Sumy State University is well-known for its extensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs spanning various disciplines, including economics, technical sciences, natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences. It has earned a strong reputation for its commitment to research and innovation, boasting several research institutes and centers focused on diverse fields of nanotechnology, information technology, economics, and social sciences. Through active collaborations with domestic and international universities, research institutions, and industry partners, Sumy State University fosters a culture of extensive cooperation.
The University’s dedication to academic excellence is evident as it consistently ranks among the top 20 universities in Ukraine. Sumy State University actively engages in partnerships with numerous companies and organizations, providing valuable opportunities for students to gain practical experience and secure employment. The Center of Practical Training and Employment plays a vital role in this aspect, organizing workshops and seminars to guide international students in crafting well-organized resumes and motivation letters that effectively showcase their strengths to potential employers.
History
The creation of a higher polytechnic institution in Sumy is connected with the development of the Sumy Machine-Building Plant. At that time, most engineering management positions were held by specialists with secondary special education. In July 1948, a Training and Consulting Center was founded on the basis of this enterprise. It led to future construction of a powerful institution. In September, the first 30 students started correspondence classes.
In 1958, in connection with the organization of the Ukrainian Correspondence Polytechnic Institute, the training and consulting point was transferred to its structure. In May 1960, the Sumy General Technical Faculty of the Ukrainian Correspondence Polytechnic Institute was established. On 11 November 1965, the general technical faculty was transferred to the Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute. In 1966, it was reorganized into the Sumy Branch of the Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute as part of two faculties with the first full-time enrollment. The first graduation took place in 1971.
Since March 1972, Ihor Kovaliov (PhD, professor) was the branch director, later its rector (till 2004). Under his leadership, the Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute branch turned into a modern educational institution with a wide range of scientific and educational activities, developed infrastructure and a deepened humanitarian component. In 1984, the main 14-story educational and administrative building (H), Dormitory 2, garages and warehouses, a ski base were constructed. Dormitory 3 (1986), Central Building (1988), a rowing base, library (1989) were completed.
The staff of the Department of Chemical Production Machines and Apparatus under the leadership of Borys Kholin (DSc, professor), at the level of the best world samples, developed and for the first time in the country implemented granulators for the production of complex mineral fertilizers at several chemical plants.
By Resolution of the Council of Ministers of the Ukrainian SSR №299 as of 08.10.1990, the Sumy Physical and Technical Institute was established on the basis of the Sumy Branch of the Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute. It became a higher educational institution of engineering and technical direction with the ideology of prioritizing the fundamental component of specialist training. The entity aspired to transformation into a classical university.
In 1991, the first economic and specializations opened. In 1992, we have the Faculty of Economics and its own postgraduate course. In 1994 the doctoral course appeared too. The training of foreign students began. In 1992, a separate campus of the Faculty of Medicine was put into operation. Dormitories 4 and 5 were created. The first admission of medical students took place.
By Resolution №646 of the Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers as of 13 August 1993, Sumy State University was established. In 1993–2004, the University launched new curricula: IT, mechanics and mathematics, translation, law, journalism, marketing, ecology, chemical technology, material science, energy management, power engineering, quality, standardization and certification. The Shostka and Konotop Institutes were created. Four technical schools, colleges, and the Military Institute for Missile Troops and Artillery were included.
From 2004, the university developed as a scientific, educational and industrial complex. It became a high-tech university that aims at international research and advanced computer technologies. Teaching of certain specialties in English has been introduced as well.
In 2008, by order of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, the university was granted the right to implement a large-scale experiment in distance education. Also, Sumy State University was one of the first in Ukraine to create a system of internal assurance of the higher education quality. Blended learning was engaged.
In 2013, Sumy State University was the first among Ukrainian institutions to undergo an external audit by one of the most prestigious global QS Ratings (5 stars). In 2014, it was rated in the top group of 701-750 leading world universities and on the 4th-5th position among higher education institutions of Ukraine. The years 2015-2016 went down in history with the successful process of merging the Sumy State University and the Ukrainian Academy of Banking into a single educational institution. In 2017, the university was included in the Times Higher Education (THE) rating for the first time. In 2018, the Impact Rankings identified Sumy State University among the top 300 universities in terms of socio-economic impacts. In 2020, for the first time, Sumy State University was ranked in the main THE Rating on the 501th–600th position (the 1st-2nd place among higher education institutions of Ukraine).
University Today
More than 12,000 students are studying at Sumy State University across 57 specialties in 25 fields of knowledge. A total of 1,300 international students from over 46 countries around the world are pursuing their education at the university. More than 800 individuals are enrolled in doctoral and postgraduate studies in 16 doctoral and 24 PhD specialties. The educational program “Medicine” holds an international accreditation certificate. The educational programs “Public Health,” “Data Science and Complex Systems Modeling,” and “Psychology,” as well as the educational and scientific programs “Biology,” “Economics,” “Journalism,” “Medicine,” “Management,” “Applied Physics and Nanomaterials,” and “Finance, Banking, and Insurance” are accredited with the status of “exemplary.”
Since the war beginning on 24 February 2022, the university kept working. The Medicine curriculum received international accreditation. Within the Twinning Initiative, Sumy State University started a large-scale cooperation with the University of Liverpool, which is one of the top universities in Great Britain. The University raised grant projects: Horizon Europe, NATO Science for Peace and Security, etc.
The Times Higher Education ranks Sumy State University on the first position among higher education institutions of Ukraine. It entered the top group of 401-500 best universities in the world. The SumDU positions in individual branches of this rating are the highest in Ukraine. Business and Economics – the top group of 251-300 among universities in the world. Engineering and Physical Sciences – positions 301-400. In the THE Impact rating, the university holds among the top 301–400 of the best universities in the world and the first among higher education institutions of Ukraine.
For the first time, Sumy State University entered the Times Higher Education World University Rankings in Social Sciences (top 501-600) and ranks the first among higher education institutions of Ukraine.
Sumy State University topped the ranking table of higher education institutions of Ukraine. It holds the 580th place in the World Rankings of the Best Universities for International Students published by the Study Abroad Aide web portal (South Korea).
Sumy State University cooperates with over 300 partners from 60 countries. The university is a signatory of the Magna Charta Universitatum and the Talloires Declaration. Sumy State University is a permanent partner of EU grant programs: Erasmus+, Horizon 2020, Horizon Europe. Moreover, the UN, NATO, DAAD, American and British Council programs are covered as well. Annually, about 500 grants are realized. For the last 5 years, the amount of grant research work has increased in 20 times.
Sumy State University implements over 85 long-term and short-term academic mobility programs (for Bachelor, Master and PhD students; researchers and lecturers).
Sumy State University has many facilities: the Student Sports Palace, indoor track, volleyball center, playgrounds, 3 swimming pools, 2 shooting ranges, 23 gyms, rowing and skiing facilities, Univer camp. At the University Clinic, there is the Sports Medicine Center. Here, the State Olympic Athletic Center works as well. More than 200 students are winners and medalists of the Olympic Games, World and European Championships, World Winter and Summer Competitions.
Institutes and Faculties
- Faculty of Technical Systems and Energy-Efficient Technologies
- Academic and Research Medical Institute
- Faculty of Electronics and Information Technologies
- Academic and Research Institute of Law
- Academic and Research Institute of Business, Economics and Management
- Faculty of Foreign Philology and Social Communications
Specialties
Specialties of a Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree:
- Physical Education and Sport
- Nursing
- Therapy and Rehabilitation
- Dentistry
- Medicine
- Public Health
- Law
- International Law
- Philology
- Psychology
- Journalism
- Economics
- Management
- Marketing
- Applied Mechanics
- Materials Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Environmental Protection Technology
- Applied Mathematics
- Computer Sciences
- Cyber Security and Information Protection
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics, Electronic Communication, Instrumentation and Radio Engineering
- Automation, Computer-Integrated Technologies and Robotics
Academic programs for obtaining a PhD Degree:
- Medicine
- Economics
- Journalism
- Finance, Banking, Insurance and Stock Market
- Management
- Marketing
- Law
- Environmental Protection Technology
Accommodation
The Student Hotel of Sumy State University is a place designed to provide international students with comfortable accommodation, excellent service, and a convenient location in the central part of Sumy, offering picturesque views of the tranquil Psel River and proximity to the city’s central park. Student Hotel offers an extensive range of services to its guests, making it an ideal venue for conferences, meetings, and other events. The accommodation is equipped with Wi-Fi coverage available throughout the premises, ensuring seamless connectivity. The strategic location of the hotel in Sumy offers exceptional convenience, alleviating unnecessary transportation concerns for our esteemed guests.
With a diverse selection of room options, including 90 double rooms, 63 triple rooms, and 16 suites, the Student Hotel can accommodate up to 400 people. For dining pleasures, Sumy State University offers a cafe and restaurant, catering to special orders and accommodating up to 40 people. The university’s hotel boasts a modern swimming pool with a cleaning system and two saunas, providing a refreshing retreat for our guests. For sports enthusiasts, Student Hotel has an outdoor tennis court, equipped with a spectator stand for up to 100 people, creating a vibrant atmosphere for matches and tournaments.