The Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU) is opening a new bachelor’s program in physical therapy. Admissions will take place as part of an additional intake period, with electronic applications opening on September 1. First-year students will begin their studies on September 14.
Presentation of the new bachelor’s program in physical therapy
On August 14, UCU hosted a presentation for the new bachelor’s program. Since 2018, the university has been training specialists through its master’s programs in occupational and physical therapy. This year, UCU is expanding opportunities for students by offering a full cycle of education—from a bachelor’s to a master’s degree.
“The bachelor’s program in physical therapy at UCU has been in the planning stages for a long time. We consulted with representatives from medical and rehabilitation centers, as well as our master’s graduates, to determine what the program should look like and what should be included. Ultimately, we were convinced that we were ready. Due to the war and an aging population, there is a tremendous amount of work in Ukraine, along with a deep understanding of how vital this profession is. We will study real cases and apply new approaches to physical therapy. Our instructors primarily view the patient as a whole person, focusing not only on physical care but also on moral and psychological well-being. This is the great uniqueness of the program,” said Yaroslav Prytula, First Vice-Rector of UCU.
Yaroslav Prytula at the presentation of the new bachelor’s program in physical therapy
The head of the program, Andriy Hertsyk, spoke about the unique aspects of training physical therapy specialists at UCU: “When you speak to those who require rehabilitation, everyone will tell you that we desperately need specialists. We do everything possible to ensure that our graduates deliver results and take pride in them. We teach students to love what they do. More than 90 percent of our master’s graduates work in their specialty, which means we are succeeding. In the bachelor’s program, we will build the foundation that will serve as the professional basis for future specialists, shaping their philosophy of patient care.”
Andriy Hertsyk at the presentation of the new bachelor’s program in physical therapy
The bachelor’s program in physical therapy will last three years and ten months. Students who choose this path will study using modern methods tailored to the realities and challenges of the war in Ukraine.
“Our students have access to patients even during their studies. It is crucial that they are not intimidated by patients and that they know how to approach individuals and ask the right questions. We offer academic disciplines focused on communication and protocol study. Even before completing their bachelor’s degree, students understand which area of rehabilitation they are most drawn to. This is a core component of the program, providing built-in career guidance during their education,” said Svitlana Kohut, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at UCU.
Svitlana Kohut at the presentation of the new bachelor’s program in physical therapy
Students will be taught by experienced instructors, and working within a multidisciplinary team will help them master a modern approach to restoring a person’s health and functional capabilities.
“We have developed a bachelor’s program rooted in Christian values. We offer a unique combination of specialties: social work, psychology, and physical and occupational therapy. This is the global standard, but for Ukraine, this approach is new. The social aspect is highly important to us. We want the result of our work to be a socially conscious society that treats people with dignity,” added Svitlana Kohut.
For UCU, it is essential to bring out the best in each student to prepare highly skilled, value-driven specialists. To achieve this, the university employs a student-centered approach, individualized study, and mentoring throughout all years of the program. Additionally, community-oriented training and volunteering help young people grasp the value of their work and future service.
“I have high expectations for the program team and our future students. I urge applicants to view this as an opportunity to become the kind of specialists who can solve patients’ problems and truly help them. We will devote a great deal of attention to this program so that it grows, develops, and gains recognition not only in Ukraine but around the world,” concluded Yaroslav Prytula.
There is an additional intake of applicants outside the main admissions cycle for the new bachelor’s program.
“This year, UCU is ready to accept 25 first-year students into the bachelor’s program in physical therapy. Applicants will be able to submit electronic applications starting September 1, and we will begin accepting documents on September 10. Competitive scores will play the primary role in the selection process. We will then send invitations for interviews and issue decisions. Since this is the inaugural recruitment for this program, all applicants, regardless of their NMT scores, can apply for financial support,” said Hannusya Turchynovska, Head of the Admissions Office.
Hannusya Turchynovska at the presentation of the new bachelor’s program in physical therapy
This year, special conditions apply for scholarship support for students in the new program. Applicants can apply for the financial support competition until August 20.
For detailed information about the admissions campaign, please monitor the UCU Admissions Office’s website and social media channels.
Map of incoming UCU students for 2026
