​​​​The Jagiellonian University is the oldest university in Poland and one of the oldest in Europe, founded on 12 May 1364 by King Casimir the Great. Initially known as the Studium Generale, it comprised three faculties: Liberal Arts, Medicine, and Law. In 1400, the University was re-established by King Vladislaus Jagiełło, at which time the Faculty of Theology was added.

The University's current name was adopted in 1817.

Over the centuries, the University has continuously adapted to global changes and scientific advancements, expanding its academic diversity and conducting increasingly specialized research using state-of-the-art infrastructure.

Today, the Jagiellonian University consists of 16 faculties, including three medical faculties that together form the Medical College. It educates nearly 35,000 students from Poland and around the world.

Kraków – A City of Students and Innovation

The University is located in the heart of Kraków – often called the "city of students" – where approximately 130,000 young people are pursuing higher education. More than a quarter of them are enrolled at the Jagiellonian University.

Kraków, known as the "city of kings," is widely regarded as Poland’s cultural capital. It boasts the largest number of museums and art galleries in Poland, along with numerous theatres, concert halls, libraries, and cinemas. The city is also famous for its vibrant festivals and parades.

At the same time, Kraków is a thriving business hub, home to numerous research and development institutions, modern infrastructure projects, and a highly skilled workforce. The Jagiellonian University is one of the largest employers in the region.

More than 200 international corporations operate in Kraków, providing services in information technology, business analytics, outsourcing, and research and development (R&D).

A Legacy of Excellence: Jagiellonian University’s Distinguished Alumni

For centuries, the Jagiellonian University has shaped both Polish and global history through the achievements of its renowned alumni, including:

• Nicolaus Copernicus – astronomer and founder of the heliocentric theory
• Karol Wojtyła (Pope John Paul II) – one of the most influential religious leaders of the 20th century
• Wisława Szymborska – Nobel Prize-winning poet
• Stanisław Lem – world-famous science fiction writer
• Norman Davies – historian and expert on Central European history
• Ludwik Rajchman – founder of UNICEF
• Leon Sternbach – chemist and pharmacist, inventor of Valium
• Simona Kossak – biologist, professor of forest sciences, and science communicator
• Wojciech Inglot – founder of Inglot Cosmetics, an international beauty brand

Cutting-Edge Research and Innovation

The prestige of the Jagiellonian University is reflected not only in the success of its alumni but also in its world-class research centres, including:

• Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET)
• National Synchrotron Radiation Centre SOLARIS
• Małopolska Centre of Biotechnology (MCB)
• Brain Research Centre (CBM)
• Copernicus Center for Interdisciplinary Studies
• OMICRON Centre for Medical Genomics
• University Hospital
• Life Science Park
  
  

The Jagiellonian University holds the prestigious status of a Research University under the Excellence Initiative – Research University program. It is also a European University as a member of Una Europa – an alliance of 11 leading European research universities working together to shape the future of higher education.

Why Choose the Jagiellonian University?

• 660 years of academic tradition
• The best Polish university according to national rankings
• One of the best Polish universities in international rankings
• One of the largest universities in Central Europe
• One of the largest employers in the region
• A leader in international collaboration
• A European University – member of Una Europa
• The most innovative university in Poland and Eastern Europe
• The most popular Polish university among Erasmus+ international students
• A top research institution with outstanding research potential
• A Research University under the Excellence Initiative – Research University program
• Nearly 35,000 students, including more than 4,000 international students
• Almost 9,000 staff, including 5,000 academic professionals
• Over 120 first-cycle and long-cycle Master’s programme
• Over 130 second-cycle study programmes
• Nearly 30 programmes taught entirely in English
• 16 faculties
• 4 doctoral schools
• 4 modern campuses with state-of-the-art infrastructure and research facilities
• 4 university hospitals
• Over 6.5 million books and publications housed in the Jagiellonian Library, which serves as a national library
• 37 faculty and institute libraries
• Over 300 research societies and student organizations