The Higher Educational Institution “Podillia State University” traces its roots back to the Kamianets-Podilskyi State Agricultural Institute, founded in 1919. Established by the Decree of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine in 2004, it operates under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine. Situated in the historic center of Podillia, in the city of Kamianets-Podilskyi, Khmelnytskyi region, it overlooks the picturesque Smotrych River. The university’s mission is to engage in innovative educational activities, conduct fundamental and applied scientific research, disseminate scientific knowledge, and foster cultural and educational endeavors. It aims to train highly qualified specialists, uphold teaching standards, and contribute to the key areas of state development, addressing modern challenges through technological convergence.
The vision of Podillia State University (PSU) is to establish an intelligent system to influences societal development and harmony. PSU values mutual respect, team unity, creativity, initiative, quality, and professionalism. It fosters an environment of openness, encourages positive changes, and upholds responsibility and decency. The principles guiding the univeristy include adaptability, innovation, integration, competitiveness, student-centrism, academic freedom, academic integrity, efficiency, continuity of development, realization of abilities, talents, and competencies, balance of resource potential, and harmonious use of nature.
Higher Educational Institution “Podillia State University” aims to build strong relationships with stakeholders, foster innovation, and ensure academic freedom while upholding ethical standards and academic integrity. It strives for optimal economic and social results, continuous improvement, and the harmonious use of natural resources. By adhering to its values and principles, Higher Educational Institution “Podillia State University” aspires to contribute positively to society and fulfill its mission as a leading educational institution in the region.
University’s History
The roots of the Higher educational institution «Podillia State University» extend back over a century to 1919 when the Faculty of Agriculture commenced its operations at the Kamianets-Podilskyi State Ukrainian University. Serhiy Bachynskyi served as the inaugural dean of the faculty. In 1921, the faculty evolved into an institute, with Professor Oleksa Polonskyi assuming the role of the first rector. Subsequent leadership included professors Mykola Bayer, Fedir Donskyi, and Viktor Chugai.
In 1930, the Agricultural Institute split into two institutions: the Institute of Technical Crops and the Zootechnical Institute. The former trained agronomists until its merger with the Zhytomyr Agricultural Institute in 1933, while the latter, which trained zootechnicians, relocated to Kherson in 1935. Despite these transformations, the pre-war years saw the institution produce 800 highly skilled agricultural specialists, notable among them being Hero of Socialist Labor, academician Oleksiy Kvasnytskyi, and Professor Volodymyr Lekhnovich.
The mid-1950s marked a period of revival for the university. In 1954, the Kamianets-Podilskyi Agricultural Institute resumed its activities, witnessing substantial growth in student enrollment, faculty size, and academic offerings. By then, the university had expanded its facilities, increased its library collection, and diversified its specialties. From the 1960s to the 1980s, the university experienced significant infrastructural development, including the construction of new buildings, dormitories, and sports facilities. It also expanded its academic programs and became a regional educational hub, with graduates contributing to agricultural development in various regions of Ukraine and beyond.
Notable figures who contributed to the Higher educational institution «Podillia State University» development include Professor Semen Serbin and Professor Mykhailo Samokysh, among others. In recognition of its achievements, the institution was granted the status of Podilsk State Agricultural and Technical Academy in 1995, before being further elevated to the status of Podilsk State Agrarian and Technical University in 2004, per government resolutions. It stands as Higher educational institution «Podillia State University», a testament to its enduring legacy and commitment to excellence in agricultural education and research.
University Today
The Higher educational institution «Podillia State University» comprises 4 faculties, 2 educational and scientific institutes, the Research Institute of Cereal Crops named after O. Alekseeva, an educational and scientific center for retraining and advanced training, the scientific and research center “Podillia,” a botanical garden, and 19 educational and scientific laboratories. Additionally, it includes 7 professional colleges located in the Khmelnytskyi (Kamianets-Podilskyi, Shepetivskyi, Novoushytskyi vocational colleges), Ternopil (Buchatskyi vocational college), Chernivtsi (Kitsmanskyi, Khotynskyi vocational colleges), and Ivano-Frankivsk (Snyatinskyi vocational college) regions.
The Higher educational institution «Podillia State University» hosts about 50 International, All-Ukrainian, and regional scientific and scientific-practical conferences. The university actively engages in international activities, facilitating joint scientific research, internships for scientific and pedagogical staff, and student exchanges. It houses two specialized scientific councils for the defense of doctoral theses in 4 specialties. The university has established partnerships with 30 foreign institutions of higher education and over 20 scientific institutions in 15 countries worldwide. It collaborates with institutions in the Republic of Poland, including the Warsaw University of Natural Sciences, Krakow Agrarian University named after Hugo Kollontai, the State University in Tarnów, the Pomeranian Academy, the National Research Institute of Oil and Gas, and the Lublin Polytechnic University.
A vibrant cultural scene is fostered at the Higher educational institution «Podillia State University» through numerous creative associations and amateur artistic groups, contributing significantly to the cultural development of students. Throughout its history since 1919, the institution has trained 63,084 specialists who have made significant contributions to the agricultural sector and other branches of Ukraine’s national economy. Alumni include state and political figures, scientists, industrialists, specialists, and employees of Ukraine’s armed forces, security services, and internal affairs bodies.
Faculties and Institutions
- Faculty of Agrotechnology and Nature Management;
- Faculty of Engineering and Technology;
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Technology in Livestock;
- Educational and Scientific Institute of Business and Finance;
- Educational and Scientific Institute of Energy;
- Educational and Scientific Institute of Correspondence and Distance Education;
- O. Alekseieva Research Institute of Cereal Crops;
- Postgraduate and Doctoral Studies;
- Educational and Scientific Institute of Food Technologies.
Programs
- Agronomy;
- Horticulture and Viticulture;
- Ecology;
- Geodesy and Land Management;
- Landscaping Economy;
- Plant Protection and Quarantine;
- Agricultural Engineering;
- Road Transport;
- Transport Technologies;
- Vocational Education;
- Veterinary Medicine;
- Livestock Production and Processing Technologies of Animal Products;
- Economics;
- Accounting and Taxation;
- Finance, Banking and Insurance;
- Management;
- Public Administration;
- Entrepreneurship, Trade and Exchange Activities;
- Electrical Power Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Electromechanics.
Accommodation
The dormitory at Higher Educational Institution “Podillia State University” stands as a hallmark of convenience and comfort for its residents. Designed with a corridor block system, it offers various room configurations, including cozy arrangements for 2 or 3 occupants. Each block boasts essential amenities, featuring private showers and toilets to ensure residents’ privacy and convenience. Inside the rooms, international students find themselves welcomed by a thoughtful selection of furniture, including beds for restful nights, bedside tables for personal items, study desks for academic pursuits, chairs for relaxation, and spacious wardrobes for storage.
The dormitory is equipped with practical communal spaces, including kitchens where students can prepare meals together, fostering a sense of community. For relaxation and study, there are designated rooms equipped with comfortable seating and conducive environments for academic focus. Ensuring the well-being of its residents, the dormitory also houses essential facilities such as a medical center and an isolation ward. Recreational opportunities abound with an on-site sports field and nearby park area. With the convenience of grocery stores, a pharmacy, and multiple bus stops in close proximity, residents enjoy easy access to daily necessities and transportation options. Completing the experience, a nearby coffee shop offers a welcoming space for socializing and unwinding.