NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF UKRAINE
ON PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORT
1 Fizkultury St., Kyiv-150, Ukraine, 03150

I. Status

The National University of Ukraine on Physical Education and Sport (a leading sectoral higher education institution under state ownership) traces its history back to 1930, when the State Institute of Physical Culture of Ukraine was established in Kharkiv, then the capital of the Ukrainian SSR. In 1944, after being relocated to Kyiv, the institution became the Kyiv State Institute of Physical Culture. In 1993, it was renamed the Ukrainian State University of Physical Education and Sport, and since 1998, it has been known as the National University of Ukraine on Physical Education and Sport.

With a 95-year history, the university is rightfully considered the flagship in the field of higher sectoral education. Over this period, it has trained more than 40,000 sports coaches, physical education teachers, specialists in physical rehabilitation, physical therapy, and occupational therapy, sports managers, fitness and recreation professionals, tourism experts, and e-sports athletes. Our graduates successfully work in domestic and international clubs and various institutions. At the initiative of the university’s academic and research staff, a modern educational and methodological framework has been developed in Ukraine for training qualified specialists in physical culture and sports. The university has established globally recognized scientific schools in sports science. Our students consistently win national student Olympiads in professional disciplines and competitions for research papers in physical education, sports, and physical rehabilitation. The university places great emphasis on sports activities, as evidenced by our students and alumni winning over 300 Olympic medals, including 114 gold medals. The university has traditionally been the overall winner of the Ukrainian Universiade among all higher education institutions. Its students make the largest contribution to the national team’s medal tally at the World University Games. For the past 30 years, Ukraine has ranked among the top ten nations in the world based on the results of the Summer World University Games – the most prestigious global sports event for students.

Currently, the university provides higher education to more than 5,000 students, supported by over 430 academic and research staff, a quarter of whom are external part-time faculty. More than 60 Doctors of Science, Professors, 215 Candidates of Science (PhD holders), Associate Professors work with students and postgraduate researchers.

The university boasts a modern material and technical infrastructure for the educational process, including dormitories, essential sports facilities, and a state-of-the-art fitness center “Olympic Style”.

The university's structure includes three faculties, two Educational and Scientific institutes, 21 departments, a Research Institute, a library, the “Olympic Literature” publishing house, the Center for Advanced Training and Retraining, the Fitness Personnel Training and Certification Department, the Center for Sports Traumatology and Rehabilitation Medicine, a rowing base on the Dnipro River, a cycling and skiing base in the Holosiivskyi Forest Park, the International Center for Olympic Studies and Education, the Ivano-Frankivsk Professional College of Physical Education, and the Ivan Piddubnyi Olympic Professional College.

II. Educational and Research Activities

The university offers a wide range of educational programs that meet modern international standards.

Currently, the university provides higher education at the bachelor's and master's levels according to the educational programs: Secondary Education, Physical Culture and Sport, Choreography, Therapy and Rehabilitation, Tourism and Recreation, Biology and Biochemistry.

The university has three specialized academic councils for defending dissertations to obtain doctoral (candidate of sciences) degrees in physical education and sport in the following scientific specialties: 24.00.01 – Olympic and professional sport; 24.00.02 – Physical culture, physical education of different population groups; 24.00.03 – Physical rehabilitation.

The laboratories of the university’s Research Institute are equipped with state-of-the-art scientific equipment of global standards, enabling researchers, postgraduate students, and students to conduct high-level scientific research. This facilitates the acquisition of new knowledge to address practical challenges in improving athletes' training efficiency and enhancing the well-being of individuals engaged in various physical activities. Innovative methods for athlete training, rehabilitation programs, and physical education are continuously developed and implemented.

The university systematically publishes two specialized scientific journals: “Sport Science Spectrum” and “Sports Medicine, Physical Therapy, and Occupational Therapy”.

International cooperation with foreign higher education institutions and research organizations is actively expanding, promoting student and faculty mobility.

III. Student Sports and National Health

The National University of Ukraine on Physical Education and Sport focuses not only on higher education and scientific research but also strives to promote a healthy lifestyle among students and the nation as a whole. Student sports at the university are not merely a recreational activity but an integral part of the educational process.

University students consistently demonstrate a high level of athletic performance, participating in national, European, and global competitions. This active involvement contributes to enhancing Ukraine’s sporting reputation on the international stage.

It is important to emphasize that the university recognizes the strong connection between physical activity and human health. Physical activity serves as a foundation for preventing numerous diseases, improving quality of life, and increasing life expectancy. By fostering student sports, the university plays a crucial role in promoting national health and instilling healthy lifestyle habits in younger generations.

Furthermore, the university is committed to implementing modern methods of physical rehabilitation and physical therapy, helping students and Ukrainian citizens maintain their physical well-being and recover from various injuries and health conditions.

The National University of Ukraine on Physical Education and Sport serves as a model of how an educational institution can effectively integrate academic training with athletic achievements, thereby contributing to national health and well-being.

IV. International Cooperation

NUUPES is an active participant in international educational and scientific programs, collaborating with leading universities and sports organizations worldwide. The university has established over 50 international agreements with foreign partners, fostering academic mobility, student and faculty internships, and joint research initiatives. Additionally, the university takes part in the Erasmus+ program and various international grant projects.

As a key educational, scientific, and sports center in Ukraine, the university plays a crucial role in training highly qualified professionals, advancing sports and scientific research, and strengthening international cooperation. Through its activities, the university makes a significant contribution to enhancing Ukraine’s athletic potential and integrating the country into the global scientific and educational community.