University “Ukraine”
The Open International University of Human Development “Ukraine”
The Open International University of Human Development “Ukraine” (University “Ukraine”) was founded in December 1998 as a private, non-profit higher education institution of a new, integrated type. Its core mission is a strong humanistic and social commitment: to train highly qualified professionals, primarily among young people with disabilities, orphans, and citizens from socially disadvantaged backgrounds.
Over the years, the University has evolved into a modern higher education institution with Level IV accreditation. Today, it comprises seven institutes and one college within its core structure in Kyiv, as well as 33 geographically separate units, including 13 institutes, 4 branches, and 16 colleges. More than 13,000 students study at the University, including approximately 380 students with disabilities. Annually, the number of students with disabilities ranges from 400 to 2,100, representing up to 8% of the total student population. By comparison, in other higher education institutions in Ukraine, students with disabilities account for no more than 1%.
The University delivers educational programs in 11 skilled worker specializations, 20 programs leading to the professional degree of Junior Bachelor, 34 Bachelor’s degree programs, 31 Master’s degree programs, and 5 doctoral (PhD) programs.
Over its 26-year history, the University has educated and graduated more than 200,000 professionals at various qualification levels, including over 11,000 graduates with disabilities.
The activities of University “Ukraine” are aligned with the implementation of modern state policies and strategies aimed at strengthening the national higher education system, adapting it to a socially oriented economy, and integrating it into the European and global educational space.
For many years, the University has been actively engaged in educational innovation. Interactive technologies, video lectures, online conferences, and digital assessment tools for monitoring learning outcomes have become an integral part of the educational process. Over the past decade, a comprehensive system of online support and strong methodological resources has enabled the University to effectively “compress time and space” and significantly enhance the quality and content of learning. The University’s online educational support platform has become a virtual hub for innovation not only for academic staff, but also for educators from vocational institutions, colleges, and secondary schools.
The University’s research activities focus on the development and implementation of modern teaching and learning technologies within an integrated educational environment; on scientific and pedagogical foundations for the inclusion of students with disabilities; and on contemporary legal, environmental, medical, and technical challenges addressed through advanced technologies.
The University’s scientific signature scientific event is the international scientific and practical conference “Inclusive Environment: Challenges, Prospects, and Best Practices”, which has been held 25 times to date.
A deep understanding of global trends in higher education and the mechanisms of their implementation provides the basis for analyzing the international educational landscape and defining the role of the Open International University of Human Development “Ukraine” within it. On the global stage, the University seeks to expand its educational achievements while preserving its unique identity, cultural values, and traditions. Studying international best practices in university education serves as a solid foundation for further development, quality enhancement, and strengthening the University’s international attractiveness and competitiveness.
International cooperation is of paramount importance to the University, as it enriches the research base, enhances academic standards, and attracts highly qualified scholars and students from abroad, fostering new discoveries and knowledge. Such cooperation also contributes to expanding international opportunities and strengthening the University’s global reputation and prestige. To date, the University has signed 51 agreements on scientific cooperation with leading research and educational institutions worldwide.
Since 2012, the University has hosted the Ukrainian–Korean Information Access Center, established by the National Information Society Agency of the Republic of Korea. In 2022, the Center underwent a major modernization with state-of-the-art computer equipment and software. Within the Center, a scientific and educational laboratory of cyber-physical systems operates, offering hands-on training in unmanned aerial systems, 3D modeling, and the development of Smart City and Smart Farm solutions.
In recent years, particularly fruitful cooperation has been established with Canterbury Christ Church University (United Kingdom) and Mykolas Romeris University (Lithuania). This collaboration includes joint research leading to the development of support cases for individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). International partnerships also include agreements with the Technical University of Munich (Germany), as well as memoranda of cooperation with Ștefan cel Mare University of Suceava (Romania) and the University of Cologne (Germany). Productive collaboration continues with the Japanese public organization “Stars of Peace,” the Association of Ukrainian–Chinese Community, and leading educational institutions in the United States and across Europe.
University “Ukraine” and Šiauliai University signed an inter-institutional cooperation agreement in 2014, enabling student and staff mobility within the Erasmus+ program. Currently, the University is working on several Erasmus+ projects and has submitted cooperation proposals to Vilnius University (Lithuania), focusing on academic mobility for both faculty and students across various institutional fields.
Long-term cooperation with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation Office in Ukraine (Germany) supports the University’s international activities in the field of inclusion.
One of the key forms of the University’s international engagement is the provision of educational services to international students. The University implements the “Your Chance” program, which allows students to study simultaneously at University “Ukraine” and at a European higher education institution, following European curricula under the supervision of international faculty.
If the chosen specialization abroad does not fully correspond to the program at University “Ukraine,” a tailored integrated curriculum is developed, incorporating disciplines from the foreign program. Studies at partner institutions are conducted within European dual-degree frameworks under the ERASMUS (European Region Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students) programs.
The concept of inclusive education was implemented in Ukraine for the first time at University “Ukraine.” It is based on a comprehensive student support system developed and introduced by the University’s scholars. The student body includes not only traditional students but also young people with disabilities, orphans, older adults, gifted children, and individuals from low-income families. The support technologies ensure the holistic development of each individual—professional, intellectual, physical, creative, and leadership-oriented.
To coordinate work with students with special educational needs, the University established a dedicated Center for Inclusive Learning Technologies. Student support is provided across multiple dimensions: technical, pedagogical, psychological, social, sports-related, medical and rehabilitation, as well as professional adaptation and rehabilitation.
A significant achievement of the University is the employment of many graduates with disabilities. The University’s academic reserve is formed by members of the student scientific society and winners of student research competitions, including students with disabilities. Named scholarships established by renowned scholars and public figures with disabilities support these students.
University “Ukraine” is characterized by an active and socially engaged student community that organizes and participates in numerous social initiatives and civic activities.