Ukrainian Aviation University Awards $600,000 Student Recruitment Contract to Chinese Firm Without Tender

Contract for Chinese Student Recruitment Services

According to Главком: On December 29, 2025, the National Aerospace University 'Kharkiv Aviation Institute' signed a contract worth 23.90 million Ukrainian hryvnias (approximately $600,000) with the limited liability company 'KHAI Education' for services to recruit and support students from the People's Republic of China. The agreement was concluded without using the standard electronic procurement system, citing an absence of competition for technical reasons. Such non-competitive awards in Ukraine's education sector have periodically raised questions about the use of public funds.

Contract Terms and Specializations

Under this arrangement, Shenyang Aerospace University in China designated the company 'Harvin (Liaoning)' as the exclusive coordinator for a joint educational project. 'Harvin (Liaoning)' then appointed 'KHAI Education' LLC as its partner in Ukraine. The contract stipulates that the university must return up to 40% of the annual tuition fee for each recruited student to the firm.

The university's official website notes that training foreign students in the 'Avionics' specialization is not currently offered. The 'Avionics' program (G12 'Aircraft and Rocket-Space Technology') prepares specialists in designing automatic control systems, microprocessor technology, onboard aircraft equipment, and navigation and visual systems. Another specialization, 'Design, Production, and Certification of Aviation Equipment,' focuses on training engineers for aircraft development and manufacturing. Instruction for students from China will be conducted in English.

In a separate but related case from January 2023, a procurement specialist from the Desnianskyi District State Administration's education department held a tender to purchase electricity for the district's schools and kindergartens, awarding the contract to a private company. Between January and September, the suspect allegedly signed unjustified supplementary agreements to raise the price above the market rate.

These types of actions have sparked concerns over the management of budget funds and transparency in educational procurement.

"Training foreign students is an element of educational diplomacy and is carried out on the basis of equality and non-discrimination," stated representatives of the Kharkiv Aviation Institute.

The agreement between the National Aerospace University and 'KHAI Education' LLC highlights the growing efforts by Ukrainian institutions to attract international students, which can strengthen global educational ties. However, the lack of a competitive tendering process for this contract raises doubts about the cost-effectiveness of using public money, causing concern among the public and oversight bodies. Ensuring transparency and accountability in such educational procurements is crucial for maintaining trust in Ukraine's higher education system.