Building pathways through education
Giving refugee Ukrainian students the opportunity to complete their studies in Germany so that they could help to rebuild the economy, administration as well as research structures in Ukraine – this was the main goal of the "Zukunft Ukraine" scholarship programme for refugees from Ukraine at German Universities, run by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). At the University of Konstanz, seventeen degree-seeking students were funded with a total of over 380,000 euros in the period January 2023 to July 2025.
The programme was a great help for the students, who came from various disciplines, as many of them did not know how they could continue their studies after fleeing Ukraine.
© Tamara Weber"Without the DAAD programme, it would not have been possible for me to start my master's degree in Germany. This support gave me hope, security and the strength to carry on during a difficult time."
Mariia, scholarship recipient of "Zukunft Ukraine"
The students from Ukraine were integrated into a corresponding study programme after the first language courses and orientation phases, and could finally complete their bachelor's and master's degrees. In addition, they benefitted from individual guidance at the University of Konstanz during this time. Project coordinator Agnieszka Vojta worked closely with the students.
She explains: "Even though reliable funding for their studies gave them material security in a stable environment, it was about much more than that. We wanted to open up prospects for young people, enable them to participate and give them some hope for the future. Education builds pathways to possibilities".
Viktoriia, Yulia and Yaroslav, Danylo, Mariia, Nazarii and Marianna.
Agnieszka Vojta, coordinator of the project at the University of Konstanz
Intercultural exchange was an important component in addition to academic support. Socializing, solidarity and studying together were equally important components on the Konstanz campus. The aim was to create networks between students, teaching staff and supporters that would last beyond the duration of the programme.
Many of the Konstanz scholarship recipients are now involved in voluntary work in Germany, for example in tutoring projects for refugee schoolchildren or as legal advisors. For Ukraine's future, scholarship recipient Viktoriia is convinced: The day will come when many of us return home and make our contribution with a European-level education and a new perspective. Also those who stay abroad have been given sufficient tools to broaden their horizons, develop their personalities and represent Ukraine's interests".
She sincerely hopes that organizations and foundations will continue to invest in such essential programmes:
© Tamara Weber"By giving students the opportunity to learn, you help them to integrate into society and enable highly qualified professionals to find a suitable job. This benefits both the state and the people."
Viktoriia, scholarship recipient of "Zukunft Ukraine"
Project coordinator Vojta, too, emphasizes the relevance of programmes such as "Zukunft Ukraine". In her view, the University of Konstanz's participation not only is a contribution to internationalization, but a clear commitment to social responsibility: "Education is a key to stabilization, to reconstruction, and ultimately to peace."
About the "Zukunft Ukraine" DAAD scholarship programme for refugees from Ukraine at German Universities:
From 1 January 2023 to 31 July 2025, the programme provided funding for study and research stays for students from Ukraine. Through the scholarships, they were given the possibility to complete their bachelor's, master's or doctoral degrees, thus enabling them to help rebuilding the economy, administration as well as research structures in Ukraine.