Olha Pnivchuk has completed her degree in International Business Management at Edinburgh Napier University.
A Ukrainian student who was forced to flee war in her homeland believes graduating in her adopted ‘fairytale’ city would make her late father proud.
Olha Pnivchuk has completed her degree in International Business Management at Edinburgh Napier University.
Fittingly, the 26-year-old formally graduated in the same ceremony as Ukrainian diplomat Andrii Kuslii, who was presented with an honorary doctorate for his work to integrate displaced Ukrainian people in Scotland.
Olha’s journey to the Usher Hall stage posed tumultuous challenges along the way. The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 came as her father was being treated for cancer. He passed away in 2023.
Moving from her home near Lviv to Edinburgh with her mum, Olha pursued her studies at ENU to honour her dad’s memory.
Leaving her job as a translator for the Ukrainian police, she has paid tribute the welcome she received in Scotland and the support she received on her way to graduating.
She said: “I was 22 when the war started. I'd just started my life, to realise who I am. Then the war happened and my father was dying.
“My dad wanted us to move. He would be really, really proud of me.
“I feel like graduating is one of my biggest accomplishments in life. It was a lot for me, but I pushed myself to do it.”
Overcoming grief and adapting to life in a new country made for a difficult start to student life for Olha, all while worrying about friends and family back home.
She has expressed particular thanks to Edinburgh Napier’s Wellbeing and Inclusion team for supporting her throughout.
Olha added: “Sometimes I feel bad that I am here. A lot of my friends are at home and the war is still going on. We really can't change that.
“Studying at first was a lot for me. I hadn't studied management before and I was doing it in my second language.
“After several weeks, I felt like I was starting to cope. I made new friends on the course and had a lot of support from the University. They really helped me a lot.
“I had a lot of panic attacks when my dad died. It still happens but now I am a lot better.”
New chapter in ‘fairytale’ Edinburgh
Now a graduate of Edinburgh Napier University, Olha is looking to the future in her adopted city.
With her experience in translation, she hopes to combine her command of five languages and her new management qualification in her future career.
Olha said: “I am so happy that I moved to Scotland. The people are so kind and supportive. I am happy that I have started a new chapter of my life here.
“Edinburgh is so beautiful – it's like a fairytale. Each street has its own story. I sometimes feel like a little girl exploring it, it's really inspiring.
“I am now thinking what I want to do with my life.”
Graduating alongside Andrii Kuslii
Olha graduated at a ceremony for fellow students from The Business School at Edinburgh Napier University.
It began with a formal laureation for Andrii Kuslii, who was made a Doctor of the University. He has been recognised by ENU for his extraordinary diplomatic work as head of the Ukrainian consulate in Edinburgh.
Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Andrii worked with the Scottish and Northern Irish governments to ensure the safe passage and settlement of Ukrainians fleeing the war.
In the first year after the invasion, more 25,000 Ukrainians sought sanctuary in Scotland, and Andrii worked with local authorities to provide guidance. He also had a key role in the Homes for Ukraine scheme, where refugees were given assistance in relation to the application process, visa requirements and sponsorship rules.
Meeting Olha ahead of their graduation, Andrii said: “I had the privilege to serve the people of Ukraine in the darkest time in the modern history of our country.
“My commitment always was just to support vulnerable people, to provide them with necessary levels to get by.
“When I look back, my main achievement has never been positions or protocol – it has always been people.”
Olha added: “It is a huge honour to be graduating with Andrii.
“I know he has been doing a lot for Ukrainian people here and we are very thankful for that.”