Top Universities in Ukraine: A 2023 (Updated) Guide

What comes to your mind when you hear of Ukraine? Royal architecture, cathedrals monasteries and picturesque landscapes? But there is more to it specifically when it comes to education. The universities in Ukraine offer world-class educational infrastructure and low tuition fees which makes it a preferred alternative to expensive countries like the UK and the US. In addition, a popular destination for students to study abroad, courses in medicine like MBBS remain the most sought-after in the country. Ukraine medical universities are actively collaborating in Research and Development in the field of medicine. Around 800 institutions in Ukraine offer higher education, making it a global hotspot for international students. Besides this, the hostels and dormitories at the universities in the country offer inexpensive accommodation that wouldn’t be harsh on your savings. You can expect to study at top Ukrainian universities paying $2500-5000 a year which is relatively lower when we talk about the opportunities to study in Europe and the US. Let us now have a look at some of the top universities in the East European country!

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Study in Ukraine: Overview

Ukraine is an Eastern European country bordered by Moldova to the west and the Black Sea to the south.

Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Ukraine has had a tumultuous relationship with its eastern neighbour Russia. Most notably, the Russian state annexed Crimea in 2014, causing long-term tension in the region.

Kyiv, the country’s capital and largest city, is located in central Ukraine on the Dnieper River. Taras Shevchenko University, a prominent research centre, is located in the city. The National University of Kharkiv, located in the same city, is located further east. This is Ukraine’s second oldest university, founded in 1804.

Culturally, Ukraine is noted for magnificent architecture, such as the St. Michael’s Golden Monastery in Kyiv, and for the preparation of regional foods such as borscht and chicken in Kyiv, which are thought to be named after the city. Weddings are significant events in the country, and the festivities might last weeks.

Ukrainian celebrities include player Andriy Shevchenko, liberal president Yulia Tymoshenko, and Hollywood actresses Mila Kunis and Milla Jovovich.

Must Read: Ukraine Study Visa – Eligibility, Requirements and Cost

Top Universities in Ukraine

Following are the top universities to study in Ukraine

Universities	Times Higher Education Ranking (2024)	QS Top Universities Ranking (2024)
Sumy State University	401	951
Lviv Polytechnic National University	601	951
Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv	–	681
V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University	–	691
National Technical University of Ukraine: Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute	–	731
National Technical University Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute	–	901

National Technical University of Ukraine

The most popular of all universities in Ukraine, the National Technical University of Ukraine is a non-profit public higher education institute. Located in the city of Kyiv, the university is accredited by the Ministry of Education and Science of the country. Moreover, having a reputation for imparting excellence in education for 122 years, the university offers courses in diverse fields at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. Other officially recognized courses include diplomas and doctorate degrees. Additionally, offering 42 fields of study and 168 program subject areas, the university is popular for its Management courses, Masters in Journalism, programs in various Engineering branches, Cybersecurity, Metallurgy, Ecology and Environment, Computer Science, Economics, Avionics and many more. 

Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv

With a distinct research profile, the university is leading in contemporary education. Revered among the top universities in the country, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv is situated in the urban setting of the country’s capital. Further, established in 1834, the institution has been bestowed with many accolades for contributing to education in various domains.

The university has a low admission rate, making it one of the most selective universities in Ukraine. Having 13 faculties and 8 institutes, it offers bachelor’s as well as master’s level programs in Chemistry, Computer Science, Geography, Law, Psychology, etc with specializations in each discipline. 

Ivan Franko National University of Lviv

Combining old traditions and modern innovative approaches to education, Ivan Franko National University of Lviv holds a significant place in the country. Established in 1661, it is one of the oldest universities in Ukraine. Promoting Ukrainian culture through education for centuries, the university hosts a large number of international students every year.

It has around 20 faculties and each faculty offers intensive programs with an emphasis laid on both theory and practicals. Some of the popular courses at the university include Criminal Law, Statistics, Political Science, Philosophy, New Media, Accounting, etc.

Lviv Polytechnic National University

The oldest technical university in Ukraine and Eastern Europe, the university was established in 1816. Lviv Polytechnic National University has 16 educational institutes and 8 colleges. Equipped with modern technologies, it also houses 34 teaching and laboratory buildings to give the students an exceptional learning experience.

Besides this, it has 2 gymnasiums, 3 sports and health camps along with 12 dormitories to ensure a healthy and affordable lifestyle for its students. Among all universities in Ukraine, Lviv Polytechnic National University has the most diverse range of courses. Some of the popular subjects of study at the university include Design, Bioengineering, Pharmacy, and Food Engineering are some of the popular courses.

Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University

Following the student-centred approach, the university has a history of over 140 years of offering quality education to its students.  With innovative education methods and close links with public institutions and businesses, the graduates at the university find places in the top companies in the country.

Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University offers courses in 45 majors and emphasizes the overall development of students. Like other universities in Ukraine, Borys Grinchenko Kyiv offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in diverse disciplines. Some of the popular subjects taught include Social Work, Graphic Design, Informatics, Fine Arts, Language, etc.

Sumy State University

Located in Sumy city in the North-East of Ukraine, the university was established in the year 1948. With around 14,000 students, Sumy State University offers 34 bachelor’s and 37 master’s degrees in 55 majors and 23 fields of knowledge. Hosting about 1,750 foreign students from 50 different countries, it is among the top universities in Ukraine.

Times Higher Education Ranking 2024 places the university in the top 1000 universities around the world. Entering the top 3% of leading universities of the world. The university has more than 250 partner institutions worldwide which allows it to provide education with a global overview.

Besides this, it also has an advanced library that has more than 3 million items in it. Among the diverse range of courses, some of the popular programs offered at the university include Electrical Engineering, Business Analytics, Philology, Medicine, and Law. 

National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine

Established in 1898, the university strives to create an impact on the lives of people. One of the leading universities in Ukraine, NUBiP hosts more than 26,000 students in 3 educational and research institutes. The university has 13 departments that offer courses in diverse disciplines.

Agriculture courses at the university are popular with specializations in Agricultural Management, Food technology, etc. Further, a large body of erudite professors and other staff ensures that a student gets updated information with a core emphasis on the research aspect of the subject.

Some of the faculties providing courses at the university include Veterinary Medicine, Land Management, Humanities and Pedagogy, Biotechnology and Ecology, Law, Economics, Information Technology, Design and Engineering, etc. 

National Aerospace University

Founded in 1930, National Aerospace University is a leading educational institution that has a reputation for producing professionals in the field of aviation. Also known as Kharkiv Aviation Institute (KhAI), it has etched its name in providing quality education in the field of Aerospace Engineering.

The distinctive feature of the institution is that it enjoys links with top aircraft manufacturing companies that allow its students to work with them. Moreover, the university offers globally recognized bachelor’s, master’s and research-level courses. Revered among the best technical universities in Ukraine, KhAI has dedicated faculties for subfields like Engines, Rockets, aircraft, Space Technologies, and Management.

If you are curious to know which country is best for Indian students to take their aspirations to the next level and find work easily, read our blog on Best Country to Study and Work for Indian Students

Other Universities in Ukraine

With a global educational overview, Ukranian universities are growing at a fast pace catering to students across the globe. In addition, emerging as a popular destination for overseas education, Ukraine has flexible visa policies and a great range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities. Other equally popular universities in Ukraine are listed below:  

• VN Karazin Kharkiv National University
• Donetsk National University
• Bukovinian State Medical University
• Donetsk National University of Economics and Trade named after Mykhailo Tugan-Baranovsky (DonNUET)
• Zaporozhye State Medical University
• Ivano Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas
• National Aviation University
• Uzhhorod National University
• Kharkiv National University of Radio Electronics
• Petro Mohyla Black Sea National University
• Kyiv National Economic University
• Kyiv National University of Trade and Economics (KNUTE)
• National Forestry University of Ukraine
• National University Odessa Law Academy
• National University of Ostroh Academy
• National University of Pharmacy
• Odessa National Academy of Food Technologies
• Odessa National Academy of Telecommunications
• Oles Honchar Dnipro National University
• Ostrogradsky National University of Kremenchuk
• Poltava National Technical Yuri Kondratyuk University
• South Ukrainian National Pedagogical University named after K. D. Ushynsky
• Ternopil National Economic University
• Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University

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Fast Facts About Ukraine

• Capital city: Kyiv
• Population: 42.4 million people (2017 estimate)
• Currency: 1 hryvnya = 100 kopiykas
• Major religion: Christianity (Eastern Orthodox)
• Official language: Ukraine (Russian is also widely spoken)
• Metallurgy, engineering, and equipment, textiles, and agriculture are the main industries.
• Warm winters and scorching summers in a temperate continental environment.
• International dialling code: +380
• Tuition fees for a bachelor’s degree start at around US$2,500 per year.
• Living costs are very affordable – you will need only around US£1,500-2,500 per year.
• 24 oblasts (provinces or territorial divisions) and one autonomous republic (Crimea)
• Partially bounded by two bodies of water, including the Black Sea
• Borscht is the national soup of Ukraine, a vibrant red beetroot soup.
• Traditional Easter celebrations include pysanky– drawing on eggs with wax and dyes to create a pattern.
• Internet domain: .ua

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FAQs

Ukraine should be on your bucket list if you want the best and affordable education abroad. Finding a course of your choice at the universities in Ukraine could be a daunting task but not when you have our experts to handle your application process! Right from finding your course of interest at your desired university to getting your visa ready, our professional experts at Leverage Edu will take care of your admission process. Lastly, to start your journey, book your 30-minute free counselling session with us now! Click Here to register and get started with it!