The operational opening of American University Kyiv took place on February 3, where in March this year the first master’s students will begin their studies in two master’s programs: global management and software development. Bachelor’s programs in such areas as IT and business management will be launched in September.

American University Kyiv is the first private university to offer high standards of US education in Ukraine through a partnership with Arizona State University (ASU), one of the largest universities in the United States, which according to US News & World Report is the most innovative university in the world, and is considered one of the most prestigious universities according to Times Higher Education. American University Kyiv graduates will receive a double degree, American and Ukrainian. AUK provides for launching a unique model of higher education that will deliver an innovative global learning experience for Ukrainian students that will bring American education level and standards that can be obtained in Ukraine.

Hennadii Butkevych’s investment company was the first Ukrainian investor at American University Kyiv. The partnership between American University Kyiv and business will provide students with a unique opportunity to combine Ukrainian and American education, a strong theoretical base, and practical experience in the most successful businesses in Ukraine.

“Our history with American University Kyiv began in April 2020, when we saw this unique opportunity for Ukraine and became one of the founders of the University. All this time, the BGV Group Management team has been working with our esteemed partners to create all the conditions and open the best university in Ukraine in the field of applied sciences. Our group of companies has thousands of employees, and we understand the importance of continuous training and investing in people, as well as a shortage of specialists in the Ukrainian market. I dream and believe that launching American University Kyiv in cooperation with Arizona State University – the best innovative university in the United States – will not only set new standards of higher education in Ukraine but also help Ukrainian businesses to uphold and develop talented students in Ukraine. Investments in the younger generation and science are vital for our country’s economic development and competitiveness,” said Hennadii Butkevych, founder of BGV Group Management.

Serhii Voitsekhovskyi, a member of the BGV Group Management’s Board of Directors, added at the presentation of the new university: “Our investment group cooperates with companies around the world. And we often ask our foreign partners how we can help our country develop, make it more sustainable and comfortable for the people. And all the time we receive the same answer from international experts: ‘You need time and quality education.’ Therefore, investing in American University Kyiv and thus changing educational approaches in the country, convincing talented young people to study and stay at home, returning such unique scientists as Roman Sheremeta to the country motivated BGV to join the project and become the first company to believe in AUK and finally become its first investor.”

Studying at the university will be organized according to American standards, but there will be elements of Ukrainian education: for example, it will be mandatory to study Ukrainian, including for foreigners. Only professors with Ph.D. obtained according to the standards crucial to the university and with a high level of English will teach at the university. Among the teachers and creators of the curriculum, for example, is the Nobel Laureate in Economics, Harvard University professor Vernon Smith. It is also planned to exchange students with Arizona State University. And thanks to the collaboration with Cintana Education, led by AUK President Rick Shangraw, exchanges with universities from around the world will be possible. The founding rector of American University Kyiv is Dr. Roman Sheremeta, one of the most quoted Ukrainian economists in the world.

“2022 is the beginning of American University Kyiv’s great history. We represent the first university in Ukraine to provide advanced American education to students with global ambitions. American University Kyiv is launching a unique model of higher education that provides students with the experience of innovative learning at the global level, which was previously unavailable in Ukraine. We use the curricula as well as the power of Arizona State University’s research institutions to give Ukrainian students the freedom to study by world standards in their home country. We’re the first American university in Kyiv with a focus on education, research, and partnership. I’ve always dreamed of returning to Ukraine and using my experience and knowledge to do something important for the country. And I’m convinced that AUK is a great opportunity to realize this dream,” said Roman Sheremeta.