Kharkiv State Academy of Culture is a Ukrainian public academy in Kharkiv. Kharkiv State Academy of Culture is a dynamic, forward-looking institution of higher education preparing students for professional careers in a wide variety of fields, such as social communication and information, business and administration, psychology, culture and arts. Its unique feature is that education is carried out in one academic complex with strong interdisciplinary links, which made it possible for the Academy to become one of the top centres of culture and education in Ukraine.
History
Established in 1929, Kharkiv State Academy of Culture had long been the only higher education institution providing competent specialists for the cultural sector of Ukraine. It was the first in Ukraine to start education in library and information science (LIS) and, later, in cultural studies.
The institute was establishment in September 10, 1929, when the Council of People’s Commissars of Ukraine at its meeting decided to reorganize the Faculty of Political Education of Kharkiv Institute of Public Education into a separate institute of political education. In 1930, the institute was renamed into Kharkiv Institute of Communist Education, and in 1931 – All-Ukrainian Institute of Communist Education (VUIKO). By order of the People’s Commissariat of Education of Ukraine dated July 1, 1935, VUIKO was reorganized into Ukrainian Library Institute, which since 1939 has carried the name Kharkiv State Library Institute.
In 1964 Kharkiv State Library Institute was reorganized into Kharkiv State Institute of Culture (KSIC). In 1998 Kharkiv State Academy of Culture was created on the basis of liquidated Kharkiv State Institute of Culture.
University Today
Today the Kharkiv State Academy of Culture is a modern university-type institution accredited at the highest, 4th level, providing the best education in the country in LIS and cultural studies. The Academy offers a broad range of bachelor and master degree programmes in 10 subject areas (specialities) of 6 fields of study: “Culture and Arts”, “Humanitarian Sciences”, “Social and Behavioural Sciences”, “Management and Administration”, “Journalism”, “Service Sector”. Over the years of its existence Kharkiv State Academy of Culture has educated over 40,000 professionals, including more than 400 international students from 42 countries of Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America. Many international graduates of Kharkiv State Academy of Culture occupy top positions at the ministries and cultural institutions in their countries.
The education process in the Academy is aimed at the formation of a creative attitude to the chosen speciality, to the development of practical skills which enable graduates to solve professional issues in the most effective way. The main objective of teaching is to develop in future specialists the systemic approach to the solution of complicated managerial and social situations, strategic thinking, social and professional mobility, lifelong striving for self-education and self-improvement.
The Academy is a member of the Organization of European Cooperation in the Field of Library and Information Education (BOBKATSSS), the European Association of Library and Information Education and Scientific Research (EUCLID). Our teachers take an active part in international scientific conferences and seminars in the fields of culture, the art of information activities. KhSAC has strong educational and scientific ties with a number of higher educational institutions in Great Britain, Poland, the USA, Denmark, and China. According to the concluded agreements, the academy carries out an international exchange of teachers, scientists, students, and provides an opportunity for its students to continue their studies abroad.
Kharkiv State Academy of Culture took the third place in the Third All-Ukrainian rating of art institutions of higher education of Ukraine in the academic year 2024-2025, confirming the consistently high positions in the field of higher art education. The rating covers 14 higher education institutions subordinated to the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine and is the only independent research in Ukraine that takes into account the specifics of art higher education.
Structure
- Faculty of Cultural Studies and Social Communications
- Faculty of Audiovisual Artі
- Faculty of Musical Arts
- Faculty of Performing Arts
- Faculty of Choreographic Art
- Center for Quality Assurance in Education and Innovative Development
- Center for International Education and Cooperation
- Center for Continuing Education and Public Relations
Accommodation
The academy offers two main dormitories for student accommodation. Dormitory No. 1 and Dormitory No. 2 are well-maintained and conveniently located near the main campus.
Dormitory No. 1 offers rooms of higher comfort, while Dormitory No. 2 provides standard accommodation. Both dormitories ensure a cozy and safe stay for students.
Rooms are designed for shared living, typically housing two to four students. They are fully equipped with beds, desks, wardrobes, and access to essential bedding and linens. Each floor features shared kitchens fitted with gas stoves and refrigerators, along with communal bathrooms and separate shower rooms for men and women.
Students can study in designated common rooms and attend informal gatherings in lounge areas. These spaces foster a community environment conducive to both work and relaxation. Dorms are secured and maintained by dedicated staff, including administrators, cleaners, and security personnel, ensuring cleanliness, order, and year-round support.