Escaping the war to Finland

Elizaveta Larkina was a second-year computer science and engineering student at Private European University in Kyiv when Russia attacked Ukraine. ‘A missile landed in front of my home; I saw it with my own eyes. I had to leave Ukraine with my mother. We came to Finland in March 2022,’ Larkina explains.

Since May 2022, Larkina has studied at Aalto University, which has granted special study rights without fees to students who have fled the war. Thanks to donations to the Aalto University Ukraine Fund, 20 students have received a grant that is a vital economic support to them in their studies in Finland.

‘When I left Ukraine, I had a change of clothes in the bag, not much more. I have received goods as donations, and I also purchase them from flea markets. My money is tight,’ Larkina says.

In addition to her non-degree studies at the Aalto University School of Electrical Engineering, Larkina continues her studies at her home university remotely. She also studies Finnish hard. ‘I have high expectations about my studies, and completing a degree is important to me. I am happy that I have received a lot of help from Finns. Ukrainians are experiencing difficulties and much sadness,’ Larkina states.

The Aalto University Ukraine Fund has supported bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral students from Ukraine with a monthly grant of 800 euros, in addition to which they have received a travel grant of 400 euros.

‘Studying helps students to maintain their grip on life and distract them from the difficult situation. Getting educated also brings competence to Ukraine for the reconstruction of the country,’ says Eija Zitting, Head of Learning Services.

The Ukraine Fund has already received more than 500 donations, ranging from 5 to 5 000 euros. ‘We are very grateful for all the donations,’ states Zitting.

Applications from students who have fled the war in Ukraine are constantly submitted to Aalto. You can support them by donating. 

Text: Marjukka Puolakka

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