In 2025, the strategic partner of Sumy National Agrarian University the Royal Agricultural University of the United Kingdom (RAU) celebrates its 180th anniversary.
Founded in 1845, RAU is one of Europe’s leading agricultural universities, combining rich academic traditions with innovative approaches to education and research. The university has an extensive international partnership network, which includes SNAU — one of the few Ukrainian higher education institutions cooperating with RAU at such a high level.
The cooperation between SNAU and RAU covers academic exchanges, joint research projects, and participation in the TWINNING program — an international double degree initiative. This program allows students to study at both universities and get diplomas from two countries. Such a format is an important tool for the internationalization of higher education and the training of professionals capable to work effectively in a global environment.
In June 2025, RAU hosted the first graduation ceremony of TWINNING students. A delegation from SNAU, led by Rector Ihor Kovalenko, took part in the celebrations and personally congratulated the graduates and partners.
During the official ceremony SNAU representatives presented RAU with a wooden statuette featuring the combined symbolism of both universities. This symbolic gift reflected the deep respect, gratitude and trust that have developed between the two academic communities.
A particularly pleasant surprise was that the cover of RAU’s official magazine Landmark featured a photo of the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation between SNAU and RAU. Landmark is an annual publication for alumni and friends of the university worldwide, highlighting key events, alumni stories, research achievements and international initiatives. SNAU’s presence on the cover of such a publication is not only a sign of recognition but also evidence of the deep academic cooperation between our universities.
“To arrive at the Royal Agricultural University exactly on the day of its 180th anniversary is more than symbolic. It represents a connection between history and the future, between Ukraine and the United Kingdom. I am happy to have had the honor of graduating from the master’s program “Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security”. I am sincerely grateful to RAU, SNAU, and all the professors who made this level of study possible. This is truly royal education — at a university whose Patron is King Charles III. For me, this journey is only beginning with faith in the power of science, international partnership, and the renewal of Ukraine,” noted Kateryna Zverieva, a graduate of the RAU–SNAU international master’s program.
On behalf of Sumy National Agrarian University, we sincerely congratulate our British partners on this remarkable anniversary. We wish RAU success in advancing agricultural science and education, new international achievements, sustainable development, and peace — both in the United Kingdom and around the world.
You can view the official RAU magazine at the link
