Why choose VITV
Combat vehicles in practice
Cadets train on real armored weapon systems — tanks, combat vehicles and self-propelled artillery.
Full state support
Free education, meals, uniforms, accommodation and a monetary allowance starting from UAH 8,000/month in the first year.
NTU "KhPI" diploma
Graduates receive a diploma from one of Ukraine's most reputable technical universities and the rank of an Armed Forces officer.
SteelBeasts simulators
Innovative training using 3D combat-scenario simulators, the SteelBeasts platform and interactive 3D visualizations.
Guaranteed assignment
Every graduate receives an officer position in the troops. Top performers receive an increased monetary allowance of over UAH 20,000/month.
Science and innovation
In 2025, VITV joined the ESDC network (European Security and Defense College). The institute has its own research laboratory.
VITV in numbers
History of the institute
Kharkiv is Ukraine's "Tank City". This is where the legendary T-34, T-64 and T-84 tanks were designed, and where tank commanders were trained. On 23 August 1943, on the basis of the 33rd Guards Tank Brigade, the Guards Kharkiv Tank School was formed — the direct predecessor of today's VITV. Its first graduation of 247 tank officers took place as early as 19 March 1945.
On 19 September 1997, Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 1036 transformed the school into the Kharkiv Institute of Tank Troops. This date is the institution's official Founding Day. In 2003 the institute joined NTU "KhPI", and under Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 549 of 19 July 2017 it gained the status of the Military Institute of Tank Troops. On 24 August 2017, the President of Ukraine presented the institute with its Battle Flag.
From the very first hours of the full-scale invasion on 24 February 2022, institute personnel with 16 tanks and roughly 20 armored vehicles took up the defense of Kharkiv. On 6 March 2022, almost 200 officers graduated early from the institute — straight from combat positions. For its combat service, the institute was awarded the distinction "For Participation in the Defense of Ukraine. Kharkiv 2022".
Faculties and specialties
Faculty of Tank Unit Combat Employment
- K5 Military Management (bachelor's)
- K7 Armament and Military Equipment (bachelor's + master's)
Faculty of Armament and Military Equipment
- K5 Military Management (bachelor's)
- K7 Armament and Military Equipment (bachelor's + master's)
Faculty of CBR Defense and Environmental Safety
- K6 Force Support (bachelor's)
- K7 Armament and Military Equipment (master's)
Institute-wide Units
- Reserve officers (25 specialties)
- 24 partner universities
How to enroll at VITV
Submit your application by 20 July
Documents from the recruitment center (TCC) are accepted until 1 July 2026. Personal submission of applications — until 20 July 2026. Required: school certificate/diploma, NMT results, medical certificate, autobiography. Ukrainian citizenship, age 17–25 (civilians) or 18–30 (servicemembers).
Entrance tests, 20–30 July
Psychological assessment, physical fitness evaluation and medical examination take place from 20 to 30 July 2026. The ranking list is published on 1 August 2026.
Enrollment and service
After enrollment: signing the contract, taking the oath, and beginning studies with full state support. Monetary allowance from the first year, an officer's rank and a guaranteed assignment after graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can enroll at VITV?
Ukrainian citizens, male, aged 17–25 (civilians). Servicemembers and reservists — up to 30 years old. A school certificate or diploma, NMT results and a medical certificate are required.
How much does education cost?
Education is entirely free, funded under the state order. Cadets also receive a monetary allowance: from UAH 8,000/month in the first year to over UAH 20,000/month for top-performing graduating cadets.
What support do cadets receive?
Full state support: dormitory accommodation, three meals a day, uniforms, equipment, medical care and a monthly monetary allowance.
What specialties does VITV offer?
Four educational programmes: "Tank Unit Combat Employment" (bachelor's), "Operation and Repair of Armored Vehicles and Armament" (bachelor's + master's), "CBR Defense and Environmental Safety of Troops" (bachelor's + master's). VITV also trains reserve officers from 24 universities across 25 specialties.
Do cadets train on real tanks here?
Yes. The programme combines theoretical training, work on SteelBeasts simulators, and practical exercises with real armored vehicles at the training ground.
What diploma does a graduate receive?
A bachelor's or master's diploma from NTU "Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute" — one of Ukraine's most prestigious technical universities — and the officer rank of lieutenant.
Where are graduates assigned?
A guaranteed officer position in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, mainly in armored and mechanized units or CBR defense units.
Does VITV continue operating under martial law?
Yes. The institute is fully operational, actively adapts its programmes to real combat experience, and trains officers at an accelerated pace to meet the army's needs.
