Which foreign languages are most frequently studied by Ukrainians?

Ukraine has long remained one of the most open countries in Eastern Europe, and its citizens actively expand their horizons. Foreign languages have become not just a school subject but a genuine social elevator: they help Ukrainians land jobs abroad, study at the world’s top universities, travel without language barriers, and make new friends.

In this article, we will find out why demand for language learning is growing, which languages lead in popularity, where exactly Ukrainians study them, and how to choose the path that will bring you the greatest benefit.

Why Ukrainians actively learn foreign languages

Every year, the labor market, education sector, and tourism industry raise their expectations for how advanced foreign-language proficiency should be. Easy access to online resources, flexible exchange programs, and the simplicity of relocation make language learning a strategic investment in one’s career and personal growth. Below are the key motivations.

Emigration and relocation to Europe

Since 2022, thousands of families have moved to Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic, and other EU countries—both temporarily and permanently. To adapt, people strive to study foreign languages in advance: this speeds up the search for housing, paperwork, employment, and children’s schooling. Municipal courses, free integration programs, and online schools help even those starting from scratch.

In addition, knowing the language of the host country raises the local community’s trust and opens access to social services. The TeMa platform regularly matches Ukrainians with tutors who specialize in the migration context: lessons revolve around everyday dialogues, legal terms, and labor-market situations.

Work in international companies and freelance

Global IT corporations, outsourcing centers, marketing agencies, and design studios create thousands of vacancies in Ukraine that require fluent conversation skills. HR departments more and more often assess not only technical skills but also the ability to communicate with clients from different countries. Thus, the question of how to learn foreign languages comes first for programmers, marketers, and creatives.

Main reasons why language skills become a competitive advantage:

1. Participation in multinational projects without intermediaries and translators.
2. Access to foreign clients and higher fees on freelance platforms.
3. Promotion to leadership positions where conducting negotiations is required.
4. Reading professional literature and documentation in the original language.
5. Participation in international conferences and hackathons.
6. The possibility of flexible relocation to the company’s offices abroad.

Learning with a mentor accelerates progress many times over, especially when lessons are tailored to the field of work. Tutors on TeMa compile term glossaries, simulate real client calls, and train presentation skills, helping specialists feel more confident on the global market.

Studying abroad and academic programs

For many teens and students, the question “why do you need to study a foreign language” answers itself when it’s time to apply for Erasmus+, DAAD, Fulbright, and other scholarships. Universities require certified test scores (IELTS, TestDaF, DELF), and scholarship committees assess a candidate’s motivation through essays and interviews. Ukrainians who prepare with a personal tutor show higher speaking scores and integrate more easily into a new academic environment.

Personal development and travel

Self-development has long gone beyond time-management seminars. Learning a new language improves memory, increases reaction speed, and even delays age-related cognitive changes. Travel lovers note that fluent communication gives deeper cultural immersion: you can discuss hidden routes with a barista in Lisbon or haggle at Istanbul’s market without turning to Google Translate. Plus, you can always find free language partners through TeMa and turn your vacation into a mini-language intensive.

The most popular foreign languages in Ukraine

What influences the choice? Tuition costs, career prospects, and the levels of foreign-language mastery required by employers. Below we break down the “Magnificent Seven” from English to Turkish.

English — the No. 1 language to learn

English remains the absolute favorite: 82 % of Ukrainians study it in some form. Platforms that let you learn a foreign language online make the process flexible: schedule lessons between university classes or during your lunch break. English is needed by IT specialists, resident doctors, flight attendants, and bloggers—virtually anyone who wants to stay competitive globally. TeMa pairs students with niche specialists: IELTS Academic, Business English, conversation clubs, or Cambridge YLE prep for kids.

Polish — popularity thanks to proximity and migration

Geographic closeness, cultural similarities, and the “Karta Polaka” program explain stable demand. The language is not difficult for Ukrainian speakers, and Poles often react kindly to mistakes. Polish is required for warehouse jobs, construction, and admission to the universities of Poznań and Kraków. TeMa offers “Polish in 4 Months” courses that focus on conversational practice and vocabulary for residence permits.

German — for studying and working in Germany

Germany has opened fast-track visa corridors for Ukrainian engineers, doctors, and IT specialists. As a result, demand has surged for Goethe-Institut and telc exams. TeMa courses are often led by certified Berlin-based instructors who focus on real employer dialogues in Bewerbungsgespräch format.

Spanish and Italian — interest in culture and tourism

Love for San Sebastián and Florence, plus seasonal job opportunities on the Mediterranean coast, motivate Ukrainians to master Romance languages. Platforms like TeMa offer “Spanish B1 in 8 Weeks” intensives led by native speakers from Latin America.

French — the language of diplomacy and exchange programs

Beyond the classic Parisian stereotype, French is valued by those who want to work at the UN, the Red Cross, or enroll at Sciences Po. Schools on TeMa include DELF B2 prep and academic-writing workshops.

Czech and Slovak — studying at universities in Eastern Europe

Brno, Prague, and Bratislava provide tuition-free bachelor programs in Czech/Slovak. A one-year language course at the university pays off many times over: students gain a European degree and legal work rights. TeMa helps find mentors who dissect exam texts and legal terms for residence permits.

Turkish — growing popularity through business and TV series

Turkish developers investing in Ukrainian infrastructure, more charter flights, and hit TV shows have sparked a boom in Turkish courses. Students value live vocabulary: from business contracts to jokes from “Knock on My Door.” TeMa tutors share life hacks on how to quickly learn a foreign language, combining grammar with episode viewing and dialogue analysis.

Where and how Ukrainians learn languages

Many who want to master a new tongue increasingly ask how to learn foreign languages on your own or with a mentor’s support. Modern tech opens access to thousands of lessons, podcasts, and interactive trainers, while in-person schools offer live communication. Below are the four main channels through which Ukrainians gain knowledge.

Choose the format that fits your goals and budget:

1. Online courses and mobile apps.
2. Language schools and tutors.
3. Studying abroad and language camps.
4. Self-learning: books, podcasts, films.

Regardless of method, regular practice is the key to success. The TeMa platform unites all these formats—from group webinars to individual sessions—making language learning flexible and saving you time.

Conclusion: which language should a Ukrainian choose today?

The world is changing rapidly, so first ask yourself which foreign language to learn and whether it will help achieve your personal goals: relocation, career, academic degree, or hobby. If the priority is global communication and speed of acquisition, choose English. For employment in Poland—Polish; for engineering work in Germany—German. Don’t be afraid to combine: a second language is absorbed faster thanks to already honed strategies.

Ready to start without delay? Visit TeMa, where hundreds of verified tutors will help you set goals, track progress, and turn each lesson into results. The sooner you begin, the sooner the language becomes part of your daily thinking and opens doors to new opportunities.