Odessa National University is named in honor of I.I. Mechnikov (ONU). Since it was founded 1(13) May 1865 it has occupied one of the leading places in the formation of the educational system of Ukraine, especially in its scientific research and cultural development.

ONU is one of the oldest Universities of Ukraine. Together with Kiev, Kharkiv and Lviv Universities it determines the state and perspectives of educational, scientific and cultural development of the country. ONU is a world famous University which has high internationalrecognition.

 In 2012 it became one of the five best Universities of the country according to the World Scientific metric database SCOPUS. Since 2000 the University has had the status of national, which is the highest status of the Higher Education Establishments in Ukraine.

FACTS and NUMBERS: 9 laureates of the state prizes; 57 academicians(National  Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, State and Public academies); 141 Doctors of Sciences, Full Professors; 591 Candidates of Sciences,(PhD) associate professors and senior lecturers work at ONU. 14 thousand students are currently studying at the University, amongst them – 450 overseas students from 40 countries.

 Currently 28 scientific research departments are functioning at the University, 14 problematic and branch laboratories, 7 scientific centers, 5 research institutes. Students obtain qualifications in 47 main specialties, at 5 institutes, at 9 faculties and at 2 preuniversity education departments.