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The University of Silesia in Katowice is one of the largest and most dynamically developing public universities in Poland. Founded in 1968, the University of Silesia quickly established a reputation as a vibrant academic institution and an important interdisciplinary research hub. With a tradition of launching new programs to best meet the needs of rapidly changing labor markets, the University of Silesia offers students a variety of programs and specialized fields of study. With outstanding research teams and well-equipped laboratories, we are an important player in the global research arena. We actively participate in European Commission initiatives focused both on educational and scientific development, and realize projects within the frame of programs such as Erasmus+ and Horizon 2020. The University of Silesia in Katowice gives its students a unique possibility to develop their interests, fulfill their passions and gain practical skills necessary in the constantly changing job market. Every academic year we offer over 70 programs and over 240 specializations, that are designed to help our students and alumni meet the challenges of changing reality and the labor market. We provide a stimulating learning environment where individual interests can be pursued and academic ambitions achieved. The University of Silesia serves almost 25,000 intramural and extramural students and it already has 250,000 proud alumni, among which there are outstanding personalities in many fields. Our community consists also of more than 2,000 teachers and researchers. The roots of the University of Silesia date back to 1928 when the Institute of Pedagogics was established in Katowice. The institute was later reformed to National Pedagogical University in 1950, however, the first preparations for the formation of what would later become the University of Silesia were taken just after the finish of the Second World War. In June 1962, a branch of Jagiellonian University was settled in Katowice, which concentrated, apart from humanities, on mathematics, physics, and law. Together with the National Pedagogical University, these are the foundations of what came to life in 1968 as the University of Silesia. And so on October 1, 1968, the University (comprising of four faculties) had its first academic year inaugurated, providing almost 6,000 students with twelve programs, such as philology, pedagogics, psychology, history, law, administration, mathematics, physics, chemistry, physical education, electrotechnics, and mechanics. Two years later, the branch of the University in Cieszyn was established, and in the following years (1974-1978) six new faculties were opened. We are currently teaching almost 25,000 students on over 70 programs and 240 specializations on bachelor, master, and doctoral levels. With almost 50 years of its tradition, the University of Silesia has gathered well over 250,000 alumni to this day and has its units located in 4 different cities. Having renown among international students, the University of Silesia makes its best efforts to provide them with a profound and satisfying learning experience supported not only with the sole transfer of knowledge but also by emphasizing students' personal development. The University of Silesia warmly welcomes international students and candidates willing to undertake studies in our institution either in Polish or in a foreign language. Our broad and diverse educational offer ensures us that we can develop specialists in almost every possible field of science - from arts and linguistics to molecular physics. "The University of Silesia, operating under the ethos of European scholarship, assumes that as a commu­nity of scholars and students bound up with mutual respect and trust it not only responds to the increasing educational needs by providing instruction at the best possible level and conducting research which respects the elementary right of academic freedom in the pursuit of Truth but also carries out a significant social mission consisting in encouraging self-development as well as the formation of creative attitudes and spiritual aspirations, whereby it helps shape the cultural image of the Region and Poland. Whilst being committed to both preserving and dissemi­nating knowledge which is a legacy of past generations, the University of Silesia also actively contributes to the cultural heritage of society through the pursuit of art and creative rese­arch, the interpretation of contemporary reality, and the analysis of the evolution of values which shape the immediate envi­ronment. Both the geographical and cultural situation of the University, at a junction of regions to every one of which History assigned a different course, yet which for centuries have developed their culture through interpenetration and dialogue, endows the University with a European dimension and enables it to define itself as a place whose identity is constituted not by its isolation, but by its readiness to wel­come the Other and Different." View full university

The Medical University of Silesia has over sixty-year tradition. The University was established in 1948 as the Medical Academy in Rokitnica Bytomska. The first Rector of the school was Professor Nowakowski, a famous specialist in hygiene. During the first five years, University consisted of one school of medicine and dentistry department, but thanks to opening many clinical and theoretical units were able to ensure a complete educational process. Theoretical units, rector’s office, and library were located in Rokitnica and clinical units were located in hospitals in Zabrze and Bytom. In the second half of the ’50s decision was made to establish the University’s Campus in Katowice. In 1971 this plan was successfully implemented. The Headquarters of the Medical University of Silesia was moved to Katowice. At this time our University became the largest medical school in Poland. Three new schools were opened i.e. School of Pharmacy with the Unit of Medical Analytics, second School of Medicine, and School of Nursery (further included to second School of Medicine). Further expansion of educational profile took place after the year 2000. At the time were established: School of Health Care in 2001 and 2002 School of Public Health. University has developed its activity and has become a large Higher Education Institution. Now in five schools are provided a process of education on 13 fields of studies focused on preparing specialists for work in various communities and the national health care system. Now the Medical University of Silesia provides education to over 9000 students, Ph.D., and postgraduate students. The University conducts also classes in English (English Program) for students from all over the world. The Medical University of Silesia is constantly modernizing its didactic, research, and clinical infrastructure. The construction of the Education and Medical Simulation Centre, implemented within the Infrastructure and Environment Programme allowed teaching students of SUM using modern didactic based on simulation and IT techniques. The University plays also an increasingly significant role in the development of areas such as cardiology, cardio surgery, gastroenterology, hematology, nephrology, and much more. Clinical hospitals of the Medical University of Silesia providing the best quality health care, are mentioned as the best centers in Poland. University intensively conducts scientific research which is reflected by many awards for its staff. One of the top priorities for the continued growth of the University is the expansion of the various forms of collaboration in the areas of research. The University maintains and develops various forms of cooperation with foreign research centers and universities worldwide through joint research, participation in international programs and research projects, joint publications, and participation in scientific conferences, as well as through numerous student and staff exchanges. The Medical University of Silesia carries out active international cooperation within the “Lifelong Learning Programme”. To this date, the University has entered into many partnership agreements with medical universities and research centers worldwide. Over the years, members of the SUM research staff have been receiving prestigious awards and are widely recognized for the excellent quality of their work, research, and teaching. View full university