Contents
SUMMARY
Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design (KNUTD) is a prominent public higher education institution in Kyiv, Ukraine. Established in 1930, it has evolved into a multidisciplinary university renowned for its contributions to the fashion, design, engineering, and business sectors. With approximately 10,000 students, including over 500 international enrollees, KNUTD offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. The university is recognised for its strong academic performance, international collaborations, and a robust career services framework that bridges education with industry needs.
HISTORY
On October 1, 1930, the Kyiv Polytechnic Institute of the Leather Industry was inaugurated, marking the beginning of what would become KNUTD. Established by the Supreme Council of the National Economy, the institute aimed to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in the leather and textile industries. The founding team included Alexander Markovich Ginzburg, Mikhail Pavlovich Kotov, and Yuri Dmitrievich Sokolov, among others. Initially, the institution comprised three faculties: chemical-technological, mechanical-technological, and engineering-economic. The first legal address was Bolshaya Zhitomirskaya Street 32, with the building later repurposed as a student hostel.
In the subsequent years, the institute expanded its academic offerings and infrastructure. However, the outbreak of World War II posed significant challenges. In June 1941, the institute was evacuated to Pervouralsk, Sverdlovsk Region, where it operated until June 1944. Despite these hardships, the institution continued to produce graduates, contributing to the war effort. Upon returning to Kyiv, the institute diversified its academic programs to include “Technology of Clothing Production” and “Technology of Knitwear Production,” reflecting the evolving industrial landscape.
The post-war era saw significant growth and transformation. In 1993, the institution was accredited and renamed the State Academy of Light Industry of Ukraine. This rebranding aligned with the broader industrial focus of the academy. In 1999, it was further restructured into the Kyiv State University of Technology and Design (KGUTD), reflecting its expanded academic scope. The university’s commitment to excellence was recognised in 2001 when it was granted national status by a decree from President Leonid Kuchma, becoming Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design.
Since 2015, KNUTD has broadened its academic portfolio to include disciplines such as entrepreneurship, law, and modern technologies. This expansion reflects the university’s responsiveness to emerging educational and industrial trends. The integration of these fields has positioned KNUTD as a comprehensive institution catering to a diverse range of academic interests and professional aspirations.
KNUTD boasts a robust infrastructure comprising 15 educational buildings, 9 dormitories, 21 auxiliary structures, and various sports facilities. The university library, founded in 1930, houses over a million volumes, including more than 700,000 educational publications. In 2018, the student body reached 10,000, with over 500 international students from 26 countries, underscoring the university’s global appeal. KNUTD has established academic partnerships with institutions in China, Poland, Azerbaijan, and other countries, enhancing its international presence.
The university operates seven faculties: Fashion Industry; Mechatronics and Computer Technologies; Chemical and Biopharmaceutical Technologies; Economics and Business; Design; Entrepreneurship and Law; and Market, Information, and Innovative Technologies. Additionally, it houses three institutes dedicated to modern technologies, engineering and information technologies, and economics research. KNUTD is also home to several research centres, including the Centre of Pre-university and Individual Education and the Centre of Physical Education and Health, reflecting its commitment to comprehensive education and research.
KNUTD’s academic excellence is reflected in its rankings and recognitions. In 2022, it was placed in the 351–400 range in the QS Emerging Europe & Central Asia rankings. The university has also been featured in the CEOWORLD Magazine’s list of the Best Fashion Schools in the World, ranking 51st in 2025, marking a significant rise from 88th in 2016. These accolades highlight KNUTD’s continuous improvement and commitment to quality education.
TOP COURSES
Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design (KNUTD) offers a diverse array of programs across multiple disciplines, catering to both Ukrainian and international students. The university’s faculties include Design, Arts and Fashion, Chemical and Biopharmaceutical Technologies, Engineering and Information Technologies, Economics and Management, and Culture and Creative Industries. students can pursue bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields such as Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Environmental Design, Fine Arts, Digital Art, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Marketing, Finance, and Law.
The Faculty of Design is particularly renowned, offering specialized programs in Fashion Design, Interior and Furniture Design, Multimedia Design, and Graphic Design. Students engage in hands-on learning through facilities like the Student Fashion House, Museum of Costume History, and professional photo studios. The faculty also organizes international competitions such as “Pechersky Kashtany” and “Hot Ice,” fostering a global perspective in design education. KNUTD also provides comprehensive programs in Software Engineering, Computer Sciences, and Cybersecurity designed to equip students with the skills necessary to thrive in the tech industry. The university emphasizes practical experience and innovation, with research initiatives focusing on areas like nanotechnology, automation, and sustainable design
VISION
The founders of KNUTD envisioned an institution that would serve as a hub for technological and industrial education, addressing the specific needs of Ukraine’s light industry sectors. Their goal was to produce highly skilled professionals capable of advancing the country’s industrial capabilities. This vision laid the foundation for a university that would evolve to meet changing educational and industrial demands over the decades. Over the years, KNUTD has embraced innovation as a core component of its mission.
The integration of new disciplines such as entrepreneurship, law, and modern technologies reflects the university’s commitment to staying at the forefront of educational trends. This adaptability ensures that graduates are well-equipped to navigate and lead in a rapidly changing global landscape. The expansion of international collaborations and the increase in foreign student enrolment underscore KNUTD’s global outlook. By fostering an inclusive and diverse academic environment, the university aims to cultivate global citizens who can contribute to international dialogue and development. This international perspective enriches the educational experience and prepares students for global challenges.
JOB INTEGRATION RATE
KNUTD’s Labour and Career Center plays a pivotal role in facilitating the transition from education to employment for its graduates. The center offers services such as career counselling, resume workshops, interview preparation, and job placement assistance. The university’s curriculum emphasizes practical experience, with students engaging in internships and collaborative projects with industry leaders. These opportunities allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, enhancing their employability upon graduation. Feedback from employers indicates a high level of satisfaction with KNUTD graduates, citing their strong technical skills, creativity, and adaptability. The success of alumni in securing positions in leading companies across Ukraine and internationally further attests to the effectiveness of the university’s educational and career support services.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
KNUTD’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its performance in international rankings. In 2025, it was ranked 51st among the world’s top fashion schools by CEOWORLD Magazine, marking a significant improvement from previous years. This recognition underscores the university’s growing influence in the global fashion education sector. Within Ukraine, KNUTD has been consistently ranked among the top universities. It holds the 13th position among 33 Ukrainian universities and the 5th position among Kyiv-based institutions in the QS World University Rankings: EECA 2021. In 2023, the University entered the world ranking for the educational program: “Art and Design” QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023 and was took the first and only place in Ukraine! No Ukrainian higher education institution has been awarded such a high rating!
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