Ukraine's first private mining and metallurgical university, Metinvest Polytechnic, has graduated 124 master's degree students.
The university’s second graduating cohort specialised in metallurgy, mining, automation, computer science, business processes and operational efficiency, occupational safety, environmental protection, and project management of changes in the mining and metals sector.
The National Agency for Higher Education Quality Assurance has accredited all the university’s educational programmes. Graduation ceremonies were held in Zaporizhzhia, Kamianske and Kryvyi Rih.
This year’s graduates include many employees from Kamet Steel, the Group’s mining and processing plants in Kryvyi Rih, the Zaporizhstal joint venture, Metinvest Digital, Zaporizhzhia Casting and Mechanical Works, Zaporizhzhia Refractories, Metinvest Business Services and Metinvest Sichsteel.
Addressing the graduates, university rector Oleksandr POVAZHNIY commented: "This graduation marks the beginning of a new stage for you: a professional journey that will contribute to the revival and growth of Ukrainian industry. You have gained modern knowledge and become part of an important mission: implementing change and building the future. Metinvest Polytechnic will always stand by you as a reliable partner."
Almost one-third of graduates earned distinctions, with 26 students receiving diplomas with honours. Each graduate completed more than 2,700 hours of study, including over 290 lectures and 450 practical sessions. The courses were adapted to modern realities: a flexible schedule allowed students to combine work and education.
Students completed a significant part of their internships at Metinvest Group enterprises, where they immediately applied their newly gained knowledge to real-world production conditions. This practical experience is already helping graduates to advance in their chosen professions and build successful careers in the mining and metals industry.
Oleksii BEVZ, a foreman in the main production area of the foundry shop at Zaporizhzhia Casting and Mechanical Works, also chose metallurgy, seeing in it a path to personal and professional growth, as well as the development of the enterprise where he works.
"What I enjoyed most during my studies were the training sessions, excursions and practical classes, as they helped to reinforce my theoretical knowledge. Although this is my fourth degree, I still learned many new things at Metinvest Polytechnic, thanks to its modern programmes and lecturers with extensive practical experience in the steel industry," noted Oleksii.
Roman NIKOLENKO, another graduate and a head of the track maintenance and repair shop of railway transport department at Zaporizhstal, added:
"This is a remarkable event for me, yet also a bit bittersweet – everything passed so quickly. It feels like just yesterday we were taking exams, meeting for the first time, engaging in active learning, discussions, and practical training. And now, here we are with diplomas in hand. As a young manager, it was crucial for me to gain as much knowledge as possible to apply effectively in my department.
That is why I chose the ‘Civil Safety’ specialization. This field is comprehensive and vital at every stage of production, as workplace safety is always our top priority. The knowledge I acquired during my studies has already helped me adapt dynamically to current challenges and enhance my department’s performance."
Metinvest Polytechnic is a university of the future that creates new opportunities for young people and uses modern digital systems and platforms in education. The university was founded by Metinvest Group in June 2020.
The first students enrolled in 2022, and the initial cohort of 143 master’s students graduated in 2024. The university educates students in technical specialities that are in high demand in the labour market. Metinvest Group guarantees the best students a first job, career growth, financial and other incentives.
This year, the university has started its fourth admissions campaign. Enrolment is open for educational programmes for prospective bachelor’s and master’s students, as well as postgraduate programmes.
