Ukrainian master’s students graduate in Dundee as Abertay-Kharkiv partnership reaches milestone

A cohort of six Ukrainian students visited Dundee for the first time to graduate from Abertay University on Friday 11 July, marking a major milestone in the University’s twinning partnership with Kharkiv National University of Economics (KhNUE). 

The group completed unique joint MBAs in Business Administration: Organisational Transformation with Cybersecurity, and Business Administration: Organisational Transformation with Sustainability, delivered online through a partnership between the two institutions under the UK’s Twinning for Ukraine initiative. 

Launched in 2022, the programme was developed to support students in Ukraine to continue their education amid the ongoing conflict. Teaching is shared between KhNUE and Abertay staff, offering students an immersive, intercultural experience and exposure to two academic systems - helping to bridge the gap to British education and enhance international employability. 

Students complete their first semester with Ukrainian academics, and the second with Abertay staff, with a final dissertation or project supervised by academics from both institutions. Delivered fully online, the course allows students to continue their studies in uncertain times. 

Anastasiia Zarytska, one of the students who made the trip to Dundee, said: 

This programme was a great opportunity, and my lecturers really encouraged me to go for it. The entry requirements were tough, but I had the academic and work experience to make it. Learning from both universities made the experience richer, there were cultural differences, but also a lot of shared values. The Abertay staff were so kind and supportive, it felt like a warm hug from abroad.

The programme has been praised for its academic depth and flexibility, offering students a sense of purpose and progress during highly challenging times. 

Kateryna Shpak, another graduate, added:

When I heard about the partnership with Abertay, I knew I wanted to be part of it. I had to pass my IELTS before enrolling, which was a challenge, but I was determined. Abertay’s focus on cybersecurity really appealed to me – I’d never done coding before, but it quickly became one of my favourite parts of the course. Being able to study online, even when things were uncertain at home, was so important. Getting to visit Scotland and graduate in person has been an unforgettable experience.

Since signing a Memorandum of Understanding in 2022, Abertay and KhNUE have continued to collaborate on research, curriculum development and academic resources, with regular staff visits and joint webinars strengthening long-term ties. 

This year’s graduating cohort included 17 students from KhNUE receiving Abertay degrees. Since the programme began, a total of 35 students have enrolled through the partnership. Plans are already underway to expand opportunities for more Ukrainian students to visit Dundee and experience campus life as part of their learning journey.

Find out more about our International Partnerships.