Donate to Ukraine's university students

Aalto University continues to offer study rights without fees to Ukraine’s university students. Ukrainian university students, and students who have received asylum from Ukraine, may apply to Aalto University for a separate right to study without tuition fees if the war has interrupted their studies. While the separate study right entitles students to complete individual study units, not a degree, students may apply to Aalto University later for bachelor’s or master’s degree studies.

Support Ukraine's university students

You have now an opportunity to help students from Ukraine affected by the current humanitarian crisis.

Donations to the Aalto University Ukraine Fund will be used for scholarships to help students cover their living costs during their studies in Finland. The grant is worth EUR 800 a month. 

The scholarship is granted one semester at a time.

Since the campaign launched in March 2022, the cause has activated hundreds of both individual and organisational donors. We have raised approximately 190.000 euros. Majority of the donations are under 100 euros, which goes to show how even small sums make a big difference when donors are many: every euro counts. A significant achievement that shows the positive capacity of our community coming together.

The impact

The feedback students have shared with us indicates that they appreciate greatly the opportunity and that the support, we as a community have been able to offer, really does make a difference in their day to day life. Besides enabling the continuation of their studies, the scholarship also has a mental impact: the financial aid is a testimonial of communality and caring. 

Living in a foreign country without one's social network is challenging as it is, not to mention the worry and grief that are inevitably present in the students' lives. In times of crisis, the importance of maintaining continuity is underscored: being able to rely on continuing their education and having a stable income for the upcoming month and semester significantly alleviates stress.

Even though the emotional turmoil is obvious, the students have advanced in their studies and started to build their lives in Finland with an admirable attitude.

Long-term effect

Some students continue their studies remotely at their home university in Ukraine, to the extent courses are still being offered. According to the feedback we collected in early 2024, the majority of students plan to continue their studies at Aalto and intend to apply for degree studies after their separate study right expires. A few students who previously had separate study rights have already applied for and received a regular degree study place at Aalto and have started their studies.

It is wonderful to see that we, as a community, have been able to create such a welcoming atmosphere, in the midst of this crisis, that students are planning on staying in Finland. This is a true community effort and our donors are an important part of the success. 

"I believe I can talk on all of our behalf when I say we are all very grateful to all the donors who decided to support us. Your contribution is irreplaceable for our future. Kiitos!"

– Anastasiia Ashykhmina (School of Engineering)

Would you like to get further information about donating, support visiting researchers fleeing the war, or are you considering a larger donation?

Nora Rahnasto, from Donor Engagement team at Aalto University, can answer your questions related to donations. Please be in touch with Nora if you have any questions, or if you are considering a donation of at least EUR 10,000.