An Open Day is a unique opportunity to get to know a university better, receive answers to all your admission questions, explore the specifics of educational programs and specialties, and learn about future career prospects. The event helps prospective students make an informed choice about their professional path and take a confident step toward their future careers.
On March 21, 2026, the Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design hosted a large-scale Open Day that drew more than 200 visitors, including prospective applicants, their parents, and university guests. The event became a true immersion into the world of education, creativity, and vast opportunities.
The event was hosted by Honored Artist of Ukraine, renowned Ukrainian theater and film actress, TV presenter, and Associate Professor of the Department of Performing Arts and Culture, Liudmyla Ardelyan. The Marketing Communications Department of KNUTD organized the event.
Even before the event began, the venue was filled with a pleasant, welcoming atmosphere: live music played, prospective applicants were immersed in the spirit of student life, eagerly approached faculty information stands, explored the university's educational programs, and interacted with department representatives and current students. Guests among prospective applicants were invited to register via a QR code to participate in a prize draw. The host announced a coffee break from Bakery at the end of the event.
The event opened with welcoming remarks from the host, who emphasized the university's status as a leading higher education institution with a 95-year history. She also highlighted that the university trains highly qualified specialists in the fields of fashion and design, biopharmaceutics, engineering, economics, law, information and chemical technologies, culture, and creative industries.
The attendees paid special tribute to Ukrainian defenders, honoring the memory of fallen heroes with a moment of silence.
The event guests met the deans of the faculties:
The host introduced the audience to the university's infrastructure and study opportunities, emphasizing that KNUTD offers a military training department, student dormitories, international academic mobility programs, a well-developed material and technical base, and a safe learning environment. The university also offers extensive opportunities for creative self-expression through artistic platforms, an active student life, participation in projects, internships, and research activities, as well as accessible, transparent admission procedures.
A highlight of the Open Day was a fashion show featuring a collection by third-year student Saiman El Sabari of the Faculty of Design and the Faculty of Arts and Fashion, a participant in the Ukrainian Fashion Week. The runway show, accompanied by dynamic music, showcased the university's talented youth's high level of training and sparked great interest among the guests.
Acting Rector, Professor Nataliia Ostapenko, addressed the guests with a welcome speech, emphasizing that the university is a place where strong traditions are preserved while innovation continues to develop. She noted that the university’s high international and national reputation is built on the achievements of its staff and students. At the same time, generations of educators have trained thousands of young professionals who достойно represent their alma mater in Ukraine and around the world. «...We take pride in our distinguished alumni, highly experienced practitioner-lecturers, and modern material and technical base. KNUTD is a starting point for a successful career, offering broad opportunities for personal and professional development, as well as a vibrant student life».
The meeting with KNUTD alums who have already achieved significant professional success sparked particular interest among the guests. Sincere, inspiring, and insightful speeches by graduates from various faculties became a powerful source of motivation for prospective applicants. Clearly, they demonstrated the wide range of career opportunities available after graduation. They shared their personal stories of professional growth, practical experience, and achievements, proving that the knowledge and skills gained at the university open the door to successful careers across diverse fields—from creative industries to high-tech production.
Svitlana Velytchenko, a representative of the Faculty of Arts and Fashion, delivered a presentation as a bachelor’s graduate, current master’s student, and project manager at Talan, one of Ukraine’s leading manufacturers of military and specialized footwear. In her remarks, she emphasized that studying at the university, combined with the integration of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, provided a solid foundation for her professional development and career growth. At the same time, she highlighted that while the university offers broad development opportunities, personal motivation remains key—students must be willing to acquire knowledge, actively apply it in practice, and continuously improve.
The next speaker was Marharyta Aftandiliants, a graduate of the Faculty of Economics and Management, now Head of the Marketing Communications Department at KNUTD, PhD in Economics, business owner, and international project manager. She spoke about her professional journey, noting that she once faced the same difficult choices and uncertainty about her future path. She emphasized that university education is not just about obtaining a diploma, but above all about gaining a strong start, building fundamental knowledge, developing critical thinking, and learning to recognize opportunities. According to her, the university environment fosters personal growth, helps overcome challenges, and enables students to achieve more than they initially thought possible. She encouraged prospective applicants not to be afraid to take the first step, to think broadly, to make use of development opportunities, and to remember that today’s choice is an investment in their future and a path toward professional fulfillment. “From my own experience, I can confidently say that this university is a place where you can grow—if you give yourself a chance, without needing to be perfect or know everything in advance, but simply to start. And perhaps in a few years, you will be standing here, telling your own story.”
The audience welcomed Mykhailo Hryhoriev, a graduate of the Faculty of Design, talented team leader, and product designer at NDA Company, which specializes in design, information technology, product management, and marketing. In his speech, Mykhailo shared his professional experience. He emphasized that successful career development primarily depends on personal motivation, perseverance, and a willingness to engage in continuous learning—especially crucial in the fast-paced field of design. He also highlighted the importance of the environment in which a future professional grows, noting that the support of professors and like-minded peers during his university studies became a powerful stimulus for his development and self-realization.
Volodymyr Nychehlod represented the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technologies. Now a university staff member, Volodymyr completed the full educational path at KNUTD—from bachelor’s and master’s degrees to the third educational and scientific level—earning a PhD in industrial engineering. He stressed the importance of consciously choosing a profession based on personal priorities, interests, and thinking style—whether humanitarian or engineering-focused. He underlined that selecting the right field of study ensures future professional development and emphasized the need for active student participation in university life. Volodymyr also noted that student years are among the brightest periods of life, shaping not only professional competencies but also worldview, social circle, and life priorities.
Maksym Koliada, National Program Officer at the International Organization for Migration in Ukraine, represented the Faculty of Chemical and Biopharmaceutical Technologies. Maksym highlighted the importance of participating in international projects, internships, and research initiatives, which expand professional horizons and create competitive advantages in the labor market. He also encouraged prospective students not to fear experimenting, to develop their own abilities, and to make the most of the opportunities offered by the university environment.
Representing the Faculty of Culture and Creative Industries, talented theater and film actress, stunt performer, and choreographer Daria Vinichenko spoke to the audience. In her presentation, she emphasized the importance of making a conscious choice in one’s professional path, finding a mentor, and gaining practical experience during studies. She highlighted that active hands-on practice shapes a competitive specialist and opens broad opportunities for self-realization. Daria noted that her university education provided her with comprehensive development, built professional competencies, and fostered flexible thinking, enabling her today to successfully pursue various creative directions, including stunt performance and acting.
The speaker encouraged prospective students not to fear taking ambitious steps, to make full use of the opportunities offered by the university, and to confidently build their own professional trajectory.
The event concluded with a prize draw for registered participants, adding an interactive element, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere, and generating excitement among attendees. The winners were congratulated by Acting Rector Nataliia Ostapenko, who presented them with branded gifts from KNUTD.
The event concluded on a high note with the KNUTD anthem performed by vocalist Nataliia Torkoniak and Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Culture and Creative Industries, Denys Kocherzhuk (lyrics and music by Iryna Trusova). The performance emotionally highlighted the unity of the university community:
«The KNUTD family unites countries,
The KNUTD family is so united!
It opens its heart to you –
Your most cherished dreams will come true!»
After the official program, faculty representatives led guests on a campus tour, showcasing the university’s grounds and facilities. Visitors explored state-of-the-art educational and research laboratories, workshops, computer classrooms, and also had the opportunity to see student creative projects and spaces designed for practical training.
The Open Day at KNUTD once again demonstrated that the university is a modern educational environment where traditions, innovation, and creativity come together. Prospective students not only learned about academic programs but also experienced what it feels like to be part of the large KNUTD family.
We sincerely thank everyone who joined OPEN DAY and felt the unique atmosphere of KNUTD!
See you next time – we look forward to welcoming you into our vibrant university community!
28.03.2026
