O.M. Beketov National University of Urban Economy in Kharkiv founded in 1922, is the oldest sector-specific institution of higher education in Ukraine. The university trains specialists at all educational and qualification levels across a wide range of fields and specializations aimed at supporting the vital functions of modern cities and ensuring their sustainable development in the future.
History
O.M. Beketov National University of Urban Economy in Kharkiv was established in 1922. Based on the “Regulation on the Management of Municipal Economy,” adopted at a joint meeting of the Council of People’s Commissars of Ukraine and the heads of provincial executive committees on July 12, 1922, a decision was made to establish the All-Ukrainian Technical School of Municipal Economy (VTKG) in Kharkiv.
According to a resolution of the Collegium of the People’s Commissariat of Education, starting July 1, 1929, the Kharkiv Evening Technical School of National Economy was merged with the Kharkiv Institute of National Economy as a separate evening faculty, maintaining its original purpose.
On July 12, 1930, the Council of People’s Commissars of the Ukrainian SSR issued a resolution stating: “The Kharkiv Institute of Municipal Economy (KIME) is established on the basis of the municipal faculty of the Kharkiv Institute of National Economy.”
In 1938, as part of the Kharkiv Educational Complex for Municipal Economy, the Kharkiv Institute of Municipal Economy was renamed the Kharkiv Institute of Municipal Construction (KIMC). In 1939, the institution received a new name: the Kharkiv Institute of Engineers of Municipal Construction (KIE MC). According to the order of the Ministry of Higher Education of the Ukrainian SSR dated July 4, 1989, KIE MC was renamed the Kharkiv Institute of Municipal Economy Engineers (KIMEE).
In recognition of its national and international achievements and its significant contribution to education and science, the President of Ukraine granted the institution national status on December 26, 2003, and it became the Kharkiv National Academy of Municipal Economy (KNAME).
By resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated November 28, 2012, the academy was reorganized and transformed into the Kharkiv University of Municipal Economy. According to Presidential Decree No. 162 dated March 26, 2013, the institution was granted the status of a national university of municipal economy.
Finally, by Order No. 464 of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine dated April 25, 2013, the university was named after O.M. Beketov and became known as O.M. Beketov National University of Urban Economy in Kharkiv.
University Today
O.M. Beketov National University of Urban Economy in Kharkiv is a modern and dynamic educational and research complex. It comprises five educational and research institutes, one faculty, two colleges, four educational centers, and ten regional educational and consultation centers across the country. The university also offers postgraduate and doctoral programs, hosts sector-specific research units, and includes a scientific and methodological center. Today, the university educates approximately 7,000 students, including more than 500 international students from around the world.
It is a unique higher educational establishment in the field of training highly-skilled professionals for housing and municipal economy, municipal management, construction, transport, electricity-, water-, gas-, and heat supply, lighting sphere, tourist and hotel industry, ecological and technological safety. University has specialized academic councils to award Doctor’s degree and PhD operate in the University.
The University has developed physical infrastructure and social services: total area of buildings 160,000 sq m., 8 dormitories, sports complex 6,000 sq m., ibrary with nearly 1 million copies, digital repository containing more than 25 thousand books of methodological support, centre of new information technologies, museum complex, student club.
A significant contribution by University scientists has been made to the development and implementation of international and national programs, including international educational projects on ecology and environmental protection, regional reform program of housing and communal services.
University has long history of successful implementation of different EU projects including Erasmus Mundus and Tempus projects. Currently University is an active participant of Erasmus+ program, including credit mobility and capacity building projects. Also, the University is a member of the International Association of Universities.
One of the university’s notable international engagements is its participation in the Erasmus+ program, including both credit mobility and capacity-building projects. Through Erasmus+, O.M. Beketov NUUEKh has established collaborations with universities across Europe, such as the University of Nova Gorica (Slovenia), Middle East Technical University (Turkey), Aristotle University (Greece), and the University of Helsinki (Finland), among others.
Structure
- Educational and Scientific Institute of Architecture, Design, and Fine Arts
- Educational and Scientific Institute of Construction and Civil Engineering
- Educational and Scientific Institute of Economics and Management
- Educational and Scientific Institute of Energy, Information, and Transport Infrastructure
- Educational and Scientific Institute for the Training of Highly Qualified Personnel
Accommodation
The university provides comfortable accommodation for international and local students in its on-campus dormitory. The hostel offers rooms designed for two or three residents, ensuring a cozy and friendly living environment. Each floor is equipped with separate kitchens, allowing students to prepare meals independently.
To support a balanced and active lifestyle, the dormitory includes a fully equipped gym where students can exercise and stay fit. A dedicated library and reading spaces within the building provide a quiet atmosphere for study and academic preparation. For cultural and social events, the residence features an assembly hall and a cozy on-site café where students can relax and socialize.
Modern shower facilities are available and maintained to meet hygiene standards, contributing to the overall comfort of living. The hostel is not only a place for living but also a space that promotes community, learning, and well-being — ensuring that students have everything necessary for both study and daily life.