A Rich History
The University of Wroclaw has a rich history spanning over three centuries. Founded by Leopold I Habsburg, it evolved from a modest school run by Jesuits into one of the biggest academic institutions in Poland.
Expansion and Growth
- In the 19th century, the university had five faculties: philosophy, catholic theology, evangelical theology, law, and medicine.
- Later, it was expanded by numerous sections, laboratories, and a natural museum, which still exists today.
- After World War II, a group of Polish professors from Lvov started teaching and research activities at the university, creating new faculties that later became independent universities.
Academic Achievements
- The University of Wroclaw has produced 9 Nobel Prize winners, including Theodor Mommsen, Philipp Lenard, and Erwin Schrödinger.
- Today, the university focuses on scientific research and has numerous links with other higher education institutions worldwide.
Quality, Innovation, and Research
- The university's quality assessment system has been recognised by Polish authorities, with 9 out of 12 faculties received the highest rating.
- The Academic Incubator of Entrepreneurship provides support for students to starting their own businesses by providing free entrepreneurial advice, organising conferences, subsidising selected investments, and offering office space. It partners with the Wroclaw Technology Park, a technological centre promoting scientific and industrial innovation..
- Today, research stands as a paramount priority, characterised by collaborations with both national and international academic institutions.
University Facts
- The University of Wroclaw is the largest university in the region, teaching around 22,000 students and 660 doctoral students at 12 faculties.
- Around 9,000 students graduate from the university every year.
- Funding for research has been significantly increased, with an 80% increase in equipment and research funding 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 Psychology. 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).
