Introduction to the education system in Ukraine

Ukranian education System includes first level technical and vocational schools, second level technical and vocational colleges, and universities, which are considered the third level. Here, we will focus on university education, so the term “higher education in Ukraine” will mean university education. Higher education in Ukraine starts with the successful completion of the secondary education and passing the university entrance examination. It is coordinated and supervised by the Ministry of Education and Sciences Ukraine. Degrees awarded on successful completion include Bachelors degree, Masters Degree and Doctorate. Although there are some other degrees awarded in between, the afore mentioned three are the strategic ones. The minimum duration of the university education that will merit a degree is four academic years for a bachelors degree program. Medical courses requires longer duration, up to six years. MSc. and Phd. programs attract additional time, from one year to five years or more, depending on the program, the course, degree pursued and student’s commitment.

Teaching language is either of the following:

• Ukrainian Language (national language)
• Russia Language
• English Language (optional mainly for foreign students)

Ukraine nationals study in their national languages, while foreign students have a choice of either the native language or English. This is subject to the availability of the program in English. Foreign students that opt to study in Ukrainian or Russian language undergoes a one year preparatory language course, during which they undergo a study of language and preparatory courses related to their future discipline. On graduation, they receive an additional certificate of proficiency for the language, which compensates for the additional year. Students studying in English language skip this preparatory stage, but studies the language as an independent course in the course of their academic program.

An academic year runs from 1st of September to 31st of June. This is split into two semesters having a brief two weeks winter break in January, and a long vacation from 1st of July to 31st of August. For foreign students arriving Ukraine for the first time, their academic resumption date is dependent on the chosen language of study. If the student will be studying in English language, then it is inevitable that the student arrives early enough to be ready for academic activities come September 1st. However, students that will have to go through the language learning program are allowed to arrive a bit later, but not later than October 15th, to start language classes.

Foreign students are subjected to the same regulations and guidelines governing higher education in Ukraine. The only addition is that foreign students are expected to legalize their certificates with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on graduation. This confirms that the certificate was actually issued from a bonafide and accredited Ukrainian university. Failure to do this might put the certificate under additional scrutiny, and in some cases, rejected or invalidated when tendered.

Ukraine has a teeming population of students undergoing higher education, in different fields and specialization. Among this population is a growing community of international students, arriving Ukraine annually for educational purposes. Higher education system in Ukraine accommodates foreign students integration, with the award of certificates of international recognition, on graduation. The certificates are further legalized in the Ministry of Foreign affairs, for validation. If the students home country maintains a diplomatic mission in Ukraine, they also append a consular stamp to the certificate and the result sheet, for further authentication.

Unlike many other European countries higher education in Ukraine is comparatively cost effective. As a young sovereign nation, Ukraine is socially stable, with warm hospitality to foreigners. It is indeed, recommended for anyone seeking for quality and affordable education abroad. Visit the sections on requirements to study in Ukraine, and admission procedures to study in Ukraine to read more. You may also want to read on study in Ukraine universities for more insight.

Religion in Ukraine

Traditionally Ukraine was inhabited by pagan tribes, but by the turn of the first millennium Byzantine-rite Christianity was introduced. It is thought that Apostle Andrew came up to the site where the city of Kiev was built in his lifetime.

However it was only by the 10th century that the emerging state, the Kievan Rus’ became influenced by the Byzantine Empire, the first known conversion was by the duchess St. Olga who came to Constantinople. Several years later, her grandson, Knyaz Vladimir baptised his people in the Dnieper River. This began a long history of the dominance of the Eastern Orthodoxy in Ruthenia that later was to influence Russia and Ukraine.

Judaism was present on Ukrainian lands for approximately 2000 years when Jewish traders appeared in Greek colonies. At the same time the neighboring Khazar Kaganate was influenced by Judaism. Since the 13th century the Jewish presence in Ukraine increased significantly. Later on in Ukraine was established new teaching of Judaism – Hasidism.

The Muslim religion was brought to Ukraine by a long history of controversies with Golden Horde and Ottoman Empire. Crimean Tatars accepted Islam by being a part of the Golden Horde and later the vassals of Ottoman Empire.

Religion in Ukraine went through a series of phases, but one notably in the times of the Soviet Union. Such was the rule of the official oppressive communist regime, when Christians were persecuted and only a small fraction of people officially were church goers.

The 2006 Razumkov Centre survey indicates:

• 14.9 percent of believers identify themselves with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Kiev Patriarchate
• 10.9 percent are adherents of Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) (which has the largest number of churches in Ukraine and claims up to 75% of the Ukrainian population[3])
• 5.3 percent belonged to the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (sometimes referred to as the Uniate, Byzantine, or Eastern Rite Church)
• 1.0 percent belonged to the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church
• 0.6 percent belonged to the Roman Catholic Church
• 0.9 percent identified themselves as Protestants (Pentecostal, Baptist, Lutheran, Mennonites, Adventists)
• 0.1 percent follow Jewish religious practices;
• 3.2 percent said they belonged to “other denominations”.
• 62.5 percent stated they are not religious or did not clearly identified their church allegiance (many Orthodox Ukrainians do not clearly self-identify with a particular denomination and, sometimes, are even unaware of the affiliation of the church they attend as well as of the controversy itself, which indicates the impossibility to use the survey numbers as an indicator of a relative strength of the church).

Climate in Ukraine

Ukraine is situated in two climatic zones — moderate (the plains and both the mountain ranges) and Mediterranean subtropics (the southern shore of Crimea). Generally, Ukraine is one of the climatically comfortable countries.

The number of hours of sunlight varies from 1700 in the north to more than 2400 in the south. The temperatures vary predominantly from the north to the south, in the Ukrainian Carpathians — from the northwest to the southeast. The lowest temperature of January and February is -7… -8°C (on the plains of Crimea — 0°C, on it’s southern shore — up to +3… +4°C). The highest average July temperature is +17… +19°C (north and northwest) and +22… +23°C (south and southeast). In the Carpathians it can go down to +13… +14°C, and to +16°C in the Crimean Mountains. The amount of rainfall decreases from the north and northwest to the south and southeast. Most of it falls during the warm time of the year (except on the southern shore of Crimea). The highest amount of rainfall is in the Carpathians (1500 mm) and in the Crimean Mountains (1000–1200 mm), whereas the least falls on the shores of Black and Azov seas (300–450 mm), in the western part of Ukraine (600–650 mm) and in the southwest (400–450 mm).

There is a clearly defined change of seasons during the year. The winters are long but relatively warm, with frost and snow. In the Ukrainian Carpathians it lasts 120–130 days, in the north of Crimea — 75–90 and not more than 85 days on in the far south and southwest (influenced by the warm air currents from the Atlantic and the Mediterranean).

Spring starts when the average temperatures cross 0°C, but frosts are still possible. Spring first touches the southwest and Crimea and it makes it’s way north from the south in approximately 37 days. The summer starts when the temperature reachs 15°C and is warm in most regions, hot in Crimea. The temperatures can reach +34… +39°C when the air currents from Africa reach Ukraine through the Mediterranean. The summer lasts from 120 to 150 days. In the autumn the temperatures drop and some frosts are possible, the number of rains and fogs increases. Autumn lasts from 70 days in the southwest to 90 days in Zakarpattia. Rarely some very warm periods are possible. The climate of large cities and seas can differ, in some aspects. For example, in winter Kyiv experiences some cyclones that cause unstable weather. Strong winds happen rarely and the lowest temperatures of -10°C and less fall on January and February.

The autumns in Kyiv are predominantly warm, springs — sunny and rainy. To conclude the weather conditions in Ukraine have positive influence on various industries and development of tourism and recreation.

Kiev

One of the oldest cities in the world, Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, lies astride the two banks of the mighty Dnipro River. Today, Kyiv is on the rise once more as the cultural, administrative and financial heart of Ukraine, in addition to being one of the most beautiful capital in Eastern Europe. It’s truly worth seeing with your own eyes the harmonious combination of antiquity and modernity, of classic artisanry with cutting-edge technology, of thousand year-old churches and monasteries whose gleaming domes reflect the most contemporary architectural complexes. On weekends and holidays, when the street is closed to cars, Kharshchatyk takes n the air of a festival as people strolland children chase each other down the avenue, watching mimes and musicians, eating fabulous “plombir” ice cream, sipping freshly-brewed coffee at an outdoor café, checking out the latest fashions in upscale boutiques, or buying a good book from a street stand.

Andriyivskiy Uzviz is a winding, cobbled street from the upper administrative center to the lower historic commercial center, Podil. The street used to be called Montmartre of Kyiv also. At the very top of street hill is the priceless Andriyivska Tserkva – St. Andrew Church – a lovely teal-blue, white and gold confection designed in the baroque style by the famed Italian architect, Bartolomeo Rastrelli. Kyiv is becoming an artistic hot spot in Eastern Europe. Arts offer townspeople and city guests the opportunity to enjoy the very best of international and Ukrainian contemporary arts. If you are shopping for art explore Kyiv’s many art galleries and studios to find the original artworks that will become family heirlooms.

Kharkiv

Kharkiv has had the ambition to stand out from the rest and it has been quite successful at that. One famous demonstration of Kharkiv’s unbridled ambition can found in the city’s Uspensky Cathedral bell tower. It is said that the tower was built to be taller than the Moscow Kremlin – a shocking departure from the imperial etiquette of the time. Today Kharkiv stands out as one of Ukraine’s leading intellectual, cultural and industrial centers.

As the first capital of Soviet Ukraine in the 1920-1930 the city was the lab for constructivism and innovation in urban planning and the site for development projects which transformed Kharkiv from a merchant town into the industrial, intellectual and infrastructure hub for the whole country. The Derzhprom Building in downtown Kharkiv known for innovative construction methods and seminal design features in the first Soviet skyscraper and famous constructivist landmark in the city. The city building stands on the vast Ploshcha Svobody, one of the largest public squares in the world.

Kharkiv is one of the largest centers of learning in Ukraine and Eastern Europe in terms of the number of post-secondary institutions of education and the sheer number of students. For that reason it is also called the Student Capital. The city’s first educational institution, opened in 1805, was the Imperial University, known today as Kharkiv Karazin National University. Currently some 200000 students are studying in technical, legal, creative, medical and other specialties in Kharkiv. There are about 12000 international students which presence creates a unique atmosphere of student community in the city. Kharkiv has always felt itself to be young and loves to be in the center of events, to choose untraditional approaches, to be first in everything.

Dnipropetrovsk

Dnipropetrovsk is spread across both banks of the great Dnieper River, and is one the most colorful and interesting cities of eastern Ukraine. In addition to being the largest industrial and economic center, it has the status of being Ukraine’s space capital, and it is an extremely charming city, attracting visitors with its beautiful architecture, numerous parks, picturesque boardwalks, and precious historical memorials.

Modern Dnipropetrovsk easily weaves together the rhythm of a fast-paced business center with the peaceful atmosphere of countless parks, in which local residents like to spend their time. But the most popular place to walk and rest is the beautiful Lenin Boardwalk, which happens to be the longest in Europe. It leads to most one of the most interesting of the city’s landmarks, the legendary Monastyrsky Island. It is well established that in the 9th century, a Byzantine monastery stood here (which explains the island’s name). At that time, a famous trade route between the Varangians and the Greeks passed through the Dnieper River, and the island was often used as a stopping point. The Old Russian princess Olga once waited for a storm to pass in a local monastery; and shortly after that, the prince Vladimir the Great rested within its walls. Today, Monastyrsky Island is part of the largest park of Dnipropetrovsk – Shevchenko Park. In the park is a cableway, from which you can get amazing views of the city and the splendid St. Nickolay Church. The park is so splendid, that even the pedestrian bridge leading to the island is considered to be a landmark of its own.

Dnipropetrovsk main road, the Karl Marx Avenue, beckons visitors with its beautiful structures that have survived since the 19th century. Among them, the most notable are the buildings of the National University, the City Duma (Parliament) and the English Club, as well as the famous History Museum – one of the oldest in Ukraine. It is famous all over Ukraine for its impressive collection of antiquities and artifacts, which number over seven thousand. In the museum, a diorama called “Battle of Dnieper,” which recounts the events of World War II, will attract your attention, as will the collection of ancient stone sculptures, one of the largest and most impressive in the world. The age of some of sculptures goes back up to five thousand years!

The architectural pride of Dnipropetrovsk is rightly considered to be the Transfiguration Cathedral, the same one that has been there since the beginning of the city’s history. The architect wanted for Dnepropetrovsk’s church to exceed Rome’s St. Peter’s Cathedral in size. Even though the idea was not fulfilled, the Transfiguration Cathedral is still an incredible sight to see, due to its stern splendor and understated beauty. Today, it is not only one of the most breathtaking cultural buildings in the city, but is also its spiritual center.

Odessa

Odessa is a non-stop port city on the shores of the Black Sea will bring a smile to your face the minute you see it. The best thing about Odessa is the people of Odessa who genuinely consider themselves a nation onto their own, a place where people speak every possible language at the same time – without an interpreter.

Founded in 1794 as a seaport, Odessa was named the “Window on Europe”. The city was born and grew up under the influence of European culture and, what’s more, its flowering was fostered by famous European governors. Many years have passed since the time, but Odessa has kept its French delicacy and energy.

The burbling of fountains, the heavenly scent of the acacia tree, the fresh sea breeze and Odessa artists at their traditional improvised open air exhibition in the City Gardens – altogether like a scene from an old movie. Odessa is home to the longest stairway in Ukraine, the 19th century Potemkin Stairs. Its 192 steps are a unique architectural marvel and take visitors down from the heights of the city to Prymorskiy Boulevard, from which you can see amazing panorama of the grand architectural complex and the country’s largest port.

Main streets of the city, such as Deribasivska, grand Richelievska and elegant Hretska lead to the world-renowed Odesa State Academic Opear and Ballet Theater. This is one of the most impressive buildings in Europe and here you can catch some of the greatest performances, not only in Odessa, but in the entire country.

But the best gift of all that Odessa has for you is the chance to really laugh. This is the Motherland of comedy, great jokes and humorous tales that are known far beyond the borders of this country – the reason why Odessa has been called the “First City of Humor” for many decades.

Geographical position

Ukraine is situated in the Eastern Europe. In the South, it is surrounded by the Black and Sea of Azov. Ukraine is a country with highly developed industries, science and culture. Its population is about 46,5 million people; it takes the first place among European countries by its territory. It is one of the Republics of the former Soviet Union. In 1991, Ukraine declared itself an independent country. At present, it is a contender for membership in the European Union Nations. Ukraine is one of the peaceful and most stable among the ex-USSR countries. It is acknowledged as offering high quality of life. The Ukrainian nation is widely known for hospitality. The Ukrainians are always glad to welcome guests who feel here at home.

The international airport of Borispol is the air gate of the country. Besides Borispol airport you can take international flights from Khakiv, Simferopol, Odessa, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk. International railway connections are with Bulgaria, Check, Slovak, Germany and Poland. International bus routes are from Poland, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Germany. By ship you can get from Turkey. Ukraine has a well developed transport system. So there will be no problems to get to any part of the country. You can travel all over the country by Air, train or bus. Tickets for train you can buy in advance either at the railway station or in the city. Local transport includes metro, buses, trolleybuses, trams.

• Kiev-Capital of Ukraine
• Language spoken – Russian ,Ukrainian ,English
• Population – 46,5 million
• Territory – 6, 03,700 sq .km
• National currency is Hryvnia (UHR).1 USD = 26,0Hryvnia(20/6/2017)
• Border countries – Russia, Belarus, Poland, Slovakia, Romania, Moldova.

You can change foreign currency in banks, money exchanges, in the international airport. In the airport the currency rate is the same as in other places. Payment for purchasing and services is done in Hryvnias. Nevertheless, some companies take payments in US Dollar/EURO.

You can use credit cards of international payment systems. They can be used in all shops, malls, hotels, transport companies, clubs and restaurants. In cities the network of exchange machines is well developed including the most popular banks.

Here you can save money both in foreign currency and Ukrainian Hryvnia. Banks are situated in all regions of the country. It makes it easier to transfer money through companies like Western Union and others.