The National Technical University “Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute” is a public technical university in Kharkiv, Ukraine. The National Technical University “Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute” (NTU “KhPI”) is one of Ukraine’s leading and largest technical higher education institutions, founded in 1885. It is the founding institution of several existing universities, including: the National Aerospace University “Kharkiv Aviation Institute”, Kharkiv National University of Radio Electronics, and Sumy State University.
The National Technical University “Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute” has the highest licensed enrollment capacity in Eastern and Southern Ukraine: over 5,500 full-time places and more than 3,500 part-time. It is the only higher education institution in Ukraine that trains engineers in such fields as turbine engineering, boiler and reactor construction, electrical insulation, cable and capacitor technology, and fat and fat-substitute processing technologies.
History
The origins of Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute date back to August 1885, when the first cohort of students — 125 in total — was admitted: 85 to the Mechanical Department and 40 to the Chemical Department. The official inauguration of the Kharkiv Practical Technological Institute took place on September 15, 1885.
In 1888, physical and chemical laboratories were established, followed by a technical laboratory. In 1889, a chemical workshop building (now the Technical Building) was constructed. In 1890, the institute celebrated its first graduation, conferring engineering degrees on 38 graduates in mechanical and chemical engineering. By 1897, student enrollment had doubled, with 250 first-year students admitted. In 1898, the institute was renamed the Kharkiv Technological Institute, marking its growing prestige in higher education.
In 1902, the Student Technical Society was founded, playing a significant role in advancing technical education and professional development. In 1903, construction began on the Engineering and Physics Building, which remains a central part of the university campus. In 1923, an Aviation Department was introduced within the Mechanical Faculty.
In December 1929, the Kharkiv Technological Institute was renamed the Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute (KhPI), solidifying its position as a leader in engineering education in Ukraine. As a result of the reorganization of the Polytechnic Institute, six independent institutes were established based on individual faculties. On the university campus, the following remained: the Mechanical Engineering Institute (KhMMI), the Chemical Technology Institute (KhKhTI), and the Electrical Engineering Institute (KhETI).
In the autumn of 1941, KhMMI was evacuated to Krasnoufimsk, and KhKhTI to Chirchik. KhETI temporarily ceased operations. On January 12, 1942, academic classes of KhMMI resumed in evacuation. After the liberation of Kharkiv, the institutes began returning from evacuation. In October, classes resumed at KhMMI, and in November — at KhETI.
In 1946, KhETI opened a Faculty of Radio Engineering. The institutes began accepting students from countries of the people’s democracies. The first students arrived from Bulgaria and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. On September 7, 1949, the Council of Ministers of the USSR passed a resolution to restore the Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute (KhPI). In 1965, the Faculty of Transport Engineering was established. In 1973, a preparatory faculty for international students was established at the institute.
By 1991, more than 1,000 international students, postgraduate students, and trainees from 72 countries were studying at the institute. The preparatory faculty for foreign students had 250 students enrolled. In 1998, the university offered training in 59 specializations for full-time study and 29 for part-time study. It remained the only institution in Ukraine preparing engineering professionals in fields such as turbine engineering, boiler and reactor engineering, electrical insulation, cable and capacitor technology, and fat and fat substitute processing, among others.
The university includes 17 full-time faculties, a part-time faculty, a preparatory department, preparatory courses, a training center for international citizens, an intersectoral institute, and a faculty for advanced training. It also houses three research and design institutes, including NIPKI “Bliskavka” and “Ionosfera”, as well as a machine-tool technical college. The university occupies 60 educational, laboratory, and scientific-industrial buildings, with a total area of 286,147 square meters. The instructional area per full-time student is 14.5 square meters.
Taking into account the nationwide and international recognition of its achievements and its significant contribution to the development of national higher education and science, by the Decree of the President of Ukraine dated September 11, 2000, KhDPU was granted the status of a National University and was henceforth named: National Technical University “Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute”.
As a result of the restructuring of the Engineering and Physics Faculty in 2001, a new faculty — Faculty of Informatics and Management — was established. In 2016, NTU “KhPI” ranked among the top three universities in Ukraine according to the international Webometrics Ranking.
In 2018, the university underwent a reorganization of its academic and research divisions. Five educational and research institutes were established: Institute of Power Engineering, Electronics and Electromechanics, Institute of Mechanical Engineering and Transport, Engineering and Physics Institute, Institute of Economics, Management, and International Relations, Military Institute of Tank Troops of NTU “KhPI”. Additionally, five faculties were formed: Faculty of Computer Science and Software Engineering, Faculty of Computer and Information Technologies, Faculty of Social and Humanitarian Technologies, Faculty of International Education, Chernivtsi Faculty.
University Today
Today, National Technical University “Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute” comprises 10 educational and research institutes and 103 departments, with over 15,000 students enrolled. Kharkiv Polytechnic ranks among the top five universities in Ukraine and is included in international rankings such as the QS World University Rankings 2023, where it holds the title of the best technical university in Ukraine (2nd among Ukrainian universities, in the 651–700 range), and the THE World University Rankings. In 2022, NTU “KhPI’s” unique IT training program Innovation Campus received global recognition with a silver award in the field of education.
National Technical University “Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute”, accredited at the highest (Level IV) accreditation, offers degree programs in 102 specializations in full-time format and 70 in part-time format. In 2000, a Presidential Decree granted the university the status of a National Higher Education Institution of Ukraine, and in 2010, NTU “KhPI” acquired the status of a National Research University.
In addition to its 10 educational and research institutes, National Technical University “Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute” also includes the Center for Distance and Part-Time Learning, the Pre-University Training Center, the Faculty of International Education, the Intersectoral Institute for Continuing Education, and three research and design institutes. NTU “KhPI” also comprises the Military Institute of Tank Troops, the Kharkiv Computer and Technology College, and the Poltava Polytechnic College.
Special attention at the university is devoted to a systematic approach to improving the organization of the educational process, as well as a radical enhancement of the content of professional education. Based on a comparative analysis of curricula from leading universities in Ukraine, neighboring countries, the USA (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), and European countries (Magdeburg Technical University), and through the development of structural-logical schemes, new curricula have been created. These curricula optimally combine humanities, natural sciences, mathematics, and technical knowledge. They also incorporate university-developed concepts such as “Humanization of Higher Engineering Education – a Strategy for the Behavior of the Modern Engineer” and a student development framework.
National Technical University “Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute” maintains expanding academic, scientific, and cultural ties with leading universities in the USA, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Poland, Hungary, Romania, China, and Vietnam. Currently, around 1,850 international students from 30 countries are studying at the university. The university boasts a modern material and technical base with a developed infrastructure that not only supports the educational and research processes but also addresses social needs such as housing for students and staff, healthcare, and wellness services.
National Technical University “Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute” includes: 15 dormitories with a total capacity of nearly 8,000 residents, 7 residential buildings, a Student Palace with dance and exhibition halls, a modern sports complex with two swimming pools (one of which meets Olympic standards), 14 sports halls, a recreational camp in Fihurovka.
Institutes and Faculties
- Military Institute for Tank Troops
- Institute of Education and Science in Power Engineering, Electronics and Electromechanics
- Institute of Education and Science in Mechanical Engineering and Transport
- Institute of Education and Science in Engineering and Physics
- Institute of Education and Science in Chemical Technologies and Engineering
- Institute of Education and Science in Economics, Management and International Business
- Faculty for International Education
- Faculty of social and humanitarian technologies
- Faculty of Computer Sciences and Software Engineering
- Faculty for Computer and Information Technologies
- Inter-branch Institute for the Postgraduate Education
- Center for the Extramural and Distance Training of NTU “KhPI”
Accommodation
The hostel of the National Technical University “Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute” for international students offers modern, comfortable living with improved facilities tailored to meet student needs. This nine-storey building is equipped with two modern elevators and features recently renovated living spaces, services, and amenities.
Each room is furnished and includes a private bathroom with a toilet and shower. For added convenience, two fully equipped communal kitchens are available on every floor. The residence also features a sports room, designated areas for classes and recreation, and 24/7 video surveillance at the entrance and on each floor to ensure safety and security. Additional amenities include laundry facilities, helping residents manage their daily needs with ease.