29 Best Public Universities in Kyiv for International Students
Kyiv 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 Kyiv 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.
There are 32 universities you can find in Kyiv, and 29 of them are public universities. Having these many choices makes Kyiv a great place for international students.
In this article, you’ll find out the public universities in Kyiv, with some added information on programs, tuition, and how many international students you’ll be studying with. Let’s get started!
Public Universities in Kyiv
1. Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv
Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv is an outstanding Ukrainian institution that has educated and trained countless local and international students. It offers a wide array of study programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Highly-qualified professors and experts teach all courses using years of experience in their respective fields. Moreover, the institute has long-term and active partnerships with several renowned local and foreign universities. It offers off-campus opportunities such as exchange programs, attending conferences abroad, and attending lectures.
2. National Technical University of Ukraine “Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute”
The National Technical University of Ukraine “Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute” is quite a mouthful, so it’s more known by its acronym NTUU KPI or simply KPI. Ukraine’s most prestigious university is located in its capital, Kiev (or Kyiv), and focuses on technical disciplines and related research. Besides research, KPI also promotes collaboration among each other and with international institutions.
KPI’s prestige is not just limited to the country. It is recognized worldwide, with the university being part of the world’s top 4% of universities. This incredible feat is compounded with other remarkable placements in the Impact Rankings 2022 of THE, EECA University Rankings of QS, and more.
3. National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine
The National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine is a state academic institution focused on agriculture. If you look into its history, it began as an agricultural school known as Ukrainian Agricultural Academy. When it became a university, it was first named National Agricultural University before earning its current title.
Over time, the institution expanded in its focus. Besides agriculture, the university took an interest in life and environmental sciences. This may have prompted the renaming to accurately reflect this institution’s purposes. Such purpose is to research and understand issues surrounding life, the environment, and agriculture. It also produces innovations within the said disciplines.
4. National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy
The National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy is a prominent research-centric institution whose programs are predominantly taught in Ukrainian. Despite so, it is welcoming to international students, whether they take non-degree or full-time courses. Local or not, many students are attracted to NaUKMA because of its high-tier education. The institution ranks well worldwide and in Europe. Such outstanding performance in annual assessments can be credited to its research contributions and excellent student training across six faculties and disciplines.
5. National Aviation University
The field of aviation covers many disciplines, from air navigation to transport and logistics. As one of Ukraine’s premier specialized institutions, the National Aviation University covers all the necessities of its field and more. By more, that means the institution even offers law, psychology, ecology, and pharmaceutical biotechnology courses. As for its aviation specialty, the university goes above and beyond by having an aviation academy, producing an aviator newspaper, establishing an aviation medical center, and supporting the State Aviation museum.
6. Kyiv National Economic University
Kyiv National Economic University is a public university founded in 1906 in Kyiv. It consists of nine faculties and other institutes. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various academic disciplines, with students having the option to study on-campus or distance learning. Students who prefer to study in face-to-face learning will have multiple access to the university’s state-of-the-art and modern facilities, such as advanced research institutes, sports centers, and art clubs.
7. National University of Food Technologies
The National University of Food Technologies is a public higher education institution specializing in applying science and technology in different aspects of food processing, such as preservation, packaging, and quality assurance. It was established in 1884 and is known as one of Ukraine’s oldest universities. Students at the university receive a top-notch education from academic and industry experts. They carry out various research projects and other scientific activities that allow them to apply their learnings.
8. O.O. Bogomolets National Medical University
O.O. Bogomolets National Medical University is an international medical and life sciences school in Kyiv. It is devoted to raising highly qualified practitioners in the medical industry with a strong focus on improving healthcare in underdeveloped nations. The university’s programs are both theoretical and practical and promote a culture of respect toward the dignity of every one of their patients.
9. Kyiv National University of Trade and Economics
The Kyiv National University of Trade and Economics is one of the most famous universities in the region of Kyiv, Ukraine, and houses over 40,000 students. This university was established in 1946 based on the need for a university that specialized in the economy and its development, and based on that, students have greatly benefited from the educational programs there.
10. Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture
Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture is one of Ukraine’s top specialized institutions. It was formerly known as the Kyiv Civil Engineering Institute, but the name was aptly replaced as it expanded its specialties and became a full-fledged university.
The faculties that comprise KNUCA encompass disciplines relevant to construction and architecture, like geoinformation systems, automation, and territory management. Besides providing education, these faculties and other units regularly pursue research in the field, making the university important to the state.
11. National Pedagogical Dragomanov University
Pedagogy focuses on teaching and how it is done. By the name itself, it can be seen that the National Pedagogical Dragomanov University centers on teaching or teacher training. However, time and experience have shown that this institution does well in other disciplines, like philology, the sciences, psychology, and other courses. Thus, from a humble teacher-training institute, the National Pedagogical Dragomanov University has grown into a full-fledged academia with around 17 faculties, each focusing on a specific subject.
Being founded in the 1830s, the National Pedagogical Dragomanov University has had more than a century of teaching and experience. It has produced thousands of graduates and forged valuable networks in and out of the country. As the university moves forward, it can only be expected to improve and hone even more talents.
12. State Tax University
The State Tax University (STU) is a prominent educational institution in Ukraine specializing in finance, economics, and tax administration. It was established in 1921 and has a long history of training professionals for the fiscal service.
As a primary training ground for tax professionals, the STU plays a crucial role in supporting Ukraine’s economic development. Its graduates contribute to the effective administration of the tax system, which is essential for generating government revenue and fostering economic growth.
13. Shupyk National Healthcare University of Ukraine
Having gone through transformative growth since 1918, Shupyk National Healthcare University of Ukraine was a product of its nation’s freedom and resilience from the Russian empire. It has provided well-needed education in health, medicine, and related fields of study. Not only does the university offer specialized training programs, but it also extends to international research and clinical work.
14. Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University
Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University is a student-centered educational institution with over 120 years of experience. It follows innovative teaching methods that allow students to have long-term learning and close links with numerous enterprises and businesses. The university highly promotes ethical and social values to its students with the hopes of developing professionals that are not just intelligent but also compassionate.
15. V.I. Vernadsky Taurida National University
Founded in 1918, V.I. Vernadsky Taurida National University is considered one of the top universities in Ukraine. Its reputation is recognized by multiple international organizations, such as the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and Silk Road University Alliance. This reputation is also reflected in the education offered at Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral levels. Aside from regional cooperations, students from outside Ukraine may also apply with accommodations easily accessible in and out of the university. Some of these accommodations are the university hostel and private apartments.
16. National University of Physical Education and Sports of Ukraine
Among the many universities in Kyiv, the National University of Physical Education and Sports of Ukraine stands out for many reasons. Firstly, it is a highly specialized institution with programs strictly related to its chosen discipline. Secondly, its specialization – physical education and sports – is unique yet essential to the state. Lastly, it offers its courses in a variety of formats. You can pursue full-time, part-time, on-campus, or extra-mural/distance courses.
17. Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design
Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design education is notable for encompassing several disciplines and providing practical and quality education. Students do not just learn theories – they are also equipped with skills to apply their knowledge in various industries, from fashion to economics. From the start, such practicality has been the university’s trademark; indeed, it was founded as a leather industry institute in 1930.
The university continues molding the next generation of skills and talent to contribute to Ukraine’s economy. It improves its quality by constantly competing against and meeting global standards.
18. Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts
Focusing on the creative fields of study, Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts has continued to offer invaluable education to the youth since 1968. The university provides education in a variety of fields, including Cinematography in Film and Television, Sound Engineering, and Film Acting. Multiple innovative events have also been conducted, such as the round table for “Prospects for the Development of Audiovisual Art” and the International Scientific and Practical Conference on “Educational Challenges of the Socio-cultural Sphere. Implementation of European values in Audiovisual Culture.”
19. Kyiv National Linguistic University
Kyiv National Linguistic University (KNLU) is a public university in Kyiv, Ukraine. It was founded in 1947 as a successor to the Kyiv State Pedagogical Institute of Foreign Languages. KNLU’s goal is to train highly qualified specialists in foreign languages, and enrollment has more than doubled since 1990. The university offers programs in philology, oriental studies, translation, economics, and law.
20. Petro Tchaikovsky National Music Academy of Ukraine
The Petro Tchaikovsky National Music Academy of Ukraine is a public university in Kyiv, Ukraine. It was founded in 1913 as the Music Campus of the Russian Musical Society’s Music College. It is one of the country’s oldest and most prestigious music universities, with a faculty that includes 5 Heroes of Ukraine, 65 People’s Artists, and 57 honored Ukrainian artists.
21. National Transport University
National Transport University is a public university in Kyiv, Ukraine. It was established in 1944 as the Kyiv Automobile and Highway Institute. It was one of the first to specialize in road traffic engineering and transportation economics. The university currently offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in over twenty fields of study.
22. State University of Telecommunications
State University of Telecommunications is a specialized public institution in Kyiv. Its location is strategic because Kyiv is Ukraine’s capital and densest city. Students get access to many opportunities, especially those relevant to the field. Telecommunications is also a timely discipline to pursue amid this age of modernity and technology.
23. National Academy of Management of Culture and Arts
The National Academy of Management of Culture and Arts is a public university in Kyiv, Ukraine. It was established in 1970 as the Institute for Further Training of Culture Specialists. Undergraduate and postgraduate programs in arts, multimedia, performance, and design are available at the university. The university also has audio recording studios, a publishing department, and a multimedia center.
24. Kyiv National University of Theatre, Cinema and Television
Kyiv National University of Theatre, Cinema, and Television was established in 1904 and is known as one of Ukraine’s oldest universities for the arts. The university aims to promote Ukrainian art and culture on the world stage and to provide world-class education and training to aspiring stage and screen actors and performers. The university offers bachelor’s and master’s programs taught by internationally-renowned artists and masters in television, theater, and cinema.
25. Bila Tserkva National Agrarian University
Bila Tserkva National Agrarian University is a public university in Kyiv, Ukraine. It was founded in 1929. The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in management and education through six faculties. At the university’s 45 departments, well-known scientists and experienced teachers, including NAAS academicians, doctors of sciences, professors, candidates of sciences, and associate professors, currently work and lecture at the institute.
26. State University of Infrastructure and Technology
Consisting of three institutes and two colleges, State University of Infrastructure and Technology in Kyiv is a public university that offers programs in 25 specialties. These programs are taught at Bachelor’s and Master’s levels. All teachings are guided by multiple principles including integration, science, humanism, and democracy. Additionally, the university has a trade union organization for all students. The union opens up various opportunities for students such as practical training, financial aid, rehabilitation programs, and employment.
27. National Academy of Visual Arts and Architecture
The National Academy of Visual Arts and Architecture was established in 1917 and are among Ukraine’s top art educational institutions. The academy is dedicated to preserving the country’s art and culture and discovering modern techniques and approaches to studying and practicing art. It offers world-class programs in art and architecture designed to provide students with vast opportunities for employment and further studies.
28. Oleksandr Dovzhenko Hlukhiv National Pedagogical University
Oleksandr Dovzhenko Hlukhiv National Pedagogical University, also known as Hlukhiv National Pedagogical University, is a public university founded in 2001. The university claims to reflect the “socio-political, social and economic” changes that have undergone Ukraine, which allows them to produce highly competent graduates of Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs.
29. Kiev College of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Design
Kiev College of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Design is a public university that offers multidisciplinary education. It provides specialty education in different fields of study, such as architecture, construction, and woodworking technologies. Also, the university incorporates cultural and spiritual values in its teachings. Aside from technical knowledge, students have access to multiple facilities like research laboratories, a library, sports buildings, and recreational spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can International Students Study in Public Universities in Kyiv?
Absolutely! International students in public universities in Kyiv 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 Kyiv charge up to 196,400 UAH for bachelor’s and 470,800 UAH for master’s studies.
I hope this article can help you in your search for public universities in Kyiv. Feel free to check out the Available Programs for International Students to learn more about studying abroad.