In 2026, Ukrainian universities and research institutions have access to a wider range of international grant programmes than ever before. Ukraine’s associated status in Horizon Europe, new bilateral initiatives from the UK and Norway, and dedicated competitions launched by the Ministry of Education and Science – together these form a real window of opportunity for institutions prepared to invest time in building strong applications. This article compiles the most relevant active programmes and grants for universities, with budgets, eligibility requirements, and direct links to GetGrant listings.
The overview covers three key categories: universities and research institutions as organisations, individual researchers and academic staff, and consortia and international partnerships in higher education.
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Why 2026 Is a Pivotal Year for Universities
Since Ukraine’s full association to Horizon Europe in 2022, Ukrainian universities and research institutions have had the right to apply to all programme calls on equal terms with institutions from EU member states. This applies to both large consortium calls across Clusters 1–6 and individual instruments such as ERC and Marie Curie Actions. In parallel, a number of bilateral partners – the United Kingdom, Norway, and Austria – have opened programmes specifically designed to support Ukrainian universities during the war and in the context of EU integration.
At the same time, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine launched the first competition to establish CoRE university research centres of excellence – one of the first systemic mechanisms for developing research universities in Ukraine. Together, these developments create a landscape that simply did not exist a few years ago.
Horizon Europe: The Core Programme for Research Institutions
Horizon Europe is the EU’s largest research programme with a budget of over €95 billion for 2021–2027. Ukrainian organisations participate as associated members, meaning equal access to funding and the same rights as partners from EU countries. For more detail on participation conditions, see the article “Horizon Europe 2025: New Opportunities for Ukrainian Projects”.
Horizon Europe Twinning – Building Research Institutional Capacity
The HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-02 call supports strategic partnerships between a coordinating institution from a Widening country (including Ukraine) and at least two leading scientific or educational institutions from different EU member states. The aim is to reduce the research and innovation gap, increase the international visibility of the coordinating institution, and strengthen its staff capacity.
Horizon Europe Cluster 6 – Research in Agriculture and Environment
For universities and research institutions in agronomy, ecology, and biological sciences, the call HORIZON-CL6-2026-03-GOVERNANCE-02 offers up to €6 million for projects supporting the transition to sustainable agriculture. Participation is possible as part of an international consortium. Deadline: 15 April 2026.
ERC and Marie Curie Actions – For Individual Researchers
The European Research Council (ERC) supports outstanding scientists through Starting, Consolidator, and Advanced grants. Marie Curie Actions (MSCA) fund the mobility and career development of researchers – postdoctoral fellows, doctoral candidates, and experienced scientists. Both programmes are fully open to Ukrainian researchers on equal terms with EU citizens. For an overview of ERC support for Ukrainians, see “ERC Support for Ukrainian Scientists” on GetGrant.
Erasmus+: Partnerships and Capacity Building
Erasmus+ is the EU’s flagship programme in education, training, youth, and sport. For universities, the most relevant tracks are Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE), Partnerships for Innovation, and Jean Monnet. For a full overview of the 2026 Erasmus+ programme guide, see “Erasmus+ 2026 Call Programme”.
CBHE Cross-Regional – Capacity Building in Higher Education
The ERASMUS-EDU-2026-CBHE-CROSS-REGIONAL call funds partnerships between EU universities and partner country universities, including those in Ukraine. Projects aim to modernise curricula, improve university governance, and strengthen links with society. The call is open to universities, research institutions, and partner organisations.
Alliances for Education and Enterprises – University–Business Partnerships
The ERASMUS-EDU-2026-PI-ALL-INNO-EDU-ENTERP call supports transnational alliances between universities and enterprises. The aim is to jointly develop new educational approaches and programmes that respond to the needs of the labour market and the innovation economy. Participation requires a consortium with universities from EU member states.
Jean Monnet – EU Studies Chairs and Modules
The Jean Monnet track supports universities that teach subjects related to the European Union – EU law, economic integration, the European integration process. For Ukrainian universities in the context of EU accession preparation, this is a particularly relevant instrument. The call typically opens at the beginning of each year.
Bilateral Programmes: UK, Norway, Austria
Beyond the major EU programmes, Ukrainian universities have access to several bilateral initiatives that offer a more flexible entry point and a less competitive environment.
UK–UA Visiting Professors Programme
The British Council programme funds visits by British academics and researchers to Ukrainian universities for lectures, seminars, and joint research activities. Open to both public and private universities. No large consortium is required for participation.
Nansen EDU – Norway–Ukraine University Cooperation
This call supports partnership projects between Norwegian and Ukrainian universities. Funded activities include student and staff exchanges, joint research initiatives, and curriculum development. The programme is oriented towards long-term institutional collaboration.
Ukrainian–Austrian Joint Research Projects 2027–2028
The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, in partnership with the Austrian agency OeAD, has opened a competition for research groups from universities in both countries. Application deadline: 24 April 2026. There are no thematic restrictions – all scientific disciplines are eligible. Full details on documentation requirements are available on GetGrant.
154 grants in the “Higher Education and Research” category on GetGrant
Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, bilateral programmes, and national calls – all in one place. AI-powered matching to your institution’s profile.
National Programmes: MES Ukraine and CoRE
Alongside international programmes, Ukrainian universities have access to domestic competitions run by the Ministry of Education and Science. The most significant in 2026 is the competition to establish Centres of Research Excellence.
CoRE – University Research Centres of Excellence
The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine has opened a competitive selection for state higher education institutions to create university research centres of excellence. The goal is to build flagship research structures within universities that are capable of competing internationally and attracting external funding.
MES Annual Research Competition 2026
The Ministry of Education and Science also runs an annual competition for research projects at state higher education institutions. The competition covers both fundamental and applied research across all scientific disciplines and is one of the core mechanisms for supporting academic science in Ukraine.
For Individual Researchers
Alongside institution-level programmes, there are instruments supporting individual scientists – regardless of whether they apply through a university or independently.
CRDF Global – Grants for Publications and Conferences
The US Civilian Research and Development Foundation (CRDF Global) supports Ukrainian scientists with funding for participation in international conferences and publication in peer-reviewed journals. Grants are individual and relatively straightforward to apply for. Deadline and conditions are available on GetGrant.
Mieroszewski Centre Fellowship for Young Researchers
A four-month research fellowship for young scholars from Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and the EU. Based in Warsaw, open to researchers in the humanities and social sciences. This is an example of a mobility programme that requires no consortium and is fully accessible to those new to the grant application process.
Who Can Apply: Eligible Participant Types
Depending on the programme, different types of organisations may participate. Below are the most common categories for the programmes covered in this article.
| Universities and higher education institutions – public and private |
| Research institutions and academic institutes |
| Individual researchers – affiliated to an institution or independent (depending on the programme) |
| Consortia – at least 2–5 organisations from different countries (for most Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe calls) |
| Non-profit organisations and associations in the field of higher education as consortium partners |
If your organisation is applying to international programmes for the first time, we recommend starting with “How to Choose a Grant That Fits: 10 Criteria” and reviewing our guide “Grant Budgeting Made Simple” before beginning your application.
Where to Start: A Practical Guide for Universities
Four steps before submitting your first application
Step 1. Identify the type of programme – institutional or individual, consortium-based or single-applicant submission.
Step 2. Register on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal and obtain your PIC code (mandatory for Horizon Europe and Erasmus+).
Step 3. Find partners – most programmes require organisations from other EU countries. We recommend the article “International Grant Partnerships”.
Step 4. Prepare your baseline documentation package: charter, financial statements, institutional profile, and a list of key publications or past projects.
Find More University Grants on GetGrant
GetGrant updates its database of active Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, bilateral donor, and MES calls daily – for universities, researchers, and academic institutions. AI-powered matching to your profile.