About IIE

About

IIE has a longstanding presence in Ukraine, with deep understanding of the higher education sector and strong relationships with universities, NGOs, government partners, and networks across the country. For more than 30 years, IIE has supported Ukrainian students, scholars, and professionals through programs such as the U.S. Department of State’s Fulbright Student and Scholar programs, the Freeman Foundation’s Ukraine Future Leaders Research Scholarship, the American University Kyiv Scholarship Fund, and the Strengthening Ukrainian Displaced Universities for Sustainability (SUDUS) program. IIE established its Kyiv office in 1998 and has maintained continuous programming since the large-scale invasion. Today, IIE Ukraine leverages a robust network including the Ministry of Education and Science, over 30 universities, 1,200 Ukrainian Fulbright alumni, and more than 100 faculty and administrators from displaced institutions. Since 2022, we have worked with a wide range of partners to support students, scholars, and professionals in a highly challenging environment.

IIE Ukraine Office Programs

IIE’s Ukraine office administers Fulbright programs and other initiatives, fostering academic exchange, mutual understanding, and continued education for students, scholars, and professionals affected by crises. Key programs include:

Fulbright Student and Scholar Exchange Programs – Supporting up to 100 participants annually and maintaining an active alumni network of over 1,200 Ukrainian and 800 U.S. graduates. The program also provides small grants and activities to strengthen Ukraine’s higher education institutions and partnerships with U.S. universities.

NEW Fulbright Ukraine Beyond Borders Award for U.S. Professionals and Scholars Supports projects, independent research, teaching or teaching/research hosted in a European country. Activities engage colleagues in Ukraine remotely or directly engage citizens of Ukraine displaced beyond Ukraine.

Ukraine Programs

  • Ukraine Future Leaders Research Scholarship – Launched with NAUKMA and the Freeman Foundation, providing emergency research grants for students and faculty in agriculture and business; over 140 grants awarded across five partner universities in the first three years and ongoing.
  • IIE Award for the Future Education of Ukraine – has supported nearly 40 Ukrainian students and non-traditional learners in Ukrainian universities and vocational training programs.
  • Global Democracy Ambassador Scholarship (GDAS) – Supported nearly 20 Ukrainian students to study at U.S. universities.

American University Kyiv Scholarship Fund – Supports Ukrainian veterans and families of Fallen Heroes with full scholarships for bachelor’s and master’s programs at AUK.

Kunsht Grant – Administered on behalf of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to launch and run the Ukrainian Science Centre of Excellence, supporting science preservation and recovery, including guidance on archives, museum collections, and relocating research projects.

Strengthening Ukrainian Displaced Universities for Sustainability (SUDUS) – From 2019–2023, built capacity for 16 displaced universities through workshops, infrastructure and professional development grants, and partnerships, helping improve curricula, strategic planning, and quality assurance.