The Stockholm School of Economics has taken a significant stance of solidarity with Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia by offering tuition waivers to Ukrainian students. Milda Tylaite, an Assistant Professor and Deputy Program Director at SSE, explains how this initiative works.
In February 2022, Vladimir Putin’s Russia started a brutal war of aggression in Ukraine, prompting widespread condemnation in the West and appeals for assistance from the international community. The Stockholm School of Economics (SSE) in Sweden has taken steps to show solidarity with Ukraine. SSE is granting a tuition waiver for Ukrainian students enrolled in its master’s programs.
Milda Tylaite, the SSE Assistant Professor and Deputy Program Director at the Department of Accounting, articulates the institution’s stance:
“As the war broke out in Ukraine, or rather, when Russia attacked and invaded Ukraine, we saw that this is something that we have a responsibility [towards] … We realized that we have an academic responsibility, and because of that, we started to issue tuition waivers to the Ukrainian candidates that are accepted to our master’s programs.” (00:52)
SSE offers five master’s programs, all taught in English, that are among the best programs in the world. The institution aims to develop graduates who possess the qualities encapsulated in the acronym FREE: Fact and science-based mindset, Reflective and self-aware, Empathetic and culturally literate, and Entrepreneurial and responsible.
By offering tuition waivers to Ukrainian students, SSE showcases the impactful role educational institutions can play during times of crisis.
Financing a master’s degree is a significant hurdle for countless business students around the world. International students have a magnified challenge studying in nations with a strong local currency.
Fortunately, students from EU/EEA countries or Switzerland have the privilege of studying at the Stockholm School of Economics for free. Unfortunately, this benefit does not extend to Ukrainian students. Although Ukraine has ambitions to join, it is not yet a member of the European Union, and it is unlikely that it will be allowed to join while engaged in a defensive conflict.
However, SSE has decided to treat Ukrainian students as if they come from an EU country and waive entirely their tuition fees. As Milda explains, “While we wait for Ukraine to join the EU, we just decided to take this initiative ourselves.” (02:20)
The Ukrainian tuition waiver reflects SSE’s commitment to fostering a positive global impact through academic empowerment.
Since the post-Soviet era, SSE has nurtured Eastern Europe’s economic evolution. The establishment of the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga, Latvia (SSE Riga) in 1994 made SSE Riga a cradle for developing business leaders who steered Latvia through the monumental shift from communism to capitalism, from a failed centrally planned economy to a thriving market-driven economy.
Furthermore, SSE continues to influence economic transition reform through the Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics (SITE). SITE, founded in 1989, is a research and policy center that fosters economic development in low-and middle-income countries. There is a particular focus on the transitional post-soviet economies. (06:08)
Looking ahead, SSE has high hopes for the future of Ukraine. Milda says, “Even though we cannot and will not engage in war efforts directly, we see it as our responsibility to make sure that when the time comes, Ukraine has people that are capable and competent and professional and able to rebuild the country.” (03:54)
This vision for Ukraine is emblematic of SSE’s belief in the transformative power of education as a cornerstone for national development. By equipping Ukrainian students with leadership skills and specialized knowledge, SSE aims to forge a new generation of leaders who can navigate the complexities of post-conflict reconstruction and drive sustainable growth.
In 2023, the waiver only applied to the SSE Department of Accounting’s master’s degree, the MSc in Accounting, Valuation & Financial Management. However, in 2024, the initiative was expanded to cover all SSE master’s degree programs.
“Any Ukrainian citizen that is accepted [as a master’s student] will not have to pay Tuition,” Milda says. (01:55)
To take advantage of this offer, Ukrainian students must apply to SSE following the standard process and be admitted normally. There are no additional steps or requirements.
If you have any questions about the initiative, Milda and the admissions team are happy to help.
Are you looking to advance your education during these challenging times? Explore the opportunities at SSE and become part of a community committed to global responsibility. Check out SSE’s school profile to learn more about the business school’s offerings.
