CREATE UKRAINE Programme for Ukrainian Professionals

Create Ukraine is a 12-month fellowship programme designed for Ukrainian professionals aged 22 and above who have international experience and want to return to Ukraine to contribute to government reforms, European integration, and post-war recovery efforts. Selected fellows work within government advisory teams, supporting strategic state-building initiatives while gaining professional development opportunities, government relations training, and access to a national network of changemakers.

Overview of the Create Ukraine Fellowship

Create Ukraine is a 12-month professional fellowship programme that supports the return of Ukrainian professionals living abroad and enables them to contribute their international knowledge and experience to Ukraine’s reform and recovery processes.

The programme was launched in 2024 with the goal of strengthening Ukraine’s institutional capacity by connecting government bodies with professionals who have gained expertise abroad.

Selected fellows join government advisory and consultative teams where they support:

• National reform initiatives
• European Union integration processes
• Post-war reconstruction efforts
• Public policy development
• Strategic government projects

Purpose of the Programme

The main objective of Create Ukraine is to encourage Ukrainian professionals with international experience to return home and participate in rebuilding and transforming the country.

The fellowship aims to:

• Strengthen government expertise through international knowledge transfer
• Support Ukraine’s European integration pathway
• Improve public sector capacity
• Engage skilled professionals in national recovery
• Build a community of reform-oriented leaders

Since its launch, the programme has helped professionals join ministries and state institutions, contributing to projects related to Ukraine’s development and recovery.

Fellowship Duration and Structure

The Create Ukraine Fellowship lasts:

• Duration: 12 months
• Location: Ukraine
• Workplace: Government advisory and consultative teams

During the fellowship, participants contribute directly to state-building activities and work alongside government officials and policy experts.

Key Areas of Work

Fellows may contribute to government priorities in areas such as:

• Economic development
• Investment and reconstruction
• Legal and institutional reforms
• European integration
• International cooperation
• Education policy
• Environmental protection
• Agriculture development
• Social policy
• Culture and humanitarian development

Professional Development Opportunities

In addition to government work experience, fellows receive access to:

Government Relations Certification

Participants receive certification in government relations from the Kyiv School of Economics (KSE).

The training helps fellows understand:

• Public administration processes
• Government decision-making systems
• Policy implementation methods
• Stakeholder engagement

Expert-Led Learning

The programme provides:

• Seminars with leading experts
• Professional workshops
• Knowledge-sharing sessions
• Leadership development opportunities

Changemaker Network

Participants become part of a professional community focused on:

• Ukraine’s transformation
• Reform implementation
• Recovery planning
• European integration

Who is Eligible?

The Create Ukraine Fellowship is open to Ukrainian citizens who meet the following requirements:

Age Requirement

Applicants must:

• Be 22 years or older

International Experience Requirement

Applicants must:

• Have lived abroad for at least two years
• Be willing to return to Ukraine for the fellowship period

Educational Requirement

Applicants must have:

• At least a bachelor’s degree

Preference may be given to candidates who:

• Completed higher education abroad
• Studied at foreign universities, especially institutions in the European Union

Professional Background Requirements

Applicants should demonstrate either:

Option 1: International Professional Experience

Experience abroad in fields including:

• Economics
• Investment
• Reconstruction
• Legal reform
• International policy
• Education
• Ecology
• Agriculture
• Social development
• Culture
• Humanitarian work

Option 2: International Education

Applicants may qualify through:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree completed at a foreign university

Candidates with both international education and professional experience receive preference.

Language Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate fluency in:

• Ukrainian language
• English language

Strong communication skills are important because fellows work in government and policy environments.

Why This Fellowship Matters

Ukraine’s recovery and reform process requires professionals with:

• Global experience
• Technical expertise
• International networks
• Understanding of modern governance practices

Create Ukraine provides a pathway for skilled Ukrainians abroad to return and directly contribute to national priorities.

The programme supports:

• Stronger public institutions
• Faster implementation of reforms
• Better alignment with European standards
• Knowledge exchange between Ukraine and the global community

How the Fellowship Works

Step 1: Submit Application

Applicants provide information about:

• Educational background
• Professional experience
• International experience
• Motivation for joining the programme

Step 2: Selection Process

Candidates are evaluated based on:

• Motivation to contribute to Ukraine’s development
• Professional qualifications
• International experience
• Alignment with programme goals

Step 3: Interview Process

Shortlisted candidates participate in interviews to assess:

• Leadership potential
• Commitment to public service
• Ability to support government priorities

Step 4: Fellowship Participation

Selected fellows:

• Return to Ukraine
• Join government advisory teams
• Work on strategic projects
• Participate in professional development activities

Selection Criteria

Applicants are selected based on:

• Strong motivation to support Ukraine’s reforms
• Relevant academic background
• International professional or educational experience
• English and Ukrainian language skills
• Ability to contribute to government priorities

Tips for Applicants

Applicants can strengthen their application by:

• Clearly explaining why they want to return to Ukraine
• Highlighting international achievements
• Demonstrating policy or reform-related experience
• Connecting their skills with Ukraine’s recovery needs
• Showing commitment to long-term national development

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Create Ukraine Fellowship?

Create Ukraine is a 12-month fellowship programme that enables Ukrainian professionals with international experience to return and work with government advisory teams on reforms, European integration, and national recovery.

Who can apply for the fellowship?

Ukrainian citizens aged 22 or older who have lived abroad for at least two years and hold at least a bachelor’s degree can apply.

Do applicants need previous government experience?

No. Previous government experience is not required. Applicants should demonstrate relevant professional or academic experience and motivation to support national reforms.

What fields are eligible?

Applicants from fields such as economics, investment, reconstruction, law, education, agriculture, environmental policy, social development, culture, and humanitarian sectors may apply.

Is international education required?

No. Applicants can qualify through either international professional experience or completion of a degree at a foreign university.

What languages are required?

Applicants must be fluent in both Ukrainian and English.

What benefits do fellows receive?

Fellows receive government work experience, professional training, a government relations certification from KSE, expert-led workshops, and access to a network of Ukrainian reform leaders.

Conclusion

The Create Ukraine Fellowship offers Ukrainian professionals abroad an opportunity to use their international expertise to support national transformation. By placing skilled professionals inside government advisory teams, the programme strengthens reform efforts, accelerates European integration, and contributes to Ukraine’s long-term recovery and development.