The kick-off event for the DAAD programme, German-Ukrainian University Network‘ took place on 3 and 4 December 2025 in Berlin. More than 100 representatives from universities and politics of both countries came together for the launch of 30 projects and the first network meeting. Several formats offered participants the opportunity to get to know the other projects in the network and to engage in intensive exchange.
In general it is obvious that psychological stress on university staff and students, as well as excessive teaching workloads at Ukrainian universities is a crucial moment of the collaborative projects. Further more mobility restrictions and the possibilities and limitations of virtual exchange formats as well as limited predictability due to the war are major challenges. The practice of higher education reform in Ukraine and its impact on cooperation; different academic calendars. As subject- and topic-specific hurdles to overcome were identified different language requirements (German, English, Ukrainian), differences in degree programme accreditation in Germany and Ukraine, restrictions and possible solutions for cooperation in practical subjects, dealing with different entry levels in joint degree programmes.
