Celebrating our first dual graduates with Ukrainian partner

Kherson State Maritime Academy thanks Plymouth for ‘valuable support’
ukraine flag

A successful partnership between the University of Plymouth and Kherson State Maritime Academy (KSMA) in Ukraine is celebrating its first graduates.
Thirteen students, many of whom are also in active service, graduated with a MSc in Marine Engineering after studying at the KSMA campus in southern Ukraine.

#TwinForHope

KSMA was one of two Ukrainian partnerships the University of Plymouth forged in 2022 as part of the Universities UK #TwinForHope campaign, offering practical, digital and research support during its conflict.
The campus in southern Ukraine was badly damaged but, following initial logistical help, its work and ongoing partnership with Plymouth is growing from strength to strength.
Twin for Hope campaign image.  Blue and yellow hands holding each other to represent colours of Ukraine flag.

Since the start of the war we have faced challenging times, but thanks to the support of our colleagues from the University of Plymouth, Office of the President of Ukraine, Cormack Consultancy Group and MES, our cadets have demonstrated that they are in high demand and competitive in the leading international companies, showing outstanding results.

On this special occasion, I extend my congratulations to our graduates.
I would like to express special gratitude to the teaching staff and administration of the University of Plymouth. In these challenging times, you have stood with us and provided your invaluable support.


Olena Diahyleva
Vice-Rector on Academic Work at KSMA 

Among the partnership’s successful initiatives were the University of Plymouth creating a Ukrainian branch of the The HELLO Project – its buddy scheme for international students – student mental health support, technical support, faculty and staff professional development and collaborative research activities.
The graduation ceremony, held online due to safety challenges in southern Ukraine, welcomed senior figures from both organisations praising the students’ efforts.
KSMA first graduates in online ceremony March 2025

We are extremely proud of what these students have achieved. Obtaining a masters degree is a significant achievement in its own right, but to do it alongside active service and against the backdrop of ongoing conflict is truly remarkable.

While we have been pleased to support colleagues at KSMA this is a genuine partnership that has benefited significantly from the knowledge and expertise of the KSMA team. 
The University of Plymouth is proud of and thankful to colleagues at both institutions for making this work under such difficult circumstances.

Dafydd MooreProfessor Dafydd Moore
Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor

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