Ukraine is not one of the top-of-the-head suggestions for getting an education abroad. This is because it is often overshadowed by some of the more popular countries in Europe (such as Germany or the United Kingdom) when it comes to education.

While it is often overlooked, though, international students should give it a second look as a good place to get a degree, whether for undergraduate, masteral or doctorate programs. Ukraine universities and colleges offer high-quality education that is comparable to those of learning institutions in other European countries, all of whom follow common standards set by international bodies of learning. Universities in Ukraine also offer courses that are recognized by the World Health Organization, United Nations Educational, Scientic and Cultural Organization, and the European Council.

Despite being in Europe, one of the most expensive continents to live in, studying in Ukraine need not be an expensive affair. The Ukraine government has been actively trying to bring down the cost of education in the country especially for foreign students. In recent years, it has succeeded in making Ukraine studies cost-effective with easy-to-get VISAs for qualified students, permanent residency and settlement arrangements, and bilateral student exchange programs with other countries.

Indeed, many Ukraine institutions and international organizations offer special scholarships to help make studying in Ukraine affordable to bright international students. Listed here are some of these scholarships, available to more than a thousand foreign students annually.

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships. Available for international undergraduate students, it is a prestigious scholarship grant that only those awarded a Pell Grant can apply for. Requirements for a slot in this scholarship can be tough, but the rewards are even greater-the prestige of being a Gilman Scholar plus awards of up to $5,000 depending on the student’s financial needs.

David L. Boren Scholarships. Available for students who are completing majors in languages and culture, this scholarship grant can give up to $26,000 for foreign students who are willing to work for Ukraine’s federal government in critical areas. Preference is given to those students who envision a long-term career in government.

IREX Short-Term Travel Grants Program. This is a short-term grant for United States nationals with postdoctoral or graduate degrees who want to conduct research projects in Europe. Desired applicants are those who want to make significant contributions to the body of knowledge for politics, economics, history, and cultural developments. The grant is applicable to research up to eight weeks in length. Stipends of up to $5,000 are available.

Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships. Coming from the Rotary International, these are available for academically gifted and/or technically skilled students with leadership qualities and strong ethical and moral standards. It offers one of the best scholarship packages (about $26,000 per year of Ukraine study) for programs centered on peace and sustainable development.

Various other scholarships for international students are available for those who want to study in Ukraine universities. Some of these come from other international funding organizations, others are offered by individual colleges or universities in the students’ country as part of exchange programs. Still others are given by the Ukraine universities themselves to international students of impeccable academic standing.