Why choose KhNUAF
Full state support
Free education, accommodation, meals, uniforms and medical care. Monthly stipend of up to UAH 20,000
Real flight training
Training on L-39 and An-26 aircraft and Mi-8, Mi-2 helicopters at the 203rd Training Aviation Brigade (Chuhuiv)
NATO equipment and weapons
Training on NASAMS, PATRIOT, IRIS-T SLM, Avenger, Bayraktar TB2, Gepard 1A2 — systems already used in combat
18 specialties across 9 fields
The widest choice among Ukraine's military higher education institutions: flight, technical, air-defense, radio engineering, IT and civilian fields
Training abroad
Training at foreign training bases of NATO partner countries on modern weapon systems
Integration of combat experience
Educational programmes are adapted to the realities of modern warfare. Instructors' combat experience forms the basis of training
The university in numbers
History of the university
The Kharkiv National University of Air Force named after Ivan Kozhedub traces its tradition to 12 November 1930 — the founding date of the 9th Military Pilot School in Kharkiv. Over more than 95 years of history, the institution has trained more than 125,000 officers, including 578 Heroes of the Soviet Union (28 of them twice Heroes), 407 generals and 27 cosmonauts.
The university was formed in its current shape in 2003 through the merger of the Kharkiv Military University and the Kharkiv Institute of the Air Force. In 2004 the 203rd Training Aviation Brigade at Chuhuiv air base joined the university, providing flight training for cadets. In 2010 the Sergeant Military College was opened, and in 2017 the Institute of Civil Aviation.
The university is named after the outstanding World War II ace, three-time Hero of the Soviet Union Ivan Kozhedub — the most successful fighter pilot of the anti-Hitler coalition, who scored 64 confirmed aerial victories.
Faculties and institutes
Faculty of Flight Training
- L-39
- An-26
- Mi-2MSB
- Mi-8MT/MSB
Faculty of Aviation Engineering
- Bayraktar TB2
- aviation weapons and onboard equipment
Faculty of Anti-Aircraft Missile Troops
- NASAMS
- PATRIOT
- IRIS-T SLM
- HAWK
- S-300
- Buk-M1
Faculty of Ground Forces Air Defense
- Avenger
- Stormer HVM
- Gepard 1A2
- Stinger
- Tunguska
Faculty of Air Defense Radio-Technical Troops
- P-18MA
- P-19MA
- RPS-42 RADA and modern radars
Faculty of Automated Control Systems and Ground Flight Support
- Bachelor's (4 years)
- Master's (+ 1.5–2 years)
Institute of Civil Aviation
- full-time / part-time
- state-funded and contract-based
Sergeant Military College
- UAS
- aviation equipment
- SAM systems
- radar systems
- aviation weapons
How to enroll at KhNUAF
Preparation and registration
Submit an application via hups.mil.gov.ua or contact the admissions board. Check the requirements: Ukrainian citizenship, age 17–30 (civilians) or 18–30 (servicemembers). Prepare your school certificate/diploma, NMT (national multi-subject test) results, autobiography and medical certificates.
Selection tests
Complete three selection stages: medical examination (VLK) → psychological testing → Armed Forces physical fitness standards. For flight specialties — an additional aviation medical examination. Approximate timing: flight specialties — early July, ground specialties — late July.
Enrollment and oath
An enrollment order is issued based on the competitive score (NMT + physical fitness + medical rating). After enrollment you take the Military Oath, become a cadet, and start receiving full state support and a stipend of up to UAH 20,000/month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is military service experience required to enroll?
No. KhNUAF admits civilians aged 17–30 as well as servicemembers and reservists aged 18–30. Persons from occupied territories are also eligible to enroll.
How much does education cost?
For cadets it is entirely free (state-funded). The state also covers accommodation, meals, uniforms and medical care. Stipend — up to UAH 20,000/month.
How long is the programme?
Bachelor's — 4 years. Master's — an additional 1.5–2 years. Sergeant Military College — 2 years. Advanced training courses follow separate programmes.
Does KhNUAF offer flight training, and on which aircraft?
Yes. The Faculty of Flight Training trains aircraft pilots (L-39, An-26) and helicopter pilots (Mi-2MSB, Mi-8MT/MSB). Flight practice takes place at the 203rd Training Aviation Brigade at Chuhuiv air base.
What specialties does KhNUAF offer besides flight training?
Anti-aircraft missile troops, air defense radio-technical troops, Ground Forces air defense, automated control systems and ground flight support, aviation engineering (technical maintenance), civil aviation, and UAVs.
Does KhNUAF continue operating under martial law?
Yes. The university continues training specialists at full capacity. For security reasons, the specific training location is communicated to applicants individually after registration.
Are there civilian specialties at KhNUAF?
Yes. The Institute of Civil Aviation trains air transport and avionics specialists, on both a state-funded and contract basis. It is open to international students.
Which NMT subjects are required for admission?
Depending on the specialty: Ukrainian language, mathematics, physics (mandatory for technical and flight specialties), history of Ukraine, and a foreign language. Exact requirements are listed in the Admission Rules at hups.mil.gov.ua.
