Ukrainians in the EU are increasingly obtaining a second education and student residency permits after the age of 35

Ukrainians in Europe are increasingly enrolling in universities after the age of 35, not only to change professions but also to obtain a stable legal status after the temporary protection ends. Student residency permits in many EU countries have already become one of the most realistic scenarios for long-term living and working abroad. This is reported by Visit Ukraine.

Ukrainians over 35 increasingly choose education in the EU

Since the start of the full-scale war, millions of Ukrainians have fled to EU countries. Currently, over 4.2 million Ukrainian citizens with temporary protection status are in the EU.

Amid discussions about potential rule changes after 2027, Ukrainians have been actively seeking alternative ways to legally reside in Europe.

One of the most popular options has become attending universities even at an older age. More and more people over 35-40 are enrolling in universities to obtain a new profession or to settle in their country of residence.

This option is most often chosen by:

1. Women with children
2. Ukrainians who lost their jobs after moving
3. People looking to change careers
4. Those seeking to obtain a European diploma

Student residency permits in the EU allow for work and staying after studies

In many countries, a student residence permit grants the right to work legally, use health insurance, and open bank accounts.

For example, in Germany, foreign students are allowed to work for up to 140 full working days a year. In Poland, full-time students often can work without a separate permit.

Another important advantage is the possibility to stay in the country after completing studies. In Germany, graduates are allowed to seek employment for up to 18 months after graduation.

In the Czech Republic, graduates from local universities have easier access to the labor market, while in France and Spain, there are specific programs for transitioning from student status to work status.

Poland, the Czech Republic, and Germany have become the most popular for enrollment

Among Ukrainians, the most in-demand countries are Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic, Spain, and Slovakia.

Poland attracts with relatively inexpensive tuition and a large number of programs without complicated entrance exams. In the Czech Republic, technical and medical fields are popular, and studying in Czech at public universities is often free.

Germany remains one of the main destinations due to the possibility of free education at public universities, although admission is more challenging due to language requirements.

Experts note that for many Ukrainians, a second education in the EU is already becoming not a temporary solution, but a full-fledged plan for integration and building a new life in Europe.

It is worth noting that in Poland, there is an intention to tighten the rules for obtaining citizenship and residence permits.