Don’t miss out: 22 free opportunities for young people in Ukraine

If you are a student

Erasmus+

The EU offers a wide range of study opportunities through the Erasmus+ programme, including student exchanges in European universities at bachelor, master and doctoral levels – the exchanges will be part of the programme you are following and can last between one term and one year. And your expenses will be covered! You can also apply for an Erasmus+ scholarship to study for a Master’s degree at top European universities.

For exchanges, visit the international relations office at your university – they will tell you which opportunities are available in your subject and will help you to apply.

For a Master’s degree, you need to check out the catalogue of Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees, which lists the courses offering Erasmus scholarships in the upcoming academic year (there are 163 courses currently listed), then contact the university to apply for the course and scholarship.

In response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Erasmus+ is providing maximum flexibility in implementing projects involving Ukrainian students, and tailored support for Ukrainian students abroad. It is also providing students the opportunity to submit applications for grants directly to European universities bypassing the normal procedure of applying through Ukrainian universities. Visit the Erasmus Dashboard for the list of available opportunities, and support for Ukrainian students.

The National Erasmus+ Office in Ukraine is there to help you with any information. You can check out their website for more information, follow their Facebook page, email them at [email protected], or call them on +38 (044) 286-66-68 or +38 (099) 332-26-45.

College of Europe Scholarships

The College of Europe offers a large number of scholarships to university graduates coming from Ukraine and other countries of the European Neighbourhood Policy for post-graduate studies. Scholarships are also available for students from the Eastern Partnership countries, funded by the EU4Youth programme. Applications for the academic year 2023/2024 will open in October 2022 and close in mid-January 2023. You can pre-register now at coleuropenatolin.eu to receive a reminder about the opening of applications.

Young European Ambassadors

The Young European Ambassadors (YEAs) initiative is a non-political, voluntary, vibrant communication network connecting young people from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and the EU Member States and the United Kingdom. The aim of the network is to raise awareness about the EU’s cooperation with its Eastern partner countries, showcase the tangible results of this cooperation, and contribute to policy dialogue on various topics. There are currently more than 500 active YEAs representing over 34 different nationalities, including 100 in Ukraine (click here to meet them). The network is open to young people aged between 16 and 26, interested in public diplomacy and outreach activities. Applications take place every year, usually in the autumn.

For civil society activists, young leaders and volunteers

Erasmus+ Youth Exchanges

Erasmus+ is not just for students. Indeed, in recent years, thousands of young people and youth workers from Ukraine have participated in joint Erasmus+ Youth projects (exchanges, trainings, policy debate, volunteering). Erasmus+ youth exchanges are open to anyone between the ages of 13 and 30, and last between 5 and 21 days. These exchanges take place through youth organisations and you cannot apply directly as an individual. To find out more, contact the Erasmus+ Youth and European Solidarity Corps Info Centre in Ukraine by visiting their Facebook page, calling +380 50 878 9227, or email [email protected].

European Solidarity Corps

One way to gain experience abroad is by volunteering through the European Solidarity Corps. This is a unique way to experience different cultures and make new friends, while also helping others and learning new skills. You need to be between 17 and 30 and be willing to spend between two weeks and 12 months abroad. Volunteer projects could be anywhere in the EU or its partner countries, and in fields as varied as culture, youth, sports, children, cultural heritage, arts, animal welfare or the environment. Find out how to apply on the European Solidarity Corps portal, and look out for opportunities open to Ukrainians on the Facebook page of the Erasmus+ Youth and European Solidarity Corps Info Centre in Ukraine.

Civil Society Fellowships

The EU supports young civil society leaders and activists in Ukraine and across the Eastern Partnership through its EaP Civil Society Fellowships programme. Every year, the programme helps 20 civil society activists in their efforts to achieve positive social change in their communities, offering tailored training, grants of €5,000 and access to networking opportunities. Details about the Fellows selected since the programme began 2017 and their areas of interest can be found here. Applications, currently open until 15 October, usually take place very year in the autumn. Check here for updates.

House of Europe

House of Europe supports professional and creative exchange between Ukrainians and their colleagues in EU countries and the UK, focusing on culture and the creative industries, education, health, social entrepreneurship, media, and youth. House of Europe brings together opportunities for young Ukrainians under more than 20 separate programmes, including conferences, professional events, internships, and networking, as well as study tours, residencies, trainings, and other forms of support. House of Europe also funds cultural coproductions and cooperations between Ukrainian organisations and their counterparts in the EU and the UK, along with the development of cultural infrastructure and artistic concepts for youth in Ukraine. Finally, the programme offers various youth camps and an intra-Ukrainian university exchange. Visit the House of Europe website for the full range of opportunities.

EU4Youth Alumni

The EU4Youth Alumni Network brings together young beneficiaries (aged 18-30) of the Erasmus+ Youth and European Solidarity Corps, EU4Youth grant projects, Young European Ambassadors Network as well as other regional programmes targeting young people across the Eastern Partnership. The Network offers Alumni the opportunity to connect with disadvantaged young people in Ukraine and support them to become more active in their communities and actively participate in EU mobility programmes. Applications take place once a year, usually in the autumn, with up to 15 alumni selected in each country to participate in the programme for 10 months.

EU Study Days

EU Study Days offers young people the opportunity to meet diplomats and experts from the EU Delegation to Ukraine as well as senior officials of Ukrainian authorities to learn more about the European Union and EU-Ukraine relations. The programme, run by the EU Delegation to Ukraine, consists of two cycles of 10 interactive educational modules, which take place in spring and autumn. The best students are then invited to participate in summer or winter schools in an offline format. https://www.eustudydays.in.ua

If you are still at school

Erasmus+ Youth Exchanges

Erasmus+ is not just for students: the programme also offers youth exchanges, and these are open to anyone between the ages of 13 and 30. Activities could involve workshops, exercises, debates, role-plays, outdoor activities and more. These exchanges take place through youth organisations and you cannot apply directly as an individual. To find out more, contact the Erasmus+ Youth and European Solidarity Corps Info Centre in Ukraine by visiting their Facebook page, calling +380 50 878 9227, or email [email protected].

Eastern Partnership European School

The Eastern Partnership European School in Tbilisi offers a two-year International Baccalaureate programme for pupils from all six Eastern Partnership countries, including Ukraine, with full scholarships paid by the European Union, including fees, boarding and travel home for holidays. But the number of places is limited – only 35 per year – so you have to meet certain conditions and pass through competitive process in order to apply. Since the launch of the programme in 2018, 145 students have received scholarships for the school, graduating with the IB diploma and going on to study at top universities across the world. The next cohort of students will be recruited to join for the 2023-2025 IB programme.

Young European Ambassadors

The Young European Ambassadors (YEAs) initiative is open to young people from the age of 16, so if you are interested in Europe and its values, want to learn new skills and make new friends, then you can apply to join to join this network that brings together more than 500 young people from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine and the EU Member States and United Kingdom. Note that candidates aged 16-17 can take part in online engagement and local activities in their countries, but not international travel. Applications take place every year, usually in the autumn.

Euroclubs

Euroclubs focus their activities on schoolchildren and youth. Their main goals are to inform and educate young people about the EU and EU-Ukraine issues and support Ukraine’s aspirations for European integration. There are about 350 Euroclubs all over Ukraine, which organise a wide range of educational activities and events. Find out more about Euroclubs in Ukraine and how you can take part, and check out Euroclubs near you.

EU Study Days

From this year, the EU Study Days programme is also open to high school pupils (grades 9-11), as well as students. The programme offers young people the opportunity to meet diplomats and experts from the EU Delegation to Ukraine as well as senior officials of Ukrainian authorities to learn more about the European Union and EU-Ukraine relations. Click here for opportunities and online courses.

Internships and training

Erasmus+ traineeships

Erasmus+ supports work placements and internships abroad for Bachelor, Masters and Doctoral students, as well as recent graduates (within one year of your graduation). But your traineeship must be relevant to your degree and, wherever possible, be integrated in your study programme, so check the opportunities with your university. Work placements can last between two and twelve months, and Erasmus+ grants are available to cover your costs.

Blue Book traineeships

Twice a year, the EU offers five-month paid traineeships at the European Commission, its services and agencies, mostly in Brussels, but also in Luxembourg and elsewhere across the European Union. The call is mostly for EU citizens, but a limited number of places are also allocated to non-EU nationals. You can apply if you are a university graduate of any discipline who does not have more than six weeks of experience working in an EU institution, body, agency or delegation, and have a very good knowledge of English, German or French. Find out more.

Schuman Traineeships in the European Parliament

Twice a year, the European Parliament offers different traineeships within its Secretariat, including to applicants from outside the European Union. The traineeships are awarded for a period of five months, and are open to anyone over the age of 18, with a university level diploma. The goal of the Schuman traineeships is to contribute to participants’ European education and vocational training, and to provide an insight into the work of the European Parliament. The deadlines for application are at the end of May and October every year. Click here to find out more.

EU Career Days

The EU Delegation holds a series of EU Career Days, where you can take part in panel discussions on professional development, listen to trainings on CV writing, public presentation and other soft skills, meet employees and HR specialists from leading Ukrainian and European companies, sign up for an internships or interviews at these companies, learn about opportunities to study abroad. Find out more and sign up for notifications about future events.

Young professional

Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs

Young Ukrainian entrepreneurs can join the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme, open to anyone who plans to set up a business or has started one within the last three years. The programme matches up young entrepreneurs with experienced small businesses in another European country for a placement of up to six months, helping the new entrepreneur acquire the skills needed to run a small firm. The EU covers 75% of the costs of the exchange, with 25% of the costs borne by the entrepreneur. Click here for the contact points in Ukraine.

EU4Business

If you are setting up or have a small business, the EU4Business initiative offers a wide range of loans and grants depending on the type and size of your business, as well as advice and consultancy services to help you take the next step in developing your business. Visit the EU4Business page for full details of partner banks and projects that you can apply to, as well as examples of successful beneficiaries.

EU4Youth

Responding to the Russian military aggression against Ukraine, EU4Youth has launched a project aimed at addressing the war-related needs of Ukraine with support for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and youth entrepreneurs. The project offers career counselling and grants for business recovery (the first 30 winners have already been selected), as well as retraining programmes for IDPs. It also aims to provide support systems for mental, psychological health and related social assistance for young people. The project is implemented by the SpivDiia Fund. Click here for career support and follow SpivDiia on Facebook for the latest opportunities.

The EU4Youth programme will also soon launch a series of projects aimed at developing digital skills among young people, especially in disadvantaged communities, and for the development of social entrepreneurship and career management skills, linked to the promotion of youth entrepreneurship in the green and digital economies. Follow the EU4Youth page for upcoming opportunities.

Start.Business learning platform

The “Start.Business” learning platform targets both beginners who are interested in entrepreneurship but do not know where to start and those who already have their own business and are looking for practical advice on developing it. The platform offers interactive courses dedicated to different business areas such as the creative industry, for example, or hotel management, or fabric or ceramics production, and has recently added new courses for micro-enterprises displaced by war, where entrepreneurs can learn what is needed to create and scale up their businesses, how to minimise possible risks, develop e-commerce and many other practical aspects. https://startbusiness.com.ua

Women in tech

The EU 4 Gender Equality programme has designed the БУДЬ/BE platform to help Ukrainian women get jobs in the IT and creative industries. Mentors and experts from the best Ukrainian and global companies support women in their job search. The platform offers mentorship and online courses in tech, design, programming, software development, or testing, aimed at women who have moved to another city or abroad and are looking for an online job or who have lost their jobs and want to learn a new profession. Apply now https://inscience.io/en/be/

Young artists and culture professionals

Young Ukrainian artists and cultural professionals can apply for grants to go abroad, in the EU and beyond, as well as to take part in artistic residencies, under the Creative Europe programme’s new Culture Moves Europe scheme. The first call targets artists and cultural professionals working in architecture, cultural heritage, design, fashion design, literary translation, music, visual arts and performing arts, and there will be rolling calls open every year from autumn to spring, with monthly evaluations. The grants include standard travel costs and per diem for expenses. Ukrainian artists, who may not be able to leave the country, can apply directly for virtual mobility support. Visit the programme page to find out more.

The EU-funded EU4Culture project also offers mobility grants to support artists and cultural professionals from Ukraine and other countries of the Eastern Partnership. Follow the EU4Culture website for upcoming opportunities.

Looking for inspiration

Hundreds of young Ukrainians are there to give you inspiration and new ideas!

Anna received financial and technical support from EU4Youth for her Hippotherapy and Development Centre which works with horses to provide rehabilitation for young people with disabilities.

Nina has retrained and found work as a data researcher having fled to western Ukraine after her home in Irpin was destroyed by a missile strike, one of the 500 participants on the Будь/BE tech course for women, designed by the EU 4 Gender Equality project.

Kateryna and Sofiia are Young European Ambassadors, who harnessed their experience in the EU4Youth Alumni network to engage young people in the ‘Sew to Survive’ project,

learned how to sew, producing underwear and protective coats for Ukrainian soldiers.

Vitalina’s studies in Kharkiv were brutally interrupted by the Russian invasion, but she managed to continue her education at the University of León in Spain with the help of Erasmus+ and a special fast-track initiative to help Ukrainian students.

Yeva from Kharkiv graduated from the Eastern Partnership European School in Tbilisi and won a full scholarship to study environmental studies at the prestigious New York University in Abu Dhabi.

Iryna was hosted by a company in Lithuania as part of the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme, helping her to launch her new travel services business.