Every fifth surveyed student plans to live abroad: what may influence the decision

Almost every fifth surveyed student in grades 8-11 plans to live and work abroad. Against the backdrop of staff shortages in Ukraine, the head of the NGO 'Office of Migration Policy' Vasyl Voskoboynik named security, first job, and affordable housing as factors that may influence the youth's decision. He described this in an interview.

Students’ plans to move abroad: what the 2026 survey showed

The DECIDE study and the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology involved over 111,000 students from grades 8-11 from 390 communities. 19% of the respondents plan to live and work abroad, while 18% see real opportunities for professional realization in their community.

75% of the respondents consider future salary when choosing a profession, while interest in the specialty and the possibility of self-realization are important for 65%. For those who will determine their job location, one influencing factor could be the salary gap between Ukraine and EU countries.

The president of the All-Ukrainian Association of Companies for International Employment Vasyl Voskoboynik emphasized that the answers reflect the teenagers' intentions at the time of the survey. If a significant part of the youth actually leaves, it will be harder for Ukraine to find workers for reconstruction, according to his estimate.

Jobs and housing for youth: what may influence the decision to stay

«People, children want to have a predictable future», — said Voskoboynik.

He explained that years of shelling and interruptions in education affect where teenagers see their future. In his estimation, without improving the security situation, it will be difficult to change their intentions.

Voskoboynik outlined three tasks that could help young people stay in Ukraine:

• Establish stable education.
• Facilitate the transition from education to the first job.
• Make housing more affordable for young workers.

The high cost of rent for youth may also limit internal migration. As Voskoboynik explained, if a graduate finds a job opening in another Ukrainian city, but rent takes up a large portion of their salary, working abroad may seem more attractive.