The National Taras Shevchenko University of Kyiv founded in 1834 is considered the most prestigious university in Ukraine. Kyiv University is named after Taras Shevchenko, a major figure in Ukrainian arts. At present the are about 20 000 students at 14 faculties and in 6 Institutes.

National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy (NaUKMA) was established in 1632 and is the oldest institute of tertiary education in Ukraine. The university is bilingual in English and Ukrainian. With around 3000 students, NaUKMA is one of the smallest universities in Ukraine.