Search the Community

The history of the University of Žilina (UNIZA) began on 1 September 1953 when the University of Railway Transport was founded by separating from the Czech Technical University in Prague. It gradually became an essential pillar of education in transport, which resulted in the change in the name to the University of Transport. It was moved to Žilina in 1960, where it underwent many transformations, and in 1980 it was renamed again to the University of Transport and Communications. Later in 1996, after broadening its fields of interest and other organizational changes, it was renamed the University of Žilina. About 9,000 students are being educated at seven faculties in 231 accredited fields of study in all forms and degrees of university studies at the University. Over 60 years of successful existence have become the alma mater for more than 70,000 graduates, highly skilled professionals specializing mostly in transport and technical fields, and management, marketing, or humanities. Our graduates' quality and readiness for the needs of practice are proved by long-term high interest in hiring them by employers that cooperate with the University in the recruitment process. In science and research, our University participates in 200 national and 41 international scientific projects and organizes about 60 scientific and professional events annually. Two new significant workplaces were established within the Operational Programme Research and Development in 2013 – University Science Park and Research Centre. Results of science and research activities of the University have a significant influence not only on the educational activities but also on the development of international cooperation or interconnection with practice. One of the proofs of successful transfer of science and research results into practice is the Award for Technology Transfer for the team of authors from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Žilina. Cooperation with foreign universities and institutions is crucial for our University. The University has signed bilateral cooperation agreements with more than 150 foreign partners. It belongs to the most successful universities within the Erasmus Programme, both in seconded staff and students. It successfully participated in the student mobility programs with Brazil and Korea in 2014. Students of the University of Žilina study in modern and well-equipped classrooms and laboratories centralized on the complex and modern university campus at Veľký Diel, located in quiet surroundings nearby a forest park but at a reasonable walking distance from the accommodation facilities as well as the historical center of Žilina. The University of Žilina has a burning ambition to continue in dynamic growth, to provide high-quality education, to educate well-prepared and demanded graduates, to develop international cooperation both in science and education; however, its primary aim is primarily to provide space and opportunities for the young generation to discover new, to broaden horizons, to learn how to cooperate, communicate and respect each other. View full university