European renewal of UzhNU: large-scale modernisation, challenges and new perspectives
Uzhhorod National University continues to implement a large-scale infrastructure project within the framework of the ‘Higher Education in Ukraine’ programme. Its aim is to modernise the infrastructure of the educational institution, improve energy efficiency and create comfortable conditions for students. This initiative was launched in 2017 after the signing of an agreement between the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and the Nordic Environment Finance Corporation (NEFCO). Thus, the project not only improves the conditions for study and living, but also meets modern European standards of sustainable development.
We learned about the progress of the project from UzhNU Vice-Rector Oleksandr Rohach, who shared the key stages and results of the initiative.
Launch of the initiative: from idea to implementation
The project was launched on 19 December 2017, when the above-mentioned agreement was signed. This document became the starting point for attracting external funding, which enabled UzhNU to implement its ambitious modernisation plan. However, the implementation of the project was far from an easy task.
In early 2021, UzhNU signed an agreement with NEFCO, which gave the university access to €4,162,583 in funding. In November 2024, thanks to the effective cooperation between the UzhNU team and international partners, the amount of funding was increased to €5,112,209.
However, there is one important caveat: under the terms of the loan, the funds cannot be used to pay taxes, fees or customs duties. In particular, this refers to value added tax, which in our case amounts to over €1 million, which the university covers at its own expense.
Dormitory No. 4 — a new standard of student accommodation
The renovation of the student accommodation covers all aspects of its life, from the foundation to the roof. And we are not talking about cosmetic changes, but major technical alterations. Currently, the external walls and floors of the technical floor have been insulated, which will ensure heat retention on the coldest winter days, and the roof has been fitted with hydro and thermal insulation to protect against precipitation and energy loss. Repairs to the pavement around the building and in the inner courtyards prevent moisture penetration, extending the life of the structure. All windows and doors have been replaced with energy-efficient designs, new canopies have been added over the entrances, and stairs and railings have been repaired for the convenience and safety of students. The rainwater drainage system, lightning protection and roof access have also been upgraded to meet modern safety requirements. Ventilation ducts have been repaired, which will have a positive effect on air exchange in the premises. An individual heating unit (IHU) has been installed and the heating system has been automated, particularly in building B. Pipes have been insulated and the heating and lighting systems have been modernised, which will ensure a stable microclimate in the rooms. An energy monitoring system (EMS) has been integrated, which allows energy consumption to be controlled.
In addition, more than 170 sanitary and domestic premises have been renovated, and a solar power plant has been installed on the roof, which will partially provide the dormitory with energy from renewable sources.
European investment and strategic cooperation
The Higher Education in Ukraine project has not only enabled UzhNU to carry out a large-scale modernisation, but has also become an important example of successful partnership between the university and international financial institutions. Thanks to well-established cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and NEFCO, the university was able to secure additional funding (almost €1 million) and continue the project until 2025.
In particular, as of today, more than 80% of the planned work has already been completed. The transformation of the surrounding area and dormitory No. 4 is creating energy-efficient, functional spaces that meet national and European standards. Each facility has a separate work schedule, and contractors are strictly adhering to deadlines despite logistical challenges and the unstable economic situation. This approach allows for maintaining a high pace of work and ensures that the modernisation will be completed in 2025 in accordance with the updated contract terms.
Challenges of war and project recovery
The implementation of the project has been a real challenge not only for UzhNU, but also for all those involved in the process. This became particularly apparent with the start of the full-scale invasion. At that time, there were real risks of funding being halted due to the unpredictability of the situation. However, thanks to the persistence of the UzhNU team and active negotiations with international partners, the project was continued. In 2022, the UzhNU team held negotiations with donors, demonstrating the importance of continuing the project. And in 2023, it was officially extended thanks to professional communication and mutual trust.
‘I would especially like to thank Ms. Helena Lyakhteemaki from NEFCO for her faith in us, in this project and in Ukraine. Her support was crucial at the most critical moment,’ says Oleksandr Rohach. "And also, my sincere gratitude to the project implementation team from UzhNU. These are the people without whom none of this would have happened: RuslanaVovchanska, Kristina Tovt, Dmytro Soima, Mykhailo Muchychka — your contribution goes far beyond the technical or administrative. The support of international partners is no less important, for which we are also grateful."
A new future for UzhNU: first steps towards further breakthroughs
We have no illusions: one project cannot solve all the pressing infrastructure problems of Uzhhorod National University. On the contrary, the implementation of a large-scale initiative within the framework of the Higher Education of Ukraine programme has only highlighted the scale of systemic challenges that have been accumulating for decades.
In addition, there are still numerous challenges, including the modernisation of the ‘lower dormitories’ (Nos. 1, 2, and 3), which were built in the 1960s. They are physically and morally dilapidated and require major renovation with complete thermal modernisation, renovation of engineering networks and utility rooms, and bringing them up to modern living standards. Dormitory No. 5, known as the ‘teachers' dormitory,’ requires similar attention. There are also plans to complete the construction of building G, which has been unfinished since the 1980s.
The university is actively seeking additional funding and developing new projects to further upgrade its infrastructure. In particular, energy audits of dormitories have already been carried out, preliminary design solutions for building G have been developed, and opportunities for attracting European grants are being actively explored.
New stages of development lie ahead for the university, and 2026 has every chance of becoming a year of new infrastructure breakthroughs. UzhNU is preparing to launch new projects aimed at creating an even more comfortable living environment and meaningful life for students, improving conditions for scientific activity, and improving the educational process.
