The Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies is an international academic initiative that brings together universities, research institutes, and research centres from countries around the world. The Coalition aims to promote and develop Ukrainian studies, deepen knowledge of Ukraine’s history, culture, language, and national identity, and strengthen the role of the academic community in countering disinformation and misleading narratives in the international arena.
Klaipeda University’s involvement in this Coalition reflects the institution’s long-term commitment and values. Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, the University has consistently expressed its solidarity with Ukraine, implemented various academic, educational, and humanitarian initiatives, and systematically strengthened international academic cooperation. Membership in the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies will further enhance Klaipėda University’s contribution to international dialogue, academic collaboration, and the development of a research space grounded in shared values.
Currently, 125 students from Ukraine are studying at Klaipeda University. Since 2022, tuition fees and living expenses for Ukrainian students have been partially or fully covered through Klaipeda University’s own funds, as well as programmes administered by the Education Exchanges Support Foundation. From the very beginning of the war in Ukraine, the University has consistently provided academic, social, and financial support to Ukrainian students, ensuring stable and high-quality study conditions.
Klaipeda University also actively cooperates with Ukrainian higher education institutions in the academic field. Erasmus+ student exchange programmes are being implemented, and three bilateral cooperation agreements have been signed with universities in Odesa, Kharkiv, and Mykolaiv. In addition, the University has concluded 26 cooperation agreements with various Ukrainian higher education institutions, focusing on enhancing the quality of studies, expanding academic exchanges, and strengthening research capacity.
Klaipeda University consistently and responsibly supports Ukraine and its academic community. “Klaipeda University has always supported and stood by Ukraine. We make every effort to ensure that young people not only in Lithuania, but also in Ukraine, have the best possible conditions to study, grow, and pursue their academic and professional goals,” says Prof. Dr Artūras Razbadauskas, Rector of Klaipeda University.
An important area of Klaipeda University’s support for Ukraine is the promotion of Ukrainian research activities. The University employs Ukrainian researchers, providing them with opportunities to continue their scientific work, integrate into international academic communities, and contribute to scientific progress. In this way, not only individual scholars are supported, but long-term academic ties between Lithuania and Ukraine are strengthened. Currently, nine Ukrainian researchers are employed at the University.
In addition, in order to support the education of Ukrainian children in Klaipėda, Klaipeda University provides premises at the Faculty of Marine Technologies and Natural Sciences for the Klaipėda International Ukrainian School. This initiative aims to ensure uninterrupted education for Ukrainian children living in Klaipėda.
