On 12 July 2024, SumDU hosted a solemn ceremony of awarding Bachelor’s and Master’s diplomas to foreign graduates.

This event demonstrated the cultural richness and academic excellence of students from all over the world.

This year, more than 130 students from 18 countries completed their studies at SumDU and received officially recognized European diplomas.

“You are an important part of our university family. You are very courageous and purposeful. In this difficult time, you were here with us, and we were with you. And today we are celebrating this special event together. We will miss you. And I am sure that each of you will leave a piece of Ukraine, a piece of Sumy State University in your hearts, and a piece of your hearts will remain here. I want to believe that you will remember the years of studying at our university as the best in your life. The knowledge and the diploma you have received will open up great opportunities for you,” – said Vasyl KARPUSHA (the SumDU rector).

It was difficult for the heroes of today’s celebrations to contain their emotions of joy and sadness. After all, for many foreign citizens, Ukraine has actually become a second home, and they have been together in this difficult time. They sincerely thanked the university professors for their quality knowledge and the people of Sumy for their hospitality.

“I am very happy that I chose SumDU and successfully completed my studies, because there were difficult times when we had to leave the university and Sumy. I did not even know if I would be able to finish my studies, and I felt confused. But I came back to Sumy and now I am very happy to get my diploma. I am also very happy for my friends. It was great in Ukraine, it was great at Sumy State University. I want to emphasize that our teachers were wonderful. Despite the coronavirus and war, teachers worked really hard to give us knowledge. First of all, I remember the COVID-19 and war events when we were forced to leave Sumy State University. But I will always be grateful to the university and the local people who helped us. Special words of gratitude to my teachers, my friends. I wish good luck to the university, Ukrainians and Sumy residents. I am sure that wherever we find ourselves, in Ukraine or another country, Sumy State University will be in our hearts, just like Ukrainians,” – the graduates from Tunisia, Jordan, Palestine, India shared their feelings on this solemn day.

The presence of foreign students enriches the academic landscape of Sumy State University, improves the overall learning experience for all students, and promotes intercultural and worldview exchange. Representatives of the university spoke about this at the ceremony and expressed their gratitude to the students who came from different parts of the world for choosing Sumy State University to study.

“This is a special and touching day. We congratulate foreign graduates in 2024. We thank them for their courage, for their resilience, for their faith and trust, for studying hard and overcoming the challenges of this difficult time together with us. We are especially grateful to their parents for entrusting us with their children, for choosing Sumy State University for their education and professional training, for choosing Ukraine. We wish our graduates a happy and professional future,” – said Tetyana MAYBORODA (the deputy head of the SumDU International Cooperation Department).

The entire university community joins congratulations to our graduates! We are proud of you and always waiting for you in the walls of our Alma Mater!