Overview
Kyiv School of Economics (KSE) is a private university and research institution in Ukraine, founded in 1996 by the Economics Education and Research Consortium and the Eurasia Foundation. It was established to strengthen economics education and policy capacity. Its overarching purpose is to build an intellectual foundation for a modern, resilient Ukrainian economy.
Mission and focus areas
KSE focuses on economics, public policy, business and governance, combining academic teaching with applied research and policy engagement. Its mission centres on advancing evidence-based decision-making and supporting economic reform, particularly in the context of Ukraine’s development and post-war recovery.
The institution contributes to sustainability-related outcomes through policy analysis, governance reform, and research on economic resilience, reconstruction and resource allocation. Its work, including research on sanctions, economic recovery and sectoral impacts such as agriculture, supports informed decision-making relevant to sustainable economic systems and long-term value creation.
Structure and governance
KSE operates as a multi-part ecosystem comprising a university, research institute, graduate business school and charitable foundation. Governance is led by a Board of Directors responsible for strategic oversight, supported by an International Academic Board that ensures academic quality and alignment with global standards.
Leadership includes a president and management team overseeing academic and operational activities. The governance model incorporates international academic and donor representation, reflecting its origins in global partnerships and its continued emphasis on international collaboration.
Programs and offerings
KSE delivers undergraduate, master’s, MBA and PhD programmes in economics, business, public policy and related fields, aligned with Western academic standards and often taught in English. It also offers short courses and executive education.
In addition to teaching, KSE produces policy research, analytical reports and data-driven insights through its research centres and institute. Initiatives such as economic monitoring, reconstruction analysis and sector-specific research provide practical resources for policymakers, analysts and finance professionals engaged in economic and institutional development.
Our mission
In a world of colliding economic, political, technological and nature-led forces, Ukraine in its current shape and form is not a sustainable player. For the country to survive and thrive, to be a value for the world and to itself in tackling some of the most serious challenges ever faced by humankind, Ukraine must nurture a very strong intellectual capacity. We exist to build the intellectual foundation for a strong and innovative economy of Ukraine as well as develop other spheres.