Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman is a leading higher education institution in Ukraine that provides training for students at various levels of higher education (from Bachelor’s to Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)). The University also conducts relevant fundamental and applied scientific research in the fields of social and technical sciences. Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman boasts a well-developed research and innovation infrastructure, a strong academic staff, and sustainable competitive advantages in the training of highly qualified scientific and academic personnel.
History
The university was founded in 1906 as a Higher Commercial course. In May 1908, taking into account its growing popularity and existing achievements, the Kyiv Higher Commercial Courses were reorganized into the Kyiv Commercial Institute (KCI). By 1913, KCI students were undertaking internships in 14 countries around the world (Bulgaria, Poland, Germany, Italy, Portugal, France, Switzerland, Belgium, England, Mexico, the USA, Manchuria, China, and Japan). In 1914, the institute had 4,200 students and over 50 lecturers.
During the German army’s offensive on the Southwestern Front in 1915, a number of city institutions (including educational establishments) were evacuated to the east. After the final establishment of Soviet power in Ukraine, the institute became state-owned and changed its name — from June to August 1920, it was known as the Institute of Social and Economic Sciences, and until 1930, it operated as the Kyiv Institute of National Economy.
In October 1930, the Kyiv Institute of National Economy was divided into three separate institutions, which operated in the same building: the Industrial-Economic Institute (which was soon merged with Kyiv Polytechnic Institute), the Kyiv Institute of Exchange and Distribution, and the Kyiv Financial and Banking Institute. In March 1931, the Kyiv Institute of Exchange and Distribution was liquidated, and in 1932, the Kyiv Financial and Banking Institute was renamed the Financial and Economic Institute and relocated to Kharkiv in 1934, where it remained until 1941 under the name Kharkiv (Ukrainian) Financial and Economic Institute.
Structurally, since 1945, the institute consisted of two faculties: Finance (with departments in Finance and Credit) and Planning (with departments in Industrial Economics and Planning, and Agricultural Economics and Planning).
By the late 1950s, as the institute had already established training in 12 specialties beyond its initial financial-economic focus, on May 19, 1960, the Ministry of Higher and Secondary Specialized Education of the Ukrainian SSR decided to rename the Kyiv Financial and Economic Institute to the Kyiv Institute of National Economy. In 1969, it was named after D.S. Korotchenko.
The university’s contributions to Ukraine’s economic development were recognized at the national level. By resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine on August 25, 1992, the Kyiv Institute of National Economy was renamed the Kyiv State Economic University. On February 27, 1997, by Presidential Decree, the university was granted national status, a deserved recognition of its consistent efforts in training highly qualified professionals for various sectors of the national economy and in advancing Ukrainian economic science.
In 2005, the Kyiv National Economic University was named after Vadym Petrovych Hetman, a prominent Ukrainian economist, the creator of Ukraine’s national currency, and the founder of its banking system.
University Today
Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman today is the largest educational institution in Ukraine specializing in economics, recognized nationally and internationally as a center for training economists, managers, and legal experts. The total area of all university premises is 118,765 square meters or 9,4 square meters per student. All educational department provides their academic staff with 2-3 rooms for spending time, educational-methodical cabinets, as well as workspaces for teachers and auxiliary staff. The auditorium fund includes lecture halls, rooms for seminars and practical classes, computer labs, and more. The total area of the auditorium fund is 14,333 square meters. The university also has sports halls covering an area of 6,709 square meters, as well as its stadium. Both the academic staff and students have access to a rich scientific library with several modern reading rooms. A new library building was constructed in the 2000s. The library’s document collection comprises over 1,270,000 copies. The library structure includes 7 subscription departments and 14 reading rooms. The total area of the library is 6,454.4 square meters.
Recently, Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman has significantly intensified its efforts to establish and maintain close, multi-level ties with universities and organizations from other countries around the world. Participation in international educational programs plays a truly important role in the strategic development of the University.
Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman is a member of the following international organizations and programs:
- EPLO – European Public Law Organization
- Magna Charta Universitatum
- TEMPUS – Trans-European Mobility Programme for University Studies
- RSA – Regional Studies Association
- EAC – European Arbitration Chamber
- Businet (Global Higher Education Network)
Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman holds a prominent position among Ukrainian higher education institutions, particularly in the fields of economics, business, and social sciences. Its performance in various international and national rankings underscores its academic reputation and commitment to sustainable development. According to QS World University Rankings: Europe 2025: KNEU is ranked within the 521–530 bracket among European universities and holds the 76th position in the Eastern Europe sub-ranking. QS Sustainability Ranking 2025 – the university is placed in the 1501+ category, reflecting its ongoing efforts in promoting sustainability. Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2023: KNEU achieved a global ranking within the 801–1000 bracket, securing 3rd place among all Ukrainian universities and leading among institutions specializing in economics and humanities. In World University Rankings 2024: The university is positioned at 923 globally, with an academic ranking of 1005 and a reputation ranking of 1108. These rankings highlight KNEU’s dedication to academic excellence and its significant role in advancing education and research both nationally and internationally.
Faculties and Institutes
- Faculty of International Economics and Management
- Faculty of Marketing
- Faculty of Personnel Management, Sociology and Psychology
- Faculty of Accounting and Tax Management
- Faculty of Finance
- Faculty of Economics and Management
- Institute of Law
- Institute of Information Technologies in Economy
- Institute of Distance Education
Accommodation
According to the agreement, students are provided with a room in the student dormitory with the standard utility payment included, and they live together with Ukrainian students in accordance with the general rules. Furthermore, according to the law, foreign students may choose to live in private housing if they wish.
The university has 6 student dormitories, and international students are usually accommodated in Each room accommodates 2–3 students, and rooms are arranged in blocks with a shared kitchen, toilet, and bathroom. Hostels are equipped with all necessary furniture, including beds, desks, wardrobes, and storage units. Laundry facilities, Wi-Fi access, and common recreational areas are also available for students. There is 100% student room service, and annual redecorating and improvements are carried out to maintain and enhance the living conditions. These include upgrades to domestic appliances and furniture.
To ensure student safety, the dormitory is monitored by round-the-clock security, including a fast-response team and a watch shift, ensuring a secure and comfortable living environment. Thanks to these measures, students feel safe, supported, and at home during their stay at the Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman.