Karazin Quality of Education Forum: A Platform for Dialogue, Solutions, and New Standards

On November 12–13, 2025, V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University hosted the Karazin Quality of Education Forum — a large-scale event that brought together leading experts in the field of education, representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, the National Agency for Higher Education Quality Assurance, the National Qualifications Agency, heads of university structural units, educational program guarantors, employers, students, and the veteran community.

The forum became an open space for sharing experience, discussing current challenges, and jointly seeking ways to develop the higher education quality assurance system in Ukraine.

In her welcoming speech, Rector of V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University Tetiana Kahanovska emphasized the resilience of the university community during wartime and the importance of maintaining high educational standards:

“Almost 60% of our first-year students choose Karazin University specifically for the quality of education they receive here. This is the result of the university’s 220-year history — our faith, strength, and dedication. Despite shelling and energy problems, we do not stop — we fight to ensure that Karazin University remains the most modern and best university in Ukraine. War cannot be an excuse for lowering quality standards. We keep the bar high.”

The rector expressed gratitude to colleagues, teachers, and students for their joint work on developing educational programs and their contribution to shaping the country’s future.

Throughout the two days, forum participants engaged in presentations, panel discussions, and showcases of practical experiences.

Among the most anticipated presentations were:

• post-accreditation monitoring of educational programs (Ivan Nazarov, NAQA);

• application of the “List of Essential Shortcomings” in internal quality assurance systems (Oksana Trebenko, NAQA);

• interdisciplinary educational programs (Liudmyla Ivanenko, Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine);

• professional qualifications and their awarding (Yurii Rashkevych, National Qualifications Agency).

Participants paid special attention to:

• university–employer synergy: discussion of best cooperation practices with research institutions and enterprises of Kharkiv;

• veteran and inclusive education: development of socially oriented educational initiatives;

• designing high-quality educational programs: successful cases from Karazin University faculties and institutes;

• academic mobility and international cooperation;

• prevention of discrimination and corruption risks.

The second day featured a student panel discussion “Students as Agents of Internal Change”, where young participants presented their vision for improving education quality.
The session was moderated by Oleksandr Pelyukh, head of the student, postgraduate, and doctoral union. Best practices were presented by Sofia Panasiuk, head of the university’s Student Council.
Participants included Kateryna Kravchenko, Dean of the School of Geology, Geography, Recreation and Travel Business, and Ruslan Zaporozhchenko, head of the Scientific Society of Students, Postgraduates, Doctoral Students, and Young Scientists.

The forum concluded with an open microphone session, during which participants shared their impressions, expressed gratitude to the organizers, and noted that the Karazin Quality of Education Forum became an effective platform for professional dialogue, practical solutions, and strengthening a community united by one goal — improving the quality of Ukrainian education.

The event demonstrated that even in difficult circumstances, Kharkiv remains a center of professional discussion, innovative ideas, and an unbreakable drive toward educational progress.