroslav Chornohor, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry’s ambassador-at-large for Belarus.