Double degree program between two universities involves students studying partly at one university and partly at the second university, and receiving diplomas from both universities. In this case, the partner universities agree in a separate agreement on how disciplines studied at one university are credited by the partner university. 

Purpose of the double degree program between V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University (KhNU), Ukraine, and Ulm University, Germany – further development of cooperation between universities in Ukraine and Germany, expansion of Ukraine's integration into the European educational space, and currently, assistance to Ukrainian students and teachers during the war and in the period of post-war recovery of the country. 

Since 2024, a double degree program has been operating bachelor's degrees between the Faculty of Mathematics і Economics at Ulm University and the Faculty of Mathematics і Computer Science at KhNU (the double degree program agreement was signed by both parties in 2023). Students of three specialties from the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science can participate in the program. Teaching is conducted in German during the study of Ukrainian students in Ulm and in English for German students during their study in Kharkiv. Upon completion of their studies, they receive German diploma Bachelor of Mathematics and Ukrainian diploma according to their primary specialization.

From 2025, a dual program begins to operate master's  degrees between the Faculty of Mathematics and Economics of Ulm University and the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics of KhNU. Students of the Master's program in Data Science can participate in the program. Teaching is conducted in English language. Upon completion of their studies, they receive a Master's degree in Data Science and two diplomas: German and Ukrainian. 

The University of Ulm, Germany is a relatively young university in Germany, founded in 1967, it is positioned as the youngest university in the state of Baden-Württemberg, but in terms of development, it surpasses even the most famous universities: scientific research is dynamically and successfully developing, and a very careful attitude to teaching attracts many students to it. It is a modern university that understands and applies an interdisciplinary approach to the challenges of modernity, paying much attention to innovations for the benefit of society. 

The university is located in a green area, has a large campus and is the scientific and educational heart of the city of Ulm. Its professors and lecturers are first-class scientists and are very enthusiastic about teaching students.

The university has 4 faculties – Mathematics and Economics, Computer Science and Psychology, the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Medicine and Natural Sciences. The university educates about 10 thousand students from more than 100 countries around the world in 65 different educational programs. 

During studies at the faculty of Mathematics and Economics University of Ulm students acquire knowledge and skills that are key to successful work at the forefront of modern challenges, analytical qualities and the application of mathematical models and methods in various spheres of life, including modern technologies, big data processing and artificial intelligence development, risk and reliability management to ensure a safe and best future. 

The faculty provides excellent conditions for study, has a highly professional staff of professors and lecturers, and constantly maintains contact with industry. All students are provided with substantial and sensitive assistance as needed.

Structure of the double bachelor's degree program

The general duration of study for a bachelor's program in European universities, and in Germany in particular, is 3 years. The general duration of study for a bachelor's program in Ukrainian universities is 4 years. The first year of study at a Ukrainian university is recognized in Germany as the last year of study in high school. 

For Ukrainian students, studies at the University of Ulm begin in the summer semester of the second year. For students of the University of Ulm, this is the summer semester of the first year. The distribution of Ukrainian students' studies by semesters is shown in the table.

Semester No.	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
Університет	ХНУ	ХНУ	ХНУ	УЛЬМ	УЛЬМ	ХНУ	ХНУ	УЛЬМ

During their studies at the University of Ulm, students are credited with disciplines from the KNU curriculum, and vice versa, during their studies at KNU, students are credited with disciplines from the University of Ulm curriculum. More detailed lists of disciplines and their crediting at the partner university can be found in the equivalence tables by specialties or in the appendices to the double degree agreement.

At the end of their studies, students prepare one bachelor's qualification (diploma) thesis, which they defend at both universities.

At the University of Ulm, they receive the title Bsc Mathematics, and at KNU – the title of bachelor in their specialty of study (Fundamental or Applied Mathematics or Theoretical and Applied Informatics).

Requirements, procedure for conducting the competition and document processing for participation in the double degree program for Ukrainian students

1. Students of the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics of KNU, specialties Fundamental Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Theoretical and Applied Informatics, who are successfully studying and have an average grade are admitted to participate in the program not lower than 75 and a German language certificate of level not lower than B1. 
2. Those wishing to participate in the program must submit an application to the faculty not later than mid-3rd semester (September – October). Recommendations are attached to the application two faculty lecturers.
3. The Faculty Competition Commission selects future participants of the double degree program from the list of candidates based on the following criteria: academic performance, motivation, communication skills, social adaptability, emotional intelligence.
4. The Joint Competition Commission of both universities (KhNU and Ulm) conducts an interview with each applicant and makes the final selection.
5. All program participants are officially registered through the international department of KhNU, and the international department of Ulm University.

Structure of the double master's degree program

The total duration of study for a master's program in European universities, and in Germany in particular, is 2 years. The total duration of study for an educational and scientific master's program in Ukrainian universities is also 2 years. This means that Ukrainian students planning to participate in this program must enroll in an educational and scientific (and not an educational and professional) program at KhNU.

For Ukrainian students, studies at Ulm University begin in the winter semester of the second year. For students of Ulm University, this is also the winter semester of the second year. The distribution of Ukrainian students' studies by semesters is shown in the table.

Semester No.	1	2	3	4
Університет	ХНУ	ХНУ	УЛЬМ	УЛЬМ

During studies at Ulm University, students are credited with disciplines from the KhNU curriculum, and vice versa, during studies at KhNU, students are credited with disciplines from the Ulm University curriculum.

Requirements, competition procedure, and document processing for participation in the double master's degree program for Ukrainian students

1. Students of the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics of KhNU who are admitted to the program, who have received a bachelor's degree and enrolled in освітньо-наукову the program in the specialty Data Science, have an average grade point average upon completion of their bachelor's degree not lower than 75 and an English language certificate of level not lower than B2 (teaching at the University of Ulm for this program is conducted in English). 
2. Those wishing to participate in the program must submit an application to the faculty no later than the middle of the 1st semester of master's studies (September – October of the previous year). Recommendations are attached to the application two faculty lecturers.
3. The Faculty Competition Commission selects future participants of the double degree program from the list of candidates based on the following criteria: academic performance, motivation, communication skills, social adaptability, emotional intelligence.
4. The Joint Competition Commission of both universities (KhNU and Ulm) conducts an interview with each applicant and makes the final selection.
5. All program participants are officially registered through the international department of KhNU, and the international department of Ulm University.

Studies – Financial Matters

Participation in the double degree program involves full-time study for Ukrainian students during the 4th, 5th, and 8th semesters at the University of Ulm (see Program Structure).  

Studying in Germany is free, but there is a student fee of about 80 – 85 euros per semester, which is mandatory for everyone. In addition, students must pay for accommodation (dormitory or other), food, transport, etc. A dormitory costs 300 euros per month plus a one-time deposit upon check-in of 300 euros, called a 'Kaution' – these are funds for potential damage to the accommodation by the student; if everything is in order upon departure, these funds are fully returned. Such a deposit is taken for any type of accommodation. Thus, for normal living in Germany, a student needs approximately 950-1000 euros per month.

In 2026 – 2029, there is an opportunity to receive funding within the framework of the DAAD project

In addition, Germany has a state program for financial support for students – BAföG (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz, abbreviated BAföG). Under this program, a student receives about 950 euros per month if their parents' income is low and they did not come to the country on a student visa.

Students who are already in Germany under paragraph 24 are eligible to apply for BAföG and usually all receive funding.