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KhNPU
H. S. Skovoroda Kharkiv National Pedagogical University
About the university

History and traditions

Over 220 years of teacher education: from its founding in 1804 to today's national university.

H. S. Skovoroda Kharkiv National Pedagogical University is one of the oldest institutions of higher pedagogical education in Ukraine, with a history of more than 220 years. Its founding in 1804 is linked to the emergence of teacher education in the region, while its educational and scholarly tradition was shaped by prominent figures of education and culture — H. Kvitka-Osnovianenko, V. Karazin, P. Hulak-Artemovskyi, as well as students and followers of Hryhorii Savych Skovoroda.

In 1945 the university was named after H. S. Skovoroda, in recognition of his contribution to Ukrainian culture, philosophy, and pedagogical thought. In 1994 it became H. S. Skovoroda Kharkiv State Pedagogical University, and in 2004 the institution was granted national status. Today the university positions itself as a leading institution of higher pedagogical education in Ukraine, combining long-standing traditions with innovative approaches to education, research, international cooperation, and public service.

1804

Founding of the university

The institution's history begins in 1804 and is tied to the emergence of teacher education in the region. Its traditions were shaped by H. Kvitka-Osnovianenko, V. Karazin, P. Hulak-Artemovskyi, and the followers of Hryhorii Skovoroda.

1945

Named after H. S. Skovoroda

The university was named after Hryhorii Savych Skovoroda in recognition of his contribution to Ukrainian culture, philosophy, and pedagogical thought. Skovoroda's legacy of values shapes the institution's educational philosophy today.

1994

Kharkiv State Pedagogical University

H. S. Skovoroda Kharkiv State Pedagogical University was established — a state institution of higher education under the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine.

2004

National university status

The university was granted national status — recognition of its role as one of the leading institutions of higher pedagogical education in Ukraine.

Now

A leading pedagogical university

Today the university combines over 220 years of tradition with innovative approaches to education, research, international cooperation, and public service, developing its research schools and student community.

Mission, vision, and values

The policy, mission, vision, and values of the university, approved by the Development Strategy of H. S. Skovoroda KhNPU for 2026–2030.

Read full mission and values
  • 01

    Mission

    To provide high-quality teacher education and prepare competent professionals for building the educational landscape of Slobozhanshchyna on the basis of the Skovoroda tradition.

  • 02

    Vision

    The university is a recognised leader in Ukraine in preparing highly qualified specialists, shaping the national system of teacher education.

  • 03

    Values

    The values define the culture of the university community and underpin the Development Strategy for 2026–2030.