22 Best Public Universities in Kharkiv for International Students

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Kharkiv is one of the cities in Ukraine you should look into if you want to study in a public university. Besides providing a path towards your academic goals, studying in Kharkiv can give you valuable insights into its people and the local culture. You can also enjoy various activities here to make your studies abroad all worth it.

All 22 universities you can find in Kharkiv are all public universities. This makes it a great location for international students. You can pick any university in Kharkiv and know that you’ll be choosing an institution run by the government.

In this article, you’ll find out the public universities in Kharkiv, with some added information on programs, tuition, and how many international students you’ll be studying with. Let’s get started!

Public Universities in Kharkiv

1. V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University

  • V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University Page
  • V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University is a premier institution in Ukraine and one of its oldest, boasting centuries of experience and credibility. It is named after Vasily Karazin, who significantly contributed to the university’s founding and was a known individual across Ukraine and Russia.

    The university’s location in Kharkiv City is also advantageous. The city is one of the biggest in Ukraine and is an incredible melting pot of knowledge and cultures. Scientific achievements and the establishment of several national-cultural associations both occur in it.

    Thus, if you pursue an education at V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, you do not just receive knowledge. You are also exposed to the diversity of the world.

    2. National Technical University Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute

  • National Technical University Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute Page
  • The National Technical University Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute (NTU KhPl) is a public university in Kharkiv, Ukraine. It was founded in 1885 in accordance with Dmitry Mendeleev’s program for technical education. It is one of the country’s oldest technical institutes. Automation, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, control systems, management, computer science, software engineering, and business are all available at the university.

    3. Kharkiv National Medical University

  • Kharkiv National Medical University Page
  • Kharkiv National Medical University has produced generations of medical specialists for over two centuries. As it remains steadfast in its traditions and excellence, we can only expect it to continue honing Ukraine’s future doctors, dentists, nurses, and other medical professionals. Besides excellent academic quality and reputation, KNMU stands out for the many opportunities it can open for its graduates at an affordable cost. All these and more have made it one of the best medical schools in Ukraine.

    4. Kharkiv National University of Radioelectronics

  • Kharkiv National University of Radioelectronics Page
  • The Kharkiv National University of Radioelectronics is a specialized Ukrainian tertiary education institution known as NURE. It focuses on innovation and applied information technology (IT), both disciplines relevant in the modern digital age. To contribute to such fields, the university gears its research so its innovative, sustainable, and applicable in three dimensions: society, business, and industry. Such an approach makes NURE unique and attractive to thousands of students worldwide.

    5. H. S. Skovoroda Kharkiv National Pedagogical University

  • H. S. Skovoroda Kharkiv National Pedagogical University Page
  • The H.S. Skovoroda Kharkiv National Pedagogical University is a public university in Kharkiv, Ukraine. It was established in 1804 and named after Ukrainian philosopher and poet H.s. Skovoroda. Through 9 institutes and 14 faculties, the university offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in law, information technology, education, psychology, language studies, natural sciences, and arts.

    6. National Aerospace University “Kharkiv Aviation Institute”

  • National Aerospace University “Kharkiv Aviation Institute” Page
  • The National Aerospace University “Kharkiv Aviation Institute” (NAU KhAI) is a public university in Kharkiv, Ukraine. It was founded in 1930 on the basis of the Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute’s aviation division. The university specializes in aviation and space engineering and has educated approximately 53,000 engineers who work in the Ukrainian aerospace industry.

    7. Simon Kuznets Kharkiv National University of Economics

  • Simon Kuznets Kharkiv National University of Economics Page
  • As stated by its name, the Simon Kuznets Kharkiv National University of Economics is an institution focused on the economy’s development and the education of young students in this field. This university is located in the small city of Kharkiv, Ukraine. It was established in 1930, making it one of the first institutions in the region to provide formal public education.

    8. O.M. Beketov Kharkiv National University of Urban Economy

  • O.M. Beketov Kharkiv National University of Urban Economy Page
  • O.M. Beketov Kharkiv National University of Urban Economy is a public university in Kharkiv, Ukraine. It began as the All-Ukrainian College of Municipal Services in 1922. Over 12,000 students, including over 500 international students, attend the university for undergraduate and postgraduate studies. The university offers a variety of facilities and social services, including a sports complex, museum, clubs, and libraries.

    9. National University of Pharmacy

  • National University of Pharmacy Page
  • The National University of Pharmacy is a public university in Kharkiv, Ukraine. It was founded in 1805 and is officially recognized by Ukraine’s Ministry of Health. The university’s admission policy is based on entrance examinations. The admission rate ranges from 90 to 100%, making this Ukrainian higher education organization the least selective in admitting students.

    10. Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University

  • Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University Page
  • The Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University is a public university in Kharkiv, Ukraine. It began in 1804 as the Imperial Kharkiv University’s department of morality and politics. It was renamed the National Law Academy of Ukraine in 1991. The university contributes significantly to improving Ukraine’s legislative and law enforcement processes.

    11. Kharkiv National Agrarian University

  • Kharkiv National Agrarian University Page
  • Kharkiv National Agrarian University is a public university in Kharkiv, Ukraine. It was founded in 1816 and rebuilt in 1921 as a modern university. With six faculties and more than 40 specialties, the university provides undergraduate and postgraduate students with a wide range of options. In addition, the university has an experimental farm, a large library, and a dendrology park.

    12. Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs

  • Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs Page
  • Having served for more than 100 years and trained thousands of law professionals, Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs is at the forefront of higher education and science institutions in Ukraine. It has a reputable educational staff which includes 71 professors and 201 associate professors. These staff members are divided into 6 educational faculties. Programs under these faculties include Law, Cybersecurity, and related fields of study.

    13. Kharkiv National Automobile and Highway University

  • Kharkiv National Automobile and Highway University Page
  • Kharkiv National Automobile and Highway University is a public university in Kharkiv, Ukraine. It was founded in 1930. It has received IV-level accreditation as well as national university status. Undergraduate and postgraduate programs are available in road construction, mechanical engineering, management, business, transportation systems, and mechatronics at the university.

    14. Kharkiv National University of Arts

  • Kharkiv National University of Arts Page
  • The Kharkiv National University of Arts was established in 1917 and is considered a national treasure in the category of art and history because it has perfectly preserved the values of the country and its art history. This university is located in the city of Kharkiv, Ukraine. It is a perfect opportunity for students interested in continuing their passion and developing their talent in the field of art.

    15. Kharkiv State University of Food Technology and Trade

  • Kharkiv State University of Food Technology and Trade Page
  • Kharkiv State University of Food Technology and Trade was officially founded as Kharkiv Institute of Public Catering in 1967, but its roots trace as far back as 1893 with Emperor Alexander ІІІ Commercial School. It specializes in Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs in the fields of food, trade, and management. The university is comprised of five faculties, three academic buildings, two dormitories, and multiple recreational centers. Aside from necessary services, extracurricular opportunities are also easily accessible, with interest groups, clubs, and events regularly organized.

    16. Ukrainian Engineering and Pedagogical Academy

  • Ukrainian Engineering and Pedagogical Academy Page
  • The Ukrainian Engineering and Pedagogical Academy was established in 1958 to educate and train qualified individuals who would revive the country’s engineering industry after the war. The university expanded its programs over the years and currently offers a wide selection of specialties in engineering, education, and management. The university also actively takes part in different international cooperation programs for its students and faculty to enhance their skills, enrich their academic and professional experiences, and expand their networks.

    17. Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Arts

  • Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Arts Page
  • Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Arts was established in 1921 and is one of the country’s oldest educational institutions for the arts. The university strives to provide outstanding art and design education and training to help make people’s lives better through its applications. Students and faculty also participate in different competitions and projects to promote art and design and improve the quality of art education in the country. 

    18. Kharkiv Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education

  • Kharkiv Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education Page
  • Kharkiv Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education was founded in 1923 and is located in Kharkiv, Ukraine. It has five faculties and over forty departments. These units of education handle all Magistracy and Postgraduate programs. Additionally, Clinical Residency and Internship programs are also present at the university. The university also has specialized scientific councils to promote and innovate research.

    19. Ukrainian State University of Railway Transport

  • Ukrainian State University of Railway Transport Page
  • The Ukrainian State University of Railway Transport is a public university in Kharkiv, Ukraine. It was established in 1930 and is officially recognized by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine. The university offers a wide variety of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in engineering, accounting, management, economics, construction, and humanities.

    20. Kharkiv State Academy of Culture

  • Kharkiv State Academy of Culture Page
  • Kharkiv State Academy of Culture is an educational institution in Kharkiv that offers interdisciplinary programs in a diverse range of study areas. It was established in 1929 and is known to be the first university in Ukraine to provide courses in cultural studies and library and information science. The university is dedicated to nurturing individuals with the intellect and skills to address societal issues.

    21. Kharkiv State Academy of Physical Culture

  • Kharkiv State Academy of Physical Culture Page
  • Kharkiv State Academy of Physical Culture was first established as the Institute of Physical Culture in Kharkiv in 1930. For over 90 years, it has provided education in the fields of Health and Physical Education. Programs under these programs are open for upcoming Bachelor’s and Master’s students. Moreover, students may join in extracurricular activities such as competitions, scientific research, and more.

    22. Kharkiv State Zooveterinary Academy

  • Kharkiv State Zooveterinary Academy Page
  • Having served education for almost two centuries, Kharkiv State Zooveterinary Academy is a public university specializing in agricultural and veterinary education. It offers Ukrainian, Russian, and English-taught programs at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. The campus is also filled with educational and recreational facilities, like its six museums, library, and gymnasium. Connections with international associations are also present in the university through internships, research activities, projects, and conferences.


    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. Can International Students Study in Public Universities in Kharkiv?

    Absolutely! International students in public universities in Kharkiv can pursue different program levels, but the most popular ones are bachelor’s and master’s programs.

    As for tuition fees, note that these vary across specific disciplines and program levels, with some charging significantly more than others. Specifically, public universities in Kharkiv charge up to 147,800 UAH for bachelor’s and 239,000 UAH for master’s studies.


    I hope this article can help you in your search for public universities in Kharkiv. Feel free to check out the Available Programs for International Students to learn more about studying abroad.