BM88: Ensuring Equal Access to International Academic Mobility for Male Students of Private and Public Higher Education Institutions in Ukraine

International academic mobility is one of the key elements of the modern education system, which promotes the integration of participants in the educational process into the global academic community, improving the quality of education, and expanding professional opportunities. It provides students with access to contemporary knowledge, innovative teaching methods, and advanced research approaches, forming relevant professional competencies.

Due to the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the rights of male students to international academic mobility have been significantly restricted by the introduction of martial law and a ban on men aged 18–60 from leaving the country. These restrictions have also affected participants in the educational process, creating additional obstacles to participation in exchange programs, internships, or research activities abroad. These restrictions have affected participants in the educational process, creating barriers to exchange programs, internships, or research abroad, particularly for students aged 18–22 who are exempt from mobilization.

Recently, changes have been introduced allowing male bachelor’s students from state higher education institutions (HEIs) to participate in academic mobility programs. However, these changes do not apply to students of private HEIs, creating discrimination and limiting access to equal educational opportunities. Following appeals from higher education applicants and student leaders of private higher education institutions, the Ukrainian Association of Students, through this resolution, urges the Ministry of Education and Science to review the current regulations to ensure equal opportunities for male students to participate in international mobility programs.

Ukraine has more than 140 private higher education institutions, which is about 25% of the total number of universities. Private institutions, such as the Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU), maintain high admission standards and establish numerous agreements with international partners. For instance, UCU’s exchange programs include cooperation with universities in the United States, Canada, Germany, France, and Poland.

Nevertheless, under martial law, the mechanisms for confirming participation in international academic mobility programs work effectively only for students of state HEIs. On the other hand, students of private universities face numerous bureaucratic challenges, even when they have official confirmation of their participation.

Current Ukrainian legislation, in particular the Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 579 “On the Approval of the Regulation on the Implementation of the Right to Academic Mobility,” formally declares equal rights for all students to participate in mobility programs. However, in practice, this equality is not ensured. Students of state public universities benefit from a clear mechanism that allows unhindered participation in international programs, while students of private universities remain excluded from these opportunities.

This violates the principle of equal access to education enshrined in both national and international norms, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights.

Therefore, we request:

• To review the current decisions restricting the right to international academic mobility for male students. In particular, amend Resolution No. 579 to extend permission for participation in mobility programs to students of private HEIs.
• To ensure equal access to international educational programs for all students, regardless of the type of higher education institution.
• To improve the mechanisms for verifying participation in mobility programs for students of private universities, including creating a unified database of mobility program participants, which will enable the prompt confirmation of their status.

Conclusion:
Ensuring equal access to international academic mobility is a vital step toward integrating Ukrainian youth into the global academic community and improving the quality of education. Eliminating discrimination based on the type of educational institution will contribute to building a positive image of Ukraine as a state that adheres to the principles of equality and supports the development of its citizens.

Proposers: UAS

Seconders: USI, ANSA