Why choose IVMS
Full state support
Free education, on-campus accommodation, three meals a day, uniform, medical care and a monthly stipend
The only maritime higher education institution in Ukraine
IVMS is the only higher military educational institution that trains officers for the Naval Forces and the Maritime Guard of the State Border Guard Service
Diving training
A training diving complex, dives in the pool and at sea, emergency rescue operations, underwater welding (jointly with the Paton Institute of the National Academy of Sciences)
Practice aboard NATO ships
The best cadets undertake internships at the Italian Naval Academy and the Britannia Royal Naval College. Practice aboard partner nations' warships
Missile and radio-technical armament
Training in coastal missile systems, radio-technical armament, robotics and Naval Forces communications equipment
Strong language training
Maritime English is a mandatory NATO standard. English courses for all cadets. Marina Militare officer's dirks awarded to the best graduates
The institute in numbers
History of the institute
IVMS traces its roots to 1937, when the 2nd Naval School was founded in Sevastopol. After several reorganizations it took the name of Admiral Nakhimov and the reputation of one of the best naval educational institutions. On 19 August 1992, the merger of two Sevastopol schools gave rise to the Sevastopol Naval Institute of independent Ukraine.
After the start of Russia's armed aggression in the spring of 2014, 103 cadets, together with a third of the command and teaching staff, refused to betray their oath and, under the occupiers' gunsights, performed the national anthem of Ukraine. These "loyal ones" relocated to Odesa on 4 April 2014. On 13 July 2016, by Resolution No. 433 of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, the institute acquired its current status — the Institute of Naval Forces of the National University 'Odesa Maritime Academy'.
Today the institute's graduates defend Ukraine at sea and on land. It was IVMS graduates who, in February 2022, stopped the enemy's naval landing in the Black Sea operational zone. Coastal missile system specialists trained at the institute took part in the destruction of the flagship of Russia's Black Sea Fleet — the cruiser Moskva. The institute plans to be reorganized into a full-fledged Naval Academy by 2028.
Faculties and departments
Faculty of Armament
- K7 Ship weaponry and navigation equipment (bachelor's + master's)
- K7 Coastal missile and artillery armament (bachelor's)
- K7 Ship radio-technical armament and communications equipment (bachelor's)
- Department of Navigation and Navigational Equipment
- Department of Armament
Faculty of Marine Engineering and Diving Operations
- K7 Marine power plants (bachelor's + master's)
- K6 Search-and-rescue and diving emergency operations (bachelor's)
- Department of Marine Engineering and Electric Power Systems
Faculty of Leadership
- K6 Moral and psychological support in Naval Forces units (bachelor's)
- Reserve officers
- Department of Naval Tactics
- Department of General Military Disciplines
- Department of Social, Humanitarian and Fundamental Disciplines
- Department of Language Training
Other structural units
- Science
- Postgraduate studies (PhD)
- Retraining courses
- Research Center 'State Oceanarium'
- Training and research detachment
- Library
- Retraining and advanced training courses for Naval Forces officers
- English language courses
Admission 2026
Submit documents (by 20 July)
An application, copies of your passport and school certificate, a medical certificate, and EIT/NMT certificates (English, mathematics, Ukrainian language and history). Submit to the admissions board or in person at: 8 Didrikhson St., Odesa.
Pass the entrance tests
Physical fitness testing (100 m run, 3 km run, pull-ups/push-ups). A medical board examination. Psychological testing and a reliability check. Competition based on NMT certificate scores.
Enrollment and start of service
Enrolled cadets sign a contract and receive a uniform, accommodation and full state support. Study lasts 4 years (bachelor's) or 5 years (master's). After graduation — service as an officer of the Naval Forces or the Maritime Guard of the State Border Guard Service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can enroll at IVMS?
Citizens of Ukraine aged 17–21 (up to 23 for those who completed conscript service), fit by health and physical condition. Since 2019, women have been admitted to all specialties.
Is prior knowledge of the sea required?
No. A secondary education certificate and a willingness to serve are enough. You will acquire all the necessary maritime and military skills during your studies.
What is a cadet's monetary allowance?
Cadets receive a monthly monetary allowance that increases with each year of study. Meals, accommodation and uniform are provided by the state.
Where do sea practices take place?
Practices are conducted aboard ships and boats of the Ukrainian Naval Forces, and the best cadets aboard warships of the British and Italian fleets under NATO DEEP programs.
What is the diving specialty?
The "Search-and-rescue and diving emergency operations" specialization (K6) trains military divers for emergency rescue operations, mine clearance and strike naval drones.
What weapons are studied at IVMS?
Torpedo, missile and artillery ship armament, coastal missile systems (including Neptune), shipborne radar systems, communications equipment and uncrewed maritime vehicles.
Is it possible to study abroad?
Yes. IVMS has taken part in the NATO DEEP program since 2015. The best cadets are presented with a Marina Militare officer's dirk after practice at the Italian Naval Academy.
What future awaits an IVMS graduate?
An officer of the Naval Forces of the AFU or the Maritime Guard of the State Border Guard Service. Assignment to warships, coastal missile units, diving units or staffs. The institute plans to become a full-fledged Academy by 2028.
