History
The Jagiellonian University is the oldest higher education institution in Poland and one of the oldest in Europe. It was founded on 12 May 1364 by the Polish king Casimir the Great. The Jubilee year 2014 marked the 650th anniversary of this remarkable event.
Education
Today, the Jagiellonian University comprises 16 Faculties, where nearly 4 thousand academic staff conduct research and provide education to almost 40 thousand students, within the framework of more than 150 different fields of study.
Research
Established October 1, 2015 after a merger of two JU units - Department of Research Programs & Department Research and Structural Funds.
The mission of the Centre is to reinforce the position of the JU and its academic researchers on the international grant programmes area.
Unit is dedicated to support the University in the field of fundraising and general management of the projects realized within the schemes of:
- EU Structural Funds
- European Research Programmes
- Domestic Agencies Funds (National Science Centre, National Centre for Research and Development, Ministry of Science and Higher Education, Foundation for Polish Science)
Career
The goal of the Careers Service is to offer JU students and alumni assistance and support in an effective job search and career development by:
- providing access to tailor-made career advice,
- organising and conducting training for job seekers,
- providing information about jobs and educational market,
- conducting research projects,
- being professional, impartial and discreet.
University Ranking
QS World University Rankings by TopUniversities
2025
312 -8
2024
304 -11
2023
293
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
Academic Ranking of World Universities by Shanghai Jiao Tong University
2024
401
2023
401
2022
401
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.
World University Rankings by Times Higher Education
2025
601
2024
601
2023
601
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report
2025
-
2024
391 -52
2023
339
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
Housing services
When coming to study at Jagiellonian University, you may apply for a place in a student dormitory. There are six dormitories at the JU, and although prices vary, they do not exceed 600 PLN per month.
You should apply for a place once you are admitted. For more information about procedures of application and accommodation availability, please contact the student office for your programme or International Students Office.
Be aware that due to the limited amount of places in the dormitories, not all international students who start their studies get a place. You should be also ready to look for a place on your own.
Medical services
All students must have health insurance throughout their education. Health insurance confirmation must be submitted during the enrolment for studies or before the beginning of an academic year.
Campus life
Kraków's location is unique for several reasons. In addition to having all the benefits of a large city, including very well developed public transportation, easy access to hostels and student dormitories, and numerous shopping malls and restaurants, Kraków is also very close to the Tatra Mountains (with many ski resorts and trekking routes near Zakopane), beautiful national parks—Pieniny and Ojców, and Dunajec River Gorge, which offers some interesting rafting opportunities.
Sports facilities
Student clubs
The Student Government consists of all Jagiellonian University students. The members of the Student Government are elected by the student community. The main task of the Student Government is to represent the interests of students.
University education is not only about lecture and classes: in your free time you can join some of the JU student societies and other organisations, where you will meet new people and get to spend more time on your passions—or find new ones! Below you may find an overview of the most popular organisations active at the JU.
Accreditation