There are six types of higher education institutions in Ukraine:
Universities: have fourth level of accreditation and may be multi-disciplinary establishments (follow a classical university model) or 'branch' (mono-disciplinary/specialist) establishments (focused on some particular professional field (Technical, Medical, Agricultural, Pedagogical, Economics, etc.)). They act as leading research and methodological centres in both fundamental and applied research.
Academies: have fourth level of accreditation. Their educational provision is concentrated in a specific branch of knowledge in which they also act as leading research and methodological centres in both fundamental and applied research fields;
Institutes: have third and fourth level of accreditation. Their educational provision is concentrated in a specific branch of knowledge in which they also conduct research and methodological research in both fundamental and applied fields. They may be independent or a sub-unit of a university or academy;
Conservatoires: have third and fourth level of accreditation. Their educational provision is concentrated in culture and the arts, specifically music. They also conduct research and act as leading centres in the areas of their activity;
Colleges: have second level of accreditation largely related to the provision of training leading to the acquisition of specific higher education qualifications. They may also constitute sub-units within higher education establishments with third and fourth level accreditation;
Technical Schools: have first level of accreditation. They carry out educational activity leading to specialist areas of knowledge and skills related to specific occupations. They may also constitute sub-units within higher education establishments with third and fourth level accreditation.
Types of Universities (Academies)
The Ministry of Education and Science (Sports and Youth) recognizes the following categories of institutions of the top-level accreditation:
Classical Universities
Technical Universities
Technological (Construction, Transportation)
Pedagogical (Humanitarian, Physical Education and Sports)
Culture (Arts, Design)
Health Care Universities
Agrarian Universities
Economics (Finance, Administration, Entrepreneurship)
Law (Law enforcement, Civil protection and life safety)
Private Universities
National Universities
Higher education institutions with 4th accreditation level may be bestowed the status of 'National' for outstanding performance in research and scientific activity. This status brings with it added powers in relation to immovable property, facilities, enterprises, institutions and other structural sub-units of the HEI; the award of professorial status; and 'symbiotic' and material incentives and rewards for employees of the HEI. In addition, it also accrues an additional budget for research activities.