Odesa State Agrarian University (OSAU) stands as the oldest state agricultural institution of higher education in Southern Ukraine, serving as a premier educational, methodological, and scientific hub for nurturing skilled professionals across various branches of agricultural production along the southwestern Black Sea coast. Established on the foundation of the Odesa Agricultural Institute in early 1918, the university owes its inception and growth to a cohort of distinguished scientists of the era. Notable figures such as soil scientist and physiologist Prof. O.G. Nabokikh, geographer and meteorologist I.Y. Tochidlovsky, and future academician A.O. Sapegin played pivotal roles in shaping the institute’s trajectory.
Odesa State Agrarian University operates as a multidisciplinary higher education institution, conducting comprehensive educational programs to cultivate adept professionals across diverse fields, engaging in research activities spanning various levels of higher education, and advancing basic and applied research endeavors. The university endeavors to disseminate scientific knowledge and foster cultural and educational initiatives. Recognizing higher education as fundamental to societal development and individual growth, OSAU emphasizes the harmonization of state development and structural transformations with educational modernization. It aims to cater to the evolving needs and aspirations of the populace, particularly the youth while shaping a contemporary system of social values across public and private domains.
The Odesa State Agrarian University tailors its educational offerings to accommodate modern requirements and standards across different levels of higher education, including the initial (short cycle), bachelor’s, master’s, and educational-scientific/educational-creative levels. The university’s comprehensive approach ensures the holistic development of students and aligns with the dynamic demands of the agricultural sector and broader society.
History of the University
The creation of the Odesa State Agrarian University traces back to November 1917, with formal announcements of its forthcoming establishment. On January 28, 1918, amidst the presence of newly enrolled students, representatives from Novorossiysk University, and various governmental and public entities, the institute held its ceremonial inauguration. The following day, January 29, 1918, marked the commencement of the institute’s inaugural lectures. Notably, Professor O.H. Nabokykh, an esteemed figure in agronomy from Novorossiysk University, played a pivotal role in orchestrating and facilitating the institute’s establishment, personally devising crucial documents such as the curriculum and admission regulations.
The Odesa State Agrarian University’s inaugural faculty, agronomy, was established alongside its founding in 1918, witnessing its first cohort of graduates in an accelerated program by 1921. By 1923, the institute found its permanent residence on Ropeway Street, housed within the former premises of a theological seminary, which now serves as Educational Building No. 1. The university’s expansion continued with the establishment of the Faculty of Fruit and Vegetables and Viticulture in 1929. Throughout the 1930s, the institute underwent further expansion and integration, welcoming entities like the Maslov Agricultural Technical School, the Odesa Institute of Territorial Organization, and the Novopoltava Jewish Agricultural Institute into its fold. Despite challenges during World War II, including occupation and relocation, the institute persevered, resuming operations post-liberation as part of five faculties.
Subsequent decades saw continual growth, with the establishment of new faculties such as Economics in 1960 and Agricultural Mechanization in 1986. In 2001, the institute achieved IV level state accreditation and was restructured into the Odesa State Agrarian University, falling under the purview of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy of Ukraine. A significant merger occurred in 2010, consolidating the Faculties of Agronomy and Horticulture and Viticulture into the Faculty of Agrobiotechnology, signaling the university’s ongoing evolution and adaptation to contemporary educational demands.
International Collaboration
Odesa State Agrarian University has fostered enduring collaborative relationships with agrarian scientists across a spectrum of nations, including England, France, Germany, Bulgaria, Poland, Russia, Spain, and the USA. The Department of Crop Production collaborates with the German company Lembke on a research program focusing on the productivity of new varieties and hybrids of winter rapeseed, alongside the verification of agricultural practices. The university engages in bilateral agreements with institutions such as the Lublin Agrarian Academy and the Royal Technical University (Sweden), facilitating the exchange of research outcomes, pedagogical methodologies, and scientific personnel. Participation in international research programs, like those concerning the enhancement of European cattle breeds and the mitigation of cereal root rot, underscores the university’s global scientific engagement.
Collaborative projects with esteemed institutions such as the Institute of Botany named after M. G. Kholodny, supported by grants from entities like the International Scientific Foundation and the University of Virginia, exemplify the university’s pursuit of international research excellence. Odesa State Agrarian University facilitates student internships abroad through bilateral agreements, enabling over a hundred students annually to gain valuable experience in countries like Germany, France, and England, where they engage in practical learning experiences on farms and within academic settings.
Faculties
- Faculty of Agrobiotechnology;
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine;
- Faculty of Geodesy, Land Management, and Agricultural Engineering;
- Faculty of Economics and Management;
- Department of Social and Humanitarian Sciences.
Specializations
- Economy;
- Accounting and Taxation;
- Management;
- Geodesy and Land Management;
- Agronomy;
- Plant Protection and Quarantine;
- Horticulture and Viticulture;
- Technology of Production and Processing of Livestock Products;
- Agricultural Engineering;
- Veterinary Medicine;
- Veterinary Hygiene, Sanitation, and Expertise;
- Public Health.
Accommodation
Student accommodation at Odesa State Agrarian University is designed to provide a comfortable and supportive living environment for students pursuing their studies. The university offers dormitory-style housing located conveniently on or near the campus. The dormitories are equipped with essential amenities to ensure students’ well-being and convenience. Rooms in the dormitories are shared between two or three students, fostering a sense of community and collaboration among residents. Each room is furnished with basic necessities such as beds, study desks, chairs, and storage space for personal belongings. Common areas within the dormitories serve as social spaces for international students to relax, study, or interact with their peers.
Odesa State Agrarian University provides on-campus dining facilities offering a variety of meals to cater to different dietary preferences and requirements. The university prioritizes the safety and security of its students, with measures in place to ensure a secure living environment. OSAU recognizes the importance of extracurricular activities and sports in student life and provides facilities for such activities on campus. Student accommodation at Odesa State Agrarian University aims to support students in their academic pursuits while fostering personal growth and development within a vibrant and inclusive community.