Odessa National University named after I.I. Mechnikov

Odessa University: Ukrainian heritage, global future.

📍 Odessa, Ukraine 🇺🇦

🏆 #4 in Ukraine · QS World #1201 · THE World #1001

Quick Facts about Odessa National University named after I.I. Mechnikov

  • Type: Public
  • Students: 7,505
  • Campus: Urban
  • Tuition: $1,800 – $4,500/year
  • Language: Ukrainian, English, Russian
  • Intakes: Fall

About Odessa National University named after I.I. Mechnikov

Odessa National University named after I.I. Mechnikov (ONU) is a prominent institution of higher education in Odessa, Ukraine, with a rich history dating back to 1865. Named after Nobel laureate Élie Metchnikoff, the university is recognized as one of Ukraine's major state-sponsored universities and a significant scientific and cultural hub in Southern Ukraine. It is known for its comprehensive approach to education and research across fundamental sciences and humanities, continually updating its programs and methodologies.

Academics

ONU offers over 50 bachelor's and master's programs, along with more than 20 PhD programs, across its 12 faculties and several research centers. Key faculties include Biology, Geology-Geography, Economics and Law, History and Philosophy, International Relations, Political Science and Sociology, and Chemistry. The university is particularly noted for its scientific library, which is the largest and oldest of any university in Ukraine, housing 3.6 million volumes. ONU consistently ranks among the top higher education institutions in Ukraine, and it is recognized in the QS World University Rankings.

International Students

The university actively supports international students through its Institute of International Education, offering preparatory programs including Ukrainian and Russian language training. There are English-taught programs available, such as a Master's Program in Economics and a double degree program with the University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Italy. ONU fosters cultural integration through various student organizations and events, providing a diverse and engaging student life. International students are often accommodated in hostel complexes close to academic buildings and the seashore.

Campus & Location

Odessa National University is situated in the vibrant coastal city of Odessa, Ukraine, offering an urban campus environment. The university's buildings feature a blend of classic and modern architectural styles, contributing to its rich cultural heritage. Odessa itself is a historic city known for its unique atmosphere and attractions, providing an enriching backdrop for student life. The campus includes a botanical garden, an astronomical observatory, and various research institutes.

Career Outcomes

As a classical European-type university, ONU prepares specialists in a wide array of natural and human sciences, equipping graduates for diverse career paths. The university's participation in international projects, including those within the Erasmus framework, enhances students' global perspectives and potential career opportunities. While specific employment rates are not readily available, the university's strong academic reputation and connections to European educational and scientific centers contribute to favorable career prospects.

Information for International Students at Odessa National University named after I.I. Mechnikov

Odessa National University named after I.I. Mechnikov in Odessa, Ukraine welcomes international students.

  • Visa support available
  • No on-campus work
  • Student housing available (~$25/month)
  • Work placement / internship opportunities available
  • Teaching languages: Ukrainian, English, Russian

Admissions Requirements for Odessa National University named after I.I. Mechnikov

Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Odessa National University named after I.I. Mechnikov:

  • Selectivity: Open (60%+)
  • Application deadline: October 24, 2025

Apply to Odessa National University named after I.I. Mechnikov →

Programs at Odessa National University named after I.I. Mechnikov (46 programs)

Odessa National University named after I.I. Mechnikov offers 46 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.

Bachelor Programs (24)

  • Political Science — Ukrainian · $365/yr
    This program offers a comprehensive study of political systems, theories, and behaviors, preparing students for careers in government, public service, or related fields.
    Field: Political Science
  • Management — English · $365/yr
    This program covers management, providing students with essential skills in leadership, organization, and strategic planning for various business and organizational contexts.
    Field: Management
  • Applied Mathematics — English · $365/yr · STEM
    This program covers applied mathematics, providing students with strong analytical and problem-solving skills applicable to various scientific and engineering disciplines.
    Field: Applied Mathematics
  • International Economic Relations — English · $365/yr
    This program covers international economic relations, focusing on global trade, finance, and policy, preparing students for careers in international business or diplomacy.
    Field: International Economic Relations
  • Physics and Astronomy — English · $365/yr · STEM
    This program covers physics and astronomy, providing students with a foundational understanding of the universe and its underlying physical laws.
    Field: Physics, Astronomy
  • Educational, Pedagogical Sciences — Ukrainian · $365/yr
    This program focuses on educational and pedagogical studies, preparing students for careers in education, teaching, and academic research.
    Field: Educational Sciences, Pedagogy
  • Information Systems and Technologies — English · $365/yr · STEM
    This program covers information systems and technologies, equipping students with fundamental knowledge and practical skills in IT development and management.
    Field: Information Systems, Technology
  • Philology — Ukrainian · $365/yr · Scholarship available
    This specialty offers training for teachers of two foreign languages (English/German/French/Spanish) and translators from various languages, focusing on foreign languages and literature, including ancient and modern works.
    Field: Philology, Foreign Languages, Literature
    Career outcomes: Teachers of foreign languages, Translators
  • Physics — Ukrainian · $365/yr · STEM
    This program provides foundational knowledge in physics, preparing students for further academic pursuits or careers in scientific and technical fields.
    Field: Physics
  • Economics — English · $365/yr
    This program covers economics, providing students with an understanding of economic principles, markets, and policy, preparing them for various roles in business, finance, or government.
    Field: Economics
  • Bachelor of Political Science (BA) — Ukrainian · $365/yr
    This program provides foundational knowledge in political science.
    Field: Political Science
  • Bachelor of History (BA) — Ukrainian · $365/yr
    This program offers a comprehensive study of historical events and analysis.
    Field: History
  • Political Science — Ukrainian · $365/yr
    This program offers a comprehensive study of political systems, theories, and behaviors, preparing students for careers in government, public service, or related fields.
    Field: Political Science
  • Management — English · $365/yr
    This program covers management, providing students with essential skills in leadership, organization, and strategic planning for various business and organizational contexts.
    Field: Management
  • Applied Mathematics — English · $365/yr · STEM
    This program covers applied mathematics, providing students with strong analytical and problem-solving skills applicable to various scientific and engineering disciplines.
    Field: Applied Mathematics
  • International Economic Relations — English · $365/yr
    This program covers international economic relations, focusing on global trade, finance, and policy, preparing students for careers in international business or diplomacy.
    Field: International Economic Relations
  • Physics and Astronomy — English · $365/yr · STEM
    This program covers physics and astronomy, providing students with a foundational understanding of the universe and its underlying physical laws.
    Field: Physics, Astronomy
  • Educational, Pedagogical Sciences — Ukrainian · $365/yr
    This program focuses on educational and pedagogical studies, preparing students for careers in education, teaching, and academic research.
    Field: Educational Sciences, Pedagogy
  • Information Systems and Technologies — English · $365/yr · STEM
    This program covers information systems and technologies, equipping students with fundamental knowledge and practical skills in IT development and management.
    Field: Information Systems, Technology
  • Philology — Ukrainian · $365/yr · Scholarship available
    This specialty offers training for teachers of two foreign languages (English/German/French/Spanish) and translators from various languages, focusing on foreign languages and literature, including ancient and modern works.
    Field: Philology, Foreign Languages, Literature
    Career outcomes: Teachers of foreign languages, Translators
  • Physics — Ukrainian · $365/yr · STEM
    This program provides foundational knowledge in physics, preparing students for further academic pursuits or careers in scientific and technical fields.
    Field: Physics
  • Economics — English · $365/yr
    This program covers economics, providing students with an understanding of economic principles, markets, and policy, preparing them for various roles in business, finance, or government.
    Field: Economics
  • Bachelor of Political Science (BA) — Ukrainian · $365/yr
    This program provides foundational knowledge in political science.
    Field: Political Science
  • Bachelor of History (BA) — Ukrainian · $365/yr
    This program offers a comprehensive study of historical events and analysis.
    Field: History

Master Programs (16)

  • Master's Program in Earth Science (MSc) — English · $365/yr · STEM
    This program trains competitive professionals in academic, research, and applied Earth science (geology), with key topics including geology, marine geology, paleontology, hydrogeology, engineering geology, and geology of oil and gas, preparing students for research, academic, or applied roles in earth sciences.
    Field: Earth Science
    Career outcomes: Research roles in earth sciences, Academic roles in earth sciences, Applied roles in earth sciences
  • Master's Program in Management (MA) — English · $365/yr
    This program focuses on advanced management principles and practices, preparing students for leadership and managerial roles.
    Field: Management
    Career outcomes: Leadership roles, Managerial roles
  • Master's Program in Biology (MSc) — English · $365/yr · STEM
    This program trains competitive professionals in academic, research, and applied Biology, with key topics including Marine biology and Ichthyology, preparing students for research, academic, or applied roles in biology.
    Field: Biology
    Career outcomes: Research roles in biology, Academic roles in biology, Applied roles in biology
  • Master's Program in Economics (MSc) — English · $365/yr
    This program offers students the opportunity to obtain a double degree with the University of Cassino and Southern Lazio (Italy), focusing on advanced economic principles.
    Field: Economics
  • Master's Program in Information Systems and Technology (MSc) — English · $365/yr · STEM
    This program is designed to enhance the competence of international students in Information Technology and the creation of Information Systems. It covers data mining, application of IT in mechanics, and machine learning, preparing students for roles in IT, data analysis, and system development.
    Field: Information Technology
    Career outcomes: IT roles, Data Analyst, System Developer
  • Master's Program in Physics and Astronomy (MSc) — English · $365/yr · STEM
    This program offers advanced studies in the fields of physics and astronomy.
    Field: Physics
  • Master of Political Science (MA) — Ukrainian · $365/yr
    This program provides advanced study in political science.
    Field: Political Science
  • Master's Program in International Relations, Public Communications and Regional Studies (MA) — English · $365/yr
    This program provides advanced study in international relations, public communications, and regional studies.
    Field: International Relations
  • Master's Program in Earth Science (MSc) — English · $365/yr · STEM
    This program trains competitive professionals in academic, research, and applied Earth science (geology), with key topics including geology, marine geology, paleontology, hydrogeology, engineering geology, and geology of oil and gas, preparing students for research, academic, or applied roles in earth sciences.
    Field: Earth Science
    Career outcomes: Research roles in earth sciences, Academic roles in earth sciences, Applied roles in earth sciences
  • Master's Program in Management (MA) — English · $365/yr
    This program focuses on advanced management principles and practices, preparing students for leadership and managerial roles.
    Field: Management
    Career outcomes: Leadership roles, Managerial roles
  • Master's Program in Biology (MSc) — English · $365/yr · STEM
    This program trains competitive professionals in academic, research, and applied Biology, with key topics including Marine biology and Ichthyology, preparing students for research, academic, or applied roles in biology.
    Field: Biology
    Career outcomes: Research roles in biology, Academic roles in biology, Applied roles in biology
  • Master's Program in Economics (MSc) — English · $365/yr
    This program offers students the opportunity to obtain a double degree with the University of Cassino and Southern Lazio (Italy), focusing on advanced economic principles.
    Field: Economics
  • Master's Program in Information Systems and Technology (MSc) — English · $365/yr · STEM
    This program is designed to enhance the competence of international students in Information Technology and the creation of Information Systems. It covers data mining, application of IT in mechanics, and machine learning, preparing students for roles in IT, data analysis, and system development.
    Field: Information Technology
    Career outcomes: IT roles, Data Analyst, System Developer
  • Master's Program in Physics and Astronomy (MSc) — English · $365/yr · STEM
    This program offers advanced studies in the fields of physics and astronomy.
    Field: Physics
  • Master of Political Science (MA) — Ukrainian · $365/yr
    This program provides advanced study in political science.
    Field: Political Science
  • Master's Program in International Relations, Public Communications and Regional Studies (MA) — English · $365/yr
    This program provides advanced study in international relations, public communications, and regional studies.
    Field: International Relations

PhD Programs (6)

  • Doctor of Philosophy Program in Psychology (PhD) — 48 months · English · $365/yr
    This program builds strong competence in psychology for international students, covering modern psychology issues and mixing theoretical and practical international experience, preparing students for research, academic, or specialized psychology roles.
    Field: Psychology
    Career outcomes: Research roles in psychology, Academic roles in psychology, Specialized psychology roles
  • Doctoral Degree Program (PhD) — 24 months · Ukrainian
    This program involves conducting scientific research, preparing and defending dissertation papers, and implementing results in science, education, and various fields, preparing students for advanced research and academic careers.
    Career outcomes: Scientific Researcher, Academic
    Deadline: March and August annually
  • PhD Program (PhD) — 48 months · Ukrainian
    This program involves conducting scientific research, preparing and defending dissertation papers, and implementing results in science, education, and various fields, preparing students for advanced research and academic careers.
    Career outcomes: Scientific Researcher, Academic
    Deadline: March and August annually
  • Doctor of Philosophy Program in Psychology (PhD) — 48 months · English · $365/yr
    This program builds strong competence in psychology for international students, covering modern psychology issues and mixing theoretical and practical international experience, preparing students for research, academic, or specialized psychology roles.
    Field: Psychology
    Career outcomes: Research roles in psychology, Academic roles in psychology, Specialized psychology roles
  • Doctoral Degree Program (PhD) — 24 months · Ukrainian
    This program involves conducting scientific research, preparing and defending dissertation papers, and implementing results in science, education, and various fields, preparing students for advanced research and academic careers.
    Career outcomes: Scientific Researcher, Academic
    Deadline: March and August annually
  • PhD Program (PhD) — 48 months · Ukrainian
    This program involves conducting scientific research, preparing and defending dissertation papers, and implementing results in science, education, and various fields, preparing students for advanced research and academic careers.
    Career outcomes: Scientific Researcher, Academic
    Deadline: March and August annually

Scholarships & Tuition at Odessa National University named after I.I. Mechnikov

Annual tuition for international students: $1,800 – $4,500/year

✅ Odessa National University named after I.I. Mechnikov offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.

Rankings of Odessa National University named after I.I. Mechnikov

  • National Ranking: #4 in Ukraine
  • QS World University Ranking: #1201
  • Times Higher Education (THE): #1001
  • Ranking tier: Unranked
  • Research output: High

Campus & Facilities at Odessa National University named after I.I. Mechnikov

  • Student housing available
  • Sports facilities available
  • No disability support info
  • Campus type: Urban
  • Housing cost: ~$25/month

Key Highlights

  • Oldest university library in Ukraine
  • Top-ranked Ukrainian university
  • Comprehensive academic programs
  • International student focus
  • Coastal city campus

Accreditation

  • Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine

Fields of Study at Odessa National University named after I.I. Mechnikov

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Economics
  • Law

Notable Alumni

  • Leon Trotsky
  • Sergei Witte
  • George Gamow
  • Mikhail Zhvanetsky
  • Grigory Chkhartishvili (Boris Akunin)

Frequently Asked Questions about Odessa National University named after I.I. Mechnikov

What is Odessa National University named after I.I. Mechnikov?

Odessa National University named after I.I. Mechnikov is a public university located in Odessa, Ukraine. It has approximately 7,505 students.

How much does it cost to study at Odessa National University named after I.I. Mechnikov?

Tuition fees at Odessa National University named after I.I. Mechnikov for international students range from $1,800 – $4,500/year. Student housing costs approximately $25/month. Scholarships are available for international students.

What are the admission requirements for Odessa National University named after I.I. Mechnikov?

Selectivity: Open (60%+). Application deadline: October 24, 2025.

What language are courses taught in at Odessa National University named after I.I. Mechnikov?

Courses at Odessa National University named after I.I. Mechnikov are taught in Ukrainian and English and Russian.

How many programs does Odessa National University named after I.I. Mechnikov offer?

Odessa National University named after I.I. Mechnikov offers 46 programs: 24 Bachelor's, 16 Master's, and 6 PhD programs across various fields of study.

What is Odessa National University named after I.I. Mechnikov ranked?

#4 in Ukraine · QS World #1201 · THE World #1001.

Does Odessa National University named after I.I. Mechnikov offer scholarships?

Yes, Odessa National University named after I.I. Mechnikov offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.

Does Odessa National University named after I.I. Mechnikov provide visa support?

Yes, Odessa National University named after I.I. Mechnikov provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available.

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