Ukraine makes higher education free to displaced and former prisoners of war

Internally displaced persons (IDPs) and Ukrainians released from russian captivity can receive vouchers for studying in educational institutions, the Ministry of Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine reports.

What is the problem?

The vast majority of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees want to return home. The UNHCR estimates that 77% of refugees and 79% of internally displaced Ukrainians want to return home one day. Many of them have already returned to their de-occupied hometowns.

According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Ukraine, which works under the auspices of the UN, unemployment is one of the key factors influencing the decision to return home near the front line. After all, the alternative is to stay in a safer place, but in someone else's apartment and without money.

What is the solution?

IDPs and Ukrainians released from captivity can receive vouchers for retraining in a labor profession, obtaining a master's degree, or improving qualifications.

The Ukrainian government will partially or fully pay for education in 70 professions and specialties. That includes cyber security, medicine, psychology, agronomy, beekeeping, and other specialties. The complete list is at this link.

How does it work?

To receive a voucher, the displaced person or person released from captivity must meet several conditions:

• have a professional, professional pre-university or higher education;
• not be registered at the employment center as unemployed.

Vouchers can be received only by Ukrainians who haven't received them before and who have not undergone retraining during the last three years at the expense of the State Social Insurance Fund in case of unemployment.