Zaporizhzhia National University

Zaporizhzhia National University (ZNU) is a public classical university located in Zaporizhzhia, one of Ukraine’s major industrial, scientific and cultural centres. Established in 1930 and granted classical university status in 1985, ZNU combines a long academic tradition with engineering and applied expertise and a growing focus on interdisciplinary education and research.

Today, ZNU comprises 12 faculties and the Engineering Educational and Scientific Institute, serving approximately 12,000 students across bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programmes. Its academic portfolio spans the humanities and social sciences, education, law, business and economics, natural sciences, information technology, engineering and industrial technologies. This combination of a comprehensive classical university profile with engineering and applied sciences is one of ZNU’s distinctive strengths.

ZNU develops practice-oriented, research-informed education designed to prepare graduates for rapidly changing professional and social environments. The University is expanding flexible learning pathways, interdisciplinary programmes, digital and blended learning, opportunities for academic mobility, and closer engagement with employers and practitioners. Particular attention is given to critical thinking, digital and entrepreneurial competencies, individual learning pathways and the connection between education, research and practical experience.

Research at ZNU spans the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and engineering, with an increasing emphasis on interdisciplinarity, international visibility and societal impact. Strategic areas include peace and security studies, cultural heritage, green technologies and transformation, social innovation and sustainable regional development. The University is strengthening support for early-career researchers, open science, international research networks and the transfer of research results into policy and practice.

Internationalisation is a cross-cutting priority in ZNU’s development. The University cooperates with higher education institutions and research organisations across Europe and beyond and participates in Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions and other international programmes. International cooperation supports student and staff mobility, collaborative research, curriculum development, capacity building and the exchange of academic expertise. ZNU is also developing internationalisation at home to ensure that international and intercultural learning opportunities are accessible beyond physical mobility.

Located in a frontline region profoundly affected by Russia’s war against Ukraine, ZNU has maintained continuity of education, research and international cooperation under exceptionally challenging conditions. This experience has reinforced the University’s commitment to resilience, inclusive and flexible education, social responsibility and research addressing the challenges of recovery and reconstruction.

ZNU sees itself as an open and socially engaged university, working in partnership with communities, public authorities, businesses, schools, civil society organisations, cultural institutions and international partners. Its alumni community includes more than 120,000 graduates working in Ukraine and internationally.

Combining the academic tradition of a classical university with engineering and applied expertise, ZNU is developing an interdisciplinary, internationally connected and socially engaged model of higher education. Its strategic ambition is to contribute through education, research and partnership to the sustainable development of its region, Ukraine’s recovery and the country’s integration into the European academic and research community.