The Department of Philology and Translation of the SEI “Ukrainian State University of Chemical Technology” invites students to participate in the first stage of the Petro Yatsyk International Ukrainian Language Competition.

At the USUCT SEI, the competition will run from October 23 to November 6, 2026.

The tasks are available on the USUCT distance learning website via the competition link (self-registration).

This year, participants have been offered several diverse tasks that test not only their knowledge of language norms but also their vocabulary, linguistic intuition, and ability to express their own opinions.

Students will write an essay on the topic “Language is the home of being, and a human being lives in this home”, as well as complete the following tests:

• “Name the Profession!”;
• “Know Your Own!” — participants must find Ukrainian equivalents for foreign words;
• “Complete the Proverb”;
• “Traditional Ukrainian Dishes”.

This selection of tasks provides an opportunity to work with both contemporary Ukrainian vocabulary and the country’s phraseological and cultural heritage, while the essay allows students to demonstrate their ability to express their ideas thoughtfully and vividly.

The Petro Yatsyk International Ukrainian Language Competition is held annually among school pupils and students. Its aim is to maintain interest in the Ukrainian language, enhance its prestige, and promote the development of young people’s language culture. According to the current regulations, the competition traditionally begins on October 27 — Ukrainian Writing and Language Day. University students participate in the first stage at their educational institution, followed by participation in the third and fourth stages of the competition.

The competition is named after Petro Dmytrovych Yatsyk (1921–2001), a Ukrainian-Canadian entrepreneur, philanthropist, and public figure who devoted a significant portion of his funds to supporting Ukrainian education, science, and culture.

Petro Yatsyk was born on July 7, 1921, in the village of Syniovydske Vyzhnie, now Verkhnie Syniovydne, Lviv region. He emigrated after World War II and later settled in Canada, where he became a successful entrepreneur. Supporting Ukrainian studies and educational projects held a special place in his philanthropic activities. He contributed to the publication of the “Encyclopedia of Ukraine Studies,” supported the Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute, the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies, and other academic initiatives.

In May 2001, Petro Yatsyk established the Ukrainian language competition that now bears his name. Since then, this language competition has brought together school and university students from Ukraine and Ukrainians living abroad.

We invite students of the USUCT SEI to test their knowledge, engage with the Ukrainian language, and represent the institute in one of Ukraine’s best-known language competitions.