New connections and numerous opportunities at Sakura Fest 2026 at USUST

On May 3, 2026, the Ukrainian State University of Science and Technologies hosted Sakura Fest, an event that brought together prospective students, current students, and faculty members in a shared educational and cultural space.
 
On this day, the Sakura Alley became a place of lively interaction, where participants learned more about the university, explored educational opportunities, and shaped their own vision of the future. The attendees had the opportunity not only to get information about academic programmes and admission, but also to communicate with students and lecturers in an informal atmosphere, experiencing the university as a community.
 
One of the key events of the festival was the unveiling of the commemorative stele ‘Synergy of the Future’,  which symbolizes the unity, transformation, and development of the university.

During the ceremony, Rector of USUST, Prof. Kostiantyn Sukhyi, emphasized that ‘this new commemorative sign marks the creation of a renewed educational space. He noted that, in the context of decolonization and the rethinking of history, the university is shaping a space for Ukraine’s future. According to him, this university symbol should become the beginning of a new stage in life for prospective students and a sign of reconstruction and development for the country’.

The festival featured a number of thematic locations presenting all educational and scientific institutes of the university. In specially arranged information areas, visitors could ask questions to institute representatives, learn more about academic programmes, and view interactive exhibits that helped them better understand the specifics of their future professions. A separate admission office location was also available, where prospective students received practical advice on the 2026 admission campaign and could take part in interactive activities, including a prize draw via QR codes.

The atmosphere of the event was enriched by thematic locations, including ‘Explore the world and enjoy art with USUST’, a vernissage of paintings by a Chinese artist, as well as an open-air art workshop organized by the SEI ‘PSACEA’, where the participants attended master classes on painting sakura blossoms and the basics of composition.

Visitors also took photos at the ‘Bloom with USUST’ photo zone along the alley of the trees in blossom, learned about the traditions of the Japanese tea ceremony, and tasted field kitchen dishes at the ‘Delicious with USUST’ location.
 
The festival concluded with a spectacular concert at the art venue of the USUST Center for Culture and Arts , which became a space to showcase the creative potential of the student community. The programme united performances by artistic groups and individual performers representing various educational and scientific institutes of the university, as well as partner institutions.
 
The audience warmly welcomed the USUST contemporary dance studio ‘JUST DANCE’, which performed a choreography set to a composition by ‘Monatik’, as well as the creative team of the SEI ‘Ukrainian State University of Chemical Technology’, which prepared a vibrant series of performances. The representatives of the SEI ‘Dnipro Metallurgical Institute’ also presented their performances, including Kseniia Lialiakina with the dance performance ‘Rhythm of Sakura’ and student Yehor Diachenko with an instrumental composition.

The students of the SEI ‘Prydniprovska State Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture’ and ‘Dnipro Institute of Infrastructure and Transport’ also joined the concert programme, as well as representatives and participants from other structural units of the university. A special atmosphere was created by the performances of students of the Dnipro Scientific Chemical and Ecological Lyceum Mariia Sukha and Hanna Burkovska, saxophone performance by Mykola Vasylenko, a representative of the Faculty of Military Training of the State Special Transport Service, as well as the students of the SEI ‘Prydniprovska State Academy of Physical Culture and Sports’, who demostrated  martial arts performances.

During the concert programme, two prize draws were held among prospective students who joined the festival, including those who scanned QR codes at the admission office location. The draws were conducted in an open format with the participation of prospective students, ensuring transparency and openness.
 
The event ended with an award ceremony for the participants of the spring talent festival ‘Sakura Fest 2026’, attended by Prof. Kostiantyn Sukhyi, rector of the Ukrainian State University of Science and Technologies, , and Stanislav Radzimovskyi, director of the USUST Center for Culture and Arts.
Live sound, audience support, and the diversity of creative formats demonstrated that USUST is not only about quality education and modern academic programmes, but also about an active and meaningful student life where everyone can realize their talent.
 
The participants’ feedback became a significant outcome of the event. In particular, one of the guests noted: ‘To be honest, I came for the atmosphere, but I am thinking about admission’.
 
Sakura Fest 2026 showed that discovering the university through live experience builds trust and helps prospective students make an informed choice. For many, this day became the beginning of a personal educational path and the first step toward their future at USUST.

More photos from the event and the photo zone are available via the links.