A ceremonial signing of the updated agreement on the implementation of the DSG2neo dual-degree program took place in Magdeburg. This joint educational project between the National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute» (NTU «KhPI») and Otto von Guericke University (OVGU) was launched in 2022. The program is aimed at Ukrainian applicants currently residing in Germany. In addition, the heads of the Ukrainian and German universities approved a new framework agreement on further academic cooperation between the higher education institutions. The updated documents detail the list of agreed-upon educational programs through which students can earn a dual degree, and also define the model of academic mobility, the number of ECTS credits, the procedure for mutual recognition of courses and grades, the conditions for continuing studies at OVGU, and the procedures for preparing and defending bachelor’s theses at both universities.
The partnership between the National Technical University «KhPI» and Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg (OVGU) has a long history, and the DSG2/DSG2neo project is one of the key areas of this collaboration. The updated framework agreement establishes a wide range of joint activities between the universities: academic exchanges of students at various levels of study, cooperation among academic, research, and administrative staff, the implementation of joint research projects and programs, participation in conferences and seminars, as well as the exchange of academic information, materials, and institutional experience. The signing of the updated DSG2neo agreement is of particular significance, as it elevates the dual-degree program to a new level of institutional certainty.
«While the previous cooperation framework laid the groundwork for academic mobility, the new agreement regulates all key mechanisms for implementing the program in much greater detail: the structure of the program, the procedure for transferring to a partner university, the academic recognition of results, selection procedures, coordinators’ responsibilities, quality control mechanisms, and the legal and organizational aspects of the program’s operation,» explains Denis Meshkov, the DSG2neo project coordinator on behalf of NTU «KhPI» and head of the «German Technical Faculty» educational center.
Among the most important features of the updated agreement is a clear definition of the coordinated educational programs at both universities through which the dual degree is offered. This means that the collaboration is shifting from a general model to a precisely structured system with defined study paths for specific majors. In addition, the agreement details the academic mobility model, the number of required ECTS credits, the conditions for continuing studies at OVGU, the procedure for mutual recognition of modules and grades, as well as the mechanism for preparing and supervising the bachelor’s thesis at both universities. Another important innovation is that the agreement sets out in much greater detail the quality assurance procedures, regular evaluation of the program’s effectiveness, the role of local academic coordinators, as well as issues related to personal data protection, the responsibilities of the parties, intellectual property rights, dispute resolution, and the procedure for extending or terminating the agreement. All of this makes the DSG2neo program significantly more transparent, sustainable, and understandable for students and both universities.
It should be noted that the updated DSG2neo program is implemented with the support of the DAAD. Program participants are eligible to apply for DAAD scholarship support, which is awarded to students on a competitive basis, provided they successfully meet academic requirements and demonstrate a strong motivation to study in a German university environment. For students, this is not only recognition of their potential but also a practical means of financial support during their studies and stay in Germany.
«The signing of two updated documents in Magdeburg was a significant moment for NTU «KhPI». It confirmed the high level of trust between the universities, demonstrated the stability of the Ukrainian-German academic partnership, and marked the beginning of a new phase in the development of joint educational initiatives. For Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute, this is another important step toward strengthening its international presence, expanding opportunities for students, and further integration into the European educational space,» noted NTU «KhPI» Rector Professor Yevgen Sokol.
Note:
The approval of the updated agreement on the implementation of the DSG2neo dual-degree program between NTU «KhPI» and OVGU took place in Magdeburg (Germany) on April 13, 2026. The documents were signed by NTU «KhPI» Rector Professor Yevhgen Sokol and Rector of OVGU Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jens Strackeljan). The event was attended by: the DSG2neo project coordinator from NTU «KhPI,» Head of the Educational Center «German Technical Faculty» Denis Meshkov; the DSG2neo project coordinator from Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Martin Wolter; and other representatives of OVGU.
The DSG2: Dual Degree Program neo is a comprehensive educational support program for Ukrainian refugees who were forced to leave Ukraine and are currently residing in Germany or other European Union countries. Given the specificities of the European education system, in most cases Ukrainian refugees who have graduated from high school are unable to enroll directly in universities immediately after completing their Ukrainian high school education. To participate in the DSG:2 program and gain admission to a German university, a high school graduate must enroll in the first year at NTU «KhPI» and begin studying remotely. After completing the first year, program participants are admitted to the first year at a German university and begin their studies in Germany as full-fledged German students. The program includes relocation to Magdeburg and accommodation in a dormitory.
The DSG:2 dual-degree program, implemented by the National Technical University «KhPI» and Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, launched in June 2022. It is aimed at Ukrainian applicants currently residing in Germany. Priority fields of study include electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and the chemical industry.