Facilitated access to higher education in Moldova for young refugees from Ukraine

The facilitation of access for young refugees from Ukraine to higher education in  Moldova today was discussed at a meeting organized by the Ministry of Education and Research (MEC).

The discussions were attended by both young refugees and representatives of higher education institutions, the General Inspectorate for Migration under the Interior Ministry (MAI), as well as partner organizations: Female Support Force, the National Congress of Ukrainians of Moldova, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), United Nations Children’s Fu8nd (UNICE), and People in Need.

The youth had the opportunity to learn firsthand about the educational offers of the institutions and ask questions regarding enrollment. Thus, the participants in the meeting analyzed aspects related to the admission process, including the conditions and documents required for enrollment, the procedure for diploma equivalence, facilities granted to refugees, and the study conditions offered by universities.

Participants also discussed a recently adopted measure that allows young refugees from Ukraine, admitted to fee-based studies, to pay the same tuition fee as citizens of Moldova—a decision meant to support equitable access to higher education.

Ivan Duminica, head of the Service for Policies in the Field of Interethnic Relations at MEC, said that facilitating access to higher education for young refugees was not only an act of solidarity, but also a firm commitment of  Moldova to promote social inclusion through education.

"We are pleased with the increased interest of refugees, as well as the openness shown by higher education institutions of the country," said Ivan Duminica.

In the 2024-2025 academic year, 211 young people from Ukraine—or enrolled as foreign students—are studying at universities of Moldova at bachelor's and master's levels, reports the Ministry of Education and Research. They have opted for fields with high demand on the labor market, such as foreign languages, business and administration, accounting and finance, humanities, psychology, pedagogy and medicine.