Students were welcomed at KSU for the start of the new academic year.

The event began with the performance of the State Anthem of Ukraine. Those present also observed a minute of silence to honor the memory of the defenders of Ukraine and civilians who died as a result of Russia's armed aggression.

Greeting those present, the Rector of KSU, Oleksandr Spivakovsky, noted that every September 1st now has a special meaning. He emphasized that this is not just the beginning of the academic year. It is further proof that the university lives, develops, and looks confidently into the future.

«This year, 770 applicants have already entrusted us with shaping their own educational trajectory, and the admission campaign is still ongoing. Among them are three applicants who scored 200 points on the NMT. And today we welcomed applicants who demonstrated the highest admission ratings at their faculties. Each of them will receive a certificate for 5,000 hryvnias. This is a great sign of trust in Kherson State University and confirmation that even in wartime, we remain a competitive university. We have the strength, inspiration, unique teachers, and modern digital technologies. We are probably the only university in Ukraine that already has seventeen servers on which we are building our own corporate system of AI agents. We are creating the university of the future right now. You have come to a place where we will help you become a happy person, to find a balance between what you want and what you can. We would like you to come here not just for a diploma, but primarily for experience, for people, and for the opportunity to capitalize on your knowledge and talents. This has been the philosophy of KSU for many years. Yes, it is sad that we cannot meet this Knowledge Day in our native Kherson. But Kherson is always with us. It is in our hearts. It is he and our Defenders who give us the strength to move forward», - emphasized Oleksandr Spivakovsky.

The event was moderated by the Vice-Rector for Social and Humanitarian Work of KSU, Veronika Denysenko. She emphasized that Kherson State University – is not just a higher education institution, but an entire era with a history of almost 109 years. During this time, the university has graduated over 100,000 students.

After this, first-year and upper-year students were greeted by representatives of the Kherson region, Ivano-Frankivsk region, Kherson, international partner universities, and student self-government.

Igor Mandar, Deputy Head of the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional State Administration, addressed the students. He noted the resilience of KSU, which is starting the academic year for the fifth time under the conditions of full-scale war.

«One can talk a lot about patriotism and resilience, or one can feel or see it once. And I felt this from our very first meeting. In fact, the educational community is starting its academic year for the even fifth time during the full-scale war. This is very difficult. But thanks to our Heroes, our defenders, we have shown the whole world that we are not just surviving – we are developing. And your university is an example of this», – emphasized Igor Mandar.

According to him, the Ivano-Frankivsk region and KSU already have joint projects aimed at the development of the educational and management spheres.

«Because education – is not about premises, not about material resources, it is – about people», – emphasized Igor Mandar.

Oleksandr Prokudin, Head of the Kherson Regional Military Administration, joined the greetings. He noted that the results of the admission campaign testify to the university's development despite all the challenges of the war:

«The results of this year's admission campaign prove that KSU can grow under any trials. Each and every one of you made a conscious and brave choice – you chose a university where real specialists are trained. I am convinced: the knowledge you gain here will become the foundation for our region. The Kherson region needs your ideas and energy, so we await you all at home!».

International Support

Separately, during the event, the university's international cooperation was discussed. Among the guests were representatives of foreign partner institutions that support KSU and help develop academic cooperation, international mobility, and joint educational projects.

Philippe Lair, Vice-President for Digital Transformation of the University of Côte d'Azur, professor and master, wished KSU further success and development.

Piotr Frankiewicz, Vice-Rector for Research, Doctor, Professor of Pomeranian University in Słupsk, also addressed the first-year students with a welcoming word:

«I congratulate all the new students joining KSU. I wish you a good start to the new academic year, happiness, and success. The Polish community admires your courage. We are your friends and partners. I wish you a peaceful year».

Tillmann Reuter, Honorary Professor, Doctor of the University of Klagenfurt, and representative of the Department of Slavic Studies, congratulated the university community and expressed hope to meet representatives of KSU next year during the Ukrainian Culture Week in Klagenfurt.

Volodymyr Klyutsevsky, Deputy Head of the Kherson Regional State Administration, also spoke about how important it is to continue the educational process despite the war.

He noted that it is painful to see the consequences of Russian shelling of the university territory in Kherson, yet at the same time, it is important that KSU continues to operate and attract new students.

«My heart aches, it is painful to see what is happening. At the same time, I am glad that the educational process continues. I see that Kherson University is chosen not only by graduates of Kherson schools, and this is an indicator of the growth of its popularity and the level of specialist training», – emphasized Volodymyr Klyutsevsky.

Yaroslav Shanko, Head of the Kherson City Military Administration, emphasized that despite the war and forced work outside of Kherson, the university remains an important part of the city's life.

«Geographically, KSU is far from Kherson today, but its connection to its native city is strong. Ahead of us is a great common task – to restore Kherson, to develop the community, and to strengthen Ukraine. The knowledge, professionalism, and energy of the youth will certainly become an important part of this process».

Ruslan Martsinkiv, the Mayor of Ivano-Frankivsk, also expressed support for KSU and the Kherson region. He mentioned the servicemen from Frankivsk who are defending the Kherson region and emphasized continued support for the region's communities.

«Two months ago, I was in the Kherson region. After all, our 102nd Separate Territorial Defense Brigade, named after Colonel Dmitry Vitovsky, is defending Kherson. The day before yesterday, a young man from Frankivsk, who was defending the Kherson region, died. But we believe that everything will be fine. We will endure this war with resilience. We are currently helping communities in the Kherson region, specifically the Bervyslav community, to which we are transferring a bus for schoolchildren», – said Ruslan Martsinkiv.

Natalia Bil, Head of the Education Department of the Kherson City Council, conveyed her greetings to the students. She wished the first-year students new achievements, inspiring communication, and support throughout the academic year.

The University is, First and Foremost, Opportunities

Important words for first-year students also came from representatives of the university community. Kateryna Melnykova, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Law, congratulated the students on behalf of the dean's office and urged them not to be afraid to ask questions, make mistakes, and take advantage of the opportunities that the university provides.

«It is quite normal to get confused even in the university chat during the first week. But believe me: in about a week, you will already feel at home here and will start to understand all our websites, platforms, chats, and rules».

She emphasized that student years – are not just about lectures, grades, and exam sessions.

«The university is, first and foremost, opportunities: international projects, volunteering, student self-government, entrepreneurship, creative competitions, sports initiatives, and much, much more. The main thing is to use these opportunities. You have chosen a special university – a university that operates in conditions where the word «impossible» has simply been crossed out of our dictionary. And from today, you are also part of this family. So – viva, KSU! Viva, students!», – the dean concluded her speech.

Greetings from Student Self-Government

Anastasia Kalashnikova, Head of the KSU Student Parliament, and Olga Lytosh, Student Ombudsman, also addressed the first-year students.

Anastasia Kalashnikova wished the new students easy adaptation, new acquaintances, and interesting studies. She urged first-year students to be active, realize their own ideas, and join the student self-government.

«Student years – are not just about studying. It is an opportunity to be active, to realize your own ideas, to participate in student self-government, and together to create and change university life», – noted Anastasia Kalashnikova

Student Ombudsman Olga Lytosh emphasized the importance of supporting and protecting the rights of every student:

«It is important that every student is heard, protected, and confident in their rights. If you have questions, difficulties, or situations that require resolution, – do not be afraid to ask for help. Remember: you are not alone; there are always people nearby who are ready to support you».

Certificates Awarded to First-Year Students

During the ceremony, applicants who demonstrated the highest results during the 2026 admission campaign and became leaders in their faculties were also recognized.

Five first-year students with the highest admission ratings received certificates for 5,000 hryvnias from the Rector of KSU, Oleksandr Spivakovsky.

The ceremonial part concluded with a musical gift. Anna Manzhai performed the song «Odna Kalyna».

KSU Press Center