The operational opening of the American University Kyiv (AUK) was announced at a press lunch in Kyiv on Feb. 3.
AUK, a private university, is partnering with Arizona State University (ASU), one of the largest universities in the U.S., with more than 135,000 students. U.S. News & World Report has repeatedly ranked this educational institution as the most innovative university in America.
The strategic partnership with ASU will give access to more than 5,000 courses and 600 programs for Ukrainian students.
“AUK is the first university in Ukraine to teach students by the American model,” Kurt Volker, U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine (2017 2019) and co-founder of AUK, explained.
The new American university is “an expression of belief in Ukraine, an investment in its future,” the former diplomat said.
“I’m sure that the university will contribute greatly to the democratic, social and economic transformation of Ukraine.“
Rick Shangraw, AUK President added: “Education is the foundation for ensuring economic prosperity and sustainable development. In Ukraine we are designing and building a new university that will give Ukrainian students access to the American education system and building successful careers.”
Bohdan Nahaylo, Chief Editor of Kyiv Post (left ) AUK President Rick Shangraw (centre) and Kurt Volker, U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine (right), pose for a photo after the opening ceremony of AUK in Kyiv on Thursday Feb. 03.
Starting this year, Masters (March 2022) and Bachelor’s (September 2022) programs in Computer Engineering and Global Management will be available at AUK.
Over time the university plans to offer programs in engineering (2023), health sciences, architecture and design and law.
The faculty consists of international English-speaking lecturers from all over the world and top scholars and scientists from Ukraine. Teaching will be in English.
Roman Sheremeta, PhD in Economics from Purdue University is the Founding Rector of AUK. He is one of Ukraine’s most cited economists globally.
Visibly moved to be accepting such a challenging responsibility, Sheremeta said becoming Rector was a “perfect opportunity” to fulfil a dream he had always had.
Roman Sheremeta, Founding Rector of AUK, speaks at the operational opening of American University Kyiv (AUK) in the Ukrainian capital on Thursday February 03. (Kyiv Post)
“I am a Ukrainian who built an international career in the U.S. When I introduce myself, I usually say that I am a Ukrainian American economist and although my academic success has been mostly attributed to my work in the U.S., I always had a dream that one day I will be able to come back to Ukraine and use my experience and knowledge to do something important for it.”
The costs of studying at AUK will not be cheap by Ukrainian standards -around $8-9,000 per year, but far cheaper than what students pay in the U.S. There will be stipends and grants to encourage and help capable students.
