Odesa I.I. Mechnikov National University stands as one of Ukraine’s oldest and most prestigious institutions. Holding the highest level of accreditation, the university boasts a rich history of academic excellence and global recognition.
History
Odesa I.I. Mechnikov National University established in 1865, is a prestigious educational and scientific center in Ukraine. It traces its origins to the Richelieu Lyceum founded in 1817, which transitioned into a university system under the reforms of D.M. Knyazhevych in the 1830s. The Imperial University of Novorossiysk, which opened in 1865, encompassed faculties in historical-philological, physical-mathematical, and legal fields, later adding a medical faculty in 1900.
During World War II, the university was evacuated and continued its operations in various locations. A separate university was established by the Romanian authorities in occupied Odesa, which operated in the buildings of the original university. Odesa State University, renamed after I.I. Mechnikov in 1945, resumed operations in 1944 as a symbol of post-war renewal. Recognized for its excellence, it expanded its faculties and infrastructure, receiving prestigious awards like the Order of the Red Banner of Labor in 1965.
In 1991, amid Ukraine’s independence, the university embarked on a path of global integration. Successive rectors implemented reforms to enhance autonomy and adaptability, leading to national recognition in 2000. Since 2010 Odessa I.I. Mechnikov National University has been an active members of the EU Program Erasmus+, which allows students, graduate students and qualified teaching staff to receive training/internship in the leading universities of Western Europe. The university also takes part in the international programs: INTAS, KNOW-HOW, Dnipro, CRDF, Horizon 2020, and others.
University Today
Today, Odesa I.I. Mechnikov National University is one of the most famous universities in Ukraine and Europe, a member of the World and the European University Association. The qualified teaching staff, material and technical basis, the unique scientific library provide high-quality training of students.
Odesa I.I. Mechnikov National University is a thriving academic community with more than 10,000 students and around 1,500 faculty and staff members. Among the teaching staff are over 20 academicians and corresponding members of national and sectoral academies, 18 Honored Figures in Science, Education, and Culture, 12 recipients of state and national-level awards, nearly 120 Doctors of Science and Professors, and more than 600 Candidates of Science and Associate Professors, working across nearly 100 departments.
Each year, the university hosts dozens of international conferences, publishes hundreds of monographs, textbooks, and teaching materials, as well as thousands of scientific articles. Odesa I.I. Mechnikov National University provides professional training under an official license in 20 academic fields and more than 40 specialties.
Nowadays the university has eight academic buildings located in the historic center and in the resort of Odesa. The social and domestic base of the university includes eight residence halls, four dining rooms, medical facilities and other.
Faculties
- Faculty of Biology
- Faculty of Geology and Geography
- Faculty of International Relations, Political science and Sociology
- Faculty of Economics and Law
- Faculty of History and Philosophy
- Faculty of Journalism, Advertising, and Publishing
- Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Information Technologies
- Faculty of Psychology and Social Work
- Faculty of Romance and Germanic Philology
- Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy
Accommodation
At Odesa I.I. Mechnikov National University, student accommodation is provided in comfortable dormitories located on or near the campus. The dormitories offer a range of amenities to ensure a pleasant living experience for international students. Each room is equipped with the necessary furniture, including beds, bedside tables, a table, and chairs. Additionally, there are common areas such as lobbies, kitchens, and study rooms where students can relax and socialize. The university prioritizes accommodation for out-of-town students, foreign students, and student families, as well as those from underprivileged backgrounds. The university strives to create a supportive and conducive environment for student life, ensuring that students have access to adequate living conditions while pursuing their academic goals.