Ukraine – Useful information and links

Are you from Ukraine and would you like to continue your studies, academic career or volunteer in Switzerland? This page provides you with useful information.

Ukrainian flag

Arrival in Switzerland - Protection status S

Since March, Ukrainians can apply for 'protection status S'. In this way, refugees quickly obtain a right of residence, access to infrastructure as well as social and medical aid.

Ukrainian citizens who obtain 'protection status S' in Switzerland are considered established.

How to obtain this status? Page of the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).

Coming to Switzerland to study

With protection status S, it is possible to continue your studies at a Swiss higher education institution. Admission to study is determined by each institution of higher education, so it is advisable to consult the website of the institution directly for the procedure and criteria. 

Below are some useful links for students from Ukraine who would like to attend a Swiss higher education:

  • List of Swiss higher education institutions with their offer for students from Ukraine:

Universities

ETH Zurich – EPFL Lausanne - University of Zurich- University of Bern - University of Basel – University of St. Gallen – University of Luzern - University of Lausanne - University of Geneva – University of Neuchâtel - University of Fribourg – Università della Svizzera italiana

Universities of applied sciences

University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland – OST - HES-SO - SUPSI -Bern University of Applied Sciences - ZHAW - Lucerne School of Applied Sciences and Arts - University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons - Zurich University of the Arts

Pedagogical universities

University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland - Zurich University of Teacher Education - Pädagogische Hochschule Luzern - Pädagogische Hochschule Bern – Schwyz University of Teacher Education - University of Teacher Education Zug - Pädagogische Hochschule Thurgau – Haute école pédagogique BEJUNE - Haute école pédagogique Vaud

  • #ScienceForUkraine – world map with student-hosting institutions ('students' tab)
  • EUF search engine that lists all useful information by higher education institution in Europe, including Switzerland.
  • Perspectives – Studies: Access to higher education in Switzerland- Information for refugees in Switzerland and for those who want to support them.
  • Chart of the Swiss education system - in Ukrainian

Swiss-European Mobility Programme (SEMP)

The Swiss programme for Erasmus+ for higher education is called Swiss-European Mobility Programme SEMP. It offers higher education institutions the possibility to financially support students, faculty and administrative staff for studies, internships, teaching and further training abroad.

Ukraine - Ongoing or cancelled mobilities

Under the SEMP, mobility for students in progress or planned for the 2022 autumn semester but subsequently cancelled is subject to the 'force majeure' clause with relaxed provisions. Students should contact the international relations office of their institution directly to find out how to proceed.

Ukraine - Organising new mobilities

Currently, the protection status S makes it impossible to organise further mobility under the SEMP. However, all those interested in pursuing their studies at a higher education institution in Switzerland should contact the international relations office directly. 

European voluntary service (EVS)

The EVS programme, which is part of the Swiss programme for Erasmus+ in the field of youth activities, enables young people between 17 and 30 years of age from Europe and neighbouring countries (including Ukraine) to volunteer in Switzerland. In order to be able to participate in this programme and thus benefit from funding, it is necessary to obtain an L permit. The protection status S makes it impossible to participate in EVS in Switzerland. Young people interested in this programme can contact the two organisations responsible for organising EVS mobilities:

The number of EVS placements is very limited.

Coming to pursue an academic career in Switzerland

Academic staff of Ukrainian higher education institutions can also be hosted in Switzerland. There are various initiatives:

Persons holding Ukrainian qualifications can have them recognised in Switzerland. You can find more information here:

Keep up to date 

Movetia supports all efforts undertaken and remains in close contact with the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) in order to assess the situation in the field of education.

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