The National University of Ostroh Academy has received unique international recognition: the Estonian Quality Agency for Education (HAKA) has granted the university accreditation for 7 years. This decision confirms that the academy's strategic development, educational, and research activities comply with European quality standards, making it the first Ukrainian university to successfully undergo institutional accreditation within the framework of an international pilot project.
Institutional accreditation was conducted in collaboration with the National Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (NAQA). It became part of the project 'Improving the Quality of Higher Education in Ukraine', funded by the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV). Ostroh Academy's participation in this project demonstrated its readiness to integrate the best European practices into its own management and development system.
Based on the results of a comprehensive assessment, the university fully meets the requirements in four main areas:
- Organisational management and development – strategic alignment with national priorities, democratic administration, transparent financial mechanisms, and modern digital infrastructure.
- Learning and teaching – clear admission procedures, integration of the English language into all educational programmes, a well-developed system of practical training, student support, and the application of the latest learning technologies.
- Scholarly endeavour and innovation – a steady increase in the number of publications in leading scientometric databases, active participation in international grant programmes, modernised laboratories, and the involvement of students in scientific research.
- Service to society – the integration of the university into the cultural, social, and educational space of the country, the implementation of civic education programmes, and initiatives to support the community during times of war.
Additionally, the National University of Ostroh Academy was recognised as "Worthy of Recognition" in the subfields of general management and socially oriented initiatives, highlighting its strategic vision, inclusive leadership, and ability to integrate educational, social, and cultural projects for community development.
“Such a breakthrough success is entirely natural, as it is the result of the coordinated, dedicated, and persistent work of the entire team at the National University of Ostroh Academy, which, for three decades, has been reviving and continues to revive the glory of the first higher education institution in Eastern Europe. This is further proof that the Ukrainian tradition is not dying. It is passed down from generation to generation, unites us, and makes us stronger,”
Eduard Balashov, the Rector of Ostroh Academy, Doctor of Science (Psychology), Full Professor, stated:
"This accreditation is the result of the coordinated efforts of the entire academic community: lecturers, students, and staff. It confirms that our university is a centre of high educational and scientific standards, while also motivating us to continue improving, implementing innovations, and strengthening our role in shaping the future of Ukrainian education. Such recognition at the international level attests that Ostroh Academy's development strategy aligns with contemporary European trends, and that its mission – to cultivate the Ukrainian intellectual and nationally conscious elite – receives support from leading educational institutions worldwide. For us, such international recognition opens up new opportunities for academic mobility, research, and the implementation of new educational programmes."
Vice-Rector for Research and Teaching, Doctor of Philosophy, Full Professor Dmytro Shevchuk added:
"It is important that HAKA experts highly value not only the organisational management but also the level of research activities, the university's participation in international grant programmes, and the development of modern research infrastructure. This opens up new opportunities for participation in international consortia. For Ostroh Academy, this serves as an incentive for further development — from more active publication activities in leading scientific journals to increased participation in European scientific programmes. We strive for our research not only to be integrated into the global context but also to shape new directions in Ukraine's humanitarian, social, and technological development."
Kateryna Yakunina, Assistant Rector for Strategic Development and Quality of Education, Cand. Sc. (History), Associate Professor expressed her gratitude to the academic community:
“This success was made possible thanks to the professionalism and cohesion of our team. I would like to sincerely thank all the lecturers, students, and staff of the academy for their responsibility, initiative, and dedication to our common cause. It is precisely thanks to the coordinated work of each of you that we were able to demonstrate to European experts that Ostroh Academy is a university of high quality and great prospects.”
Ruslana Kalamazh, Vice-Rector for Education, Doctor of Science (Psychology), Full Professor, said:
"The vision and mission of our university are based on serving society and educating a generation of responsible citizens of Ukraine. Our patriotic strategy combines educational values, volunteer activities, and close community cooperation. It is precisely thanks to this approach that Ostroh Academy has gained international recognition as a centre for fostering spirituality, civic consciousness, and leadership qualities."
Accreditation by HAKA not only summarised the university's achievements but also outlined strategic priorities – from reducing teaching workload and expanding academic mobility to increasing the number of English-language publications and developing partnerships in the field of innovation.
Ostroh Academy has once again confirmed its status as a leading university in Ukraine, upholding the principle of 'Tradition that Creates the Future,' and is working to develop high-quality, competitive Ukrainian higher education within the European space.
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