Study Where Tradition Meets Innovation
The University of Wroclaw, one of Poland’s premier academic institutions, offers a wide range of programs across 12 faculties, including natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, and law. Located in the vibrant city of Wroclaw, it fosters a dynamic environment for students from around the globe. Renowned for academic excellence and cutting-edge research, the university boasts modern facilities, world-class faculties, and strong international partnerships. With a legacy that includes Nobel laureates and contributions that have shaped science and culture, the University of Wroclaw offers an inspiring academic journey in a city full of life and history.
From Jesuit school to international university
The University of Wroclaw boasts a tradition of over 300 years. From the very beginning, it has been a place where different cultures, languages, and religions met, and its development is deeply rooted in the rich history of the city and the region.
- Founded by Leopold I of Habsburg, it initially functioned as a traditional school run by Jesuits.
- In the following years, two faculties were established, and later – after the merger of the Catholic Leopoldina from Wroclaw and the Protestant Viadrina from Frankfurt (Oder) – a public university was formed.
- In the 19th century, the university consisted of five faculties: philosophy, Catholic theology, Protestant theology, law, and medicine.
- The new institution educated young people of various nationalities and religions across these five faculties.
- In the academic year 1893/1894, the rector of this German university became a Pole – Professor of Slavic Studies – Władysław Nehring.
- After World War II, a group of Polish professors from Lviv resumed academic and teaching activities in Wrocław, establishing new faculties that later evolved into independent institutions.
- Over time, the university evolved into one of the largest and most respected institutions in Poland, expanding to include numerous departments, laboratories, and a natural history museum that still operates today.
Where Great Minds Begin
- The University of Wroclaw has produced 9 Nobel Prize winners, including Theodor Mommsen, Philipp Lenard, Erwin Schrödinger, and Max Born.
- Today, the university focuses on scientific research and maintains active collaborations with institutions around the world.
Driving Excellence Through Innovation
- The university’s internal quality system has earned recognition from Polish authorities, with 9 out of its 12 faculties receiving top ratings.
- The Academic Incubator of Entrepreneurship supports student-led ventures by offering free consultations, organizing events, funding selected projects, and providing workspace. It collaborates closely with the Wroclaw Technology Park, a hub of scientific and industrial advancement.
- Research remains at the forefront, fuelled by national and international partnerships.
Fast Facts at a Glance
- The University of Wroclaw is the largest higher education institution in the region, educating around 22,000 students and 660 doctoral candidates across 12 faculties.
- Each year, around 9,000 students graduate from the University of Wroclaw.
- Research funding has seen a significant boost – an 80% increase in equipment and project financing compared to previous years.
On the Global Radar
- QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 – The University of Wroclaw is ranked in the global top 301-350 for Linguistics. It also secured strong positions in the natural sciences, with Physics and Astronomy ranked 451-500, Mathematics 501-600, and Chemistry 551-600.
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025 – The University of Wroclaw is ranked among the top 1201-1500 universities worldwide. Its Law program is ranked 301+ globally (third in Poland), while Psychology ranks 301-400 (first in Poland). The University of Wroclaw also holds the third position in Poland for International Outlook, which evaluates the proportion of international staff and students, as well as international research collaborations.
- Shanghai Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS) 2024 – the University of Wroclaw is ranked among the top 201-300 universities worldwide in the field of Its Physics and Mathematics programs ranked among the top 401-500 globally.
- Perspektywy 2024 ranking – The University of Wroclaw was ranked fifth in Poland, with its physics and computer science programs securing third place among all Polish universities.
- Nature Index – The University of Wroclaw ranks 156th among all European institutions and third among Polish universities, based on affiliations in high-quality scientific publications and research collaborations. Its researchers are ranked first among all Polish universities in the Chemical Sciences.
- Wroclaw was among the five finalists for the Erasmus Destination of the Year 2025 award, organised by the Erasmus Student Network (ESN).
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