About Us
ESN Ukraine is a youth non-governmental organisation and part of the Erasmus Student Network, one of the largest student networks in Europe, bringing together 44 countries.
We work to ensure Ukrainian youth have access to quality education, international mobility, and development opportunities within the common European space.
Our Mission & Vision
Mission
To facilitate the development of the Ukrainian youth sector on its path to the EU, implementing the best international educational practices and representing the interests of our youth on the international stage.
Vision
Ukraine as a popular destination for international mobility, and Ukrainian youth as an active, conscious, and integrated part of the European community.
Our core principle is Students Helping Students. It is not just a slogan. It is what every ESN Ukraine volunteer practices every single day.
ESN Ukraine in Numbers
The scale of our impact and the strength of our community.
Our History
It all started in 2018, when a group of students at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv created an initiative to support international students. On September 23, 2018, ESN Kyiv received candidate status within the Erasmus Student Network. On June 2, 2019, at the Council of National Representatives in Palermo, Ukraine became a full member of the network.
The network grew fast. In 2021, during the Mid-term General Assembly of ESN International, ESN Chernivtsi joined, initiated by students of Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University and Bukovinian State Medical University.
A Turning Point
February 2022 changed everything. After the start of the full-scale russian invasion, the organisation adapted to the new reality. While remaining an active part of the international network, ESN Ukraine significantly expanded its focus to support Ukrainian youth: informing about Erasmus+ programmes, facilitating mobility for our students, advocating their interests at the European level, and sharing stories of resilience.
Despite the war, the network continued to expand. In November 2024, at the Autumn National Assembly in Lviv, the candidate section ESN IFNUL was officially launched at Ivan Franko National University of Lviv. In May 2025, at the Spring National Assembly hosted by Lviv Polytechnic National University, both Lviv sections, ESN IFNUL and ESN LPNU, received full membership. In November 2025, at the Autumn National Assembly in Chernivtsi, ESN Odesa at Odesa National University also gained official status.
Today ESN Ukraine brings together five full-member sections in four cities. On the international level, ESN Ukraine is a full member of the Erasmus Student Network, uniting 500+ sections in 44 European countries.
What We Do
Our work focuses on several key directions
Academic mobility & Erasmus+ programme support for Ukrainian students
We inform Ukrainian students about exchange opportunities, scholarships, and Erasmus+ programmes, and help them prepare for participation.
Leadership development, civic activism & youth governance
Through national assemblies, workshops, and trainings we build a community of young leaders capable of influencing youth policy.
Intercultural dialogue & EU–Ukraine integration advocacy
We build bridges between Ukrainian and European youth, promoting values of solidarity and mutual understanding.
Research, digital campaigns & policy engagement
We bring the voice of Ukrainian students to EU institutions and take part in shaping youth policy at the European level.
We turn these core directions into real action through impactful projects that empower students and drive positive change across Ukraine.
Partners & Cooperation
ESN Ukraine collaborates with:
National Erasmus+ Office in Ukraine
Joint initiatives, trainings, and information campaigns (including #ErasmusDays).
Eurodesk
ESN Ukraine has been an official Eurodesk multiplier in Ukraine since 2026.
DG EAC, European Commission
As an Erasmus+ beneficiary and advocacy event partner in Brussels.
European Parliament
Participation in the European Youth Event, hosting sessions and Living Library at EP venues.
ESN Ukraine is a registered non-profit public organisation in Ukraine. We proudly collaborate with numerous local and international partners, and we are always actively open to new meaningful connections and opportunities to support youth.
Get Involved
Want to be part of ESN Ukraine? Here is how:
Become a Volunteer
Join one of our five sections in Kyiv, Lviv, Chernivtsi, or Odesa.
Open a New Section
No ESN in your city yet? Get in touch and we will walk you through the process.
Become a Partner
We welcome collaboration with universities, businesses, NGOs, and international organisations.
How to join ESN Ukraine or its local sections?
From time to time, we announce calls for new volunteers. Follow us on social media to hear about our recruitment first.