University of the National Education Commission, Krakow was established on 11 May, 1946 as the National Higher Teacher Training College, and it commenced educational activities on 25 October of the same year.

Initially, it prepared primary school teachers. The training cycle lasted three years and ended with the exit examination. From the academic year 1949/1950, the College also trained secondary school teachers, and worked within the framework of the new organizational structure based on teaching departments. At the same time, internal academic institutions and positions were established: senate, faculty councils, president, vice-presidents and deans.

In 1954, the College was granted the status of a higher education institution, where the studies lasted four years, and the graduates received full university qualifications and a master's degree. As a result of the political changes of 1956, the University gained significant autonomy, and for the first time the Rector (i.e. President), who had previously been appointed, was elected. This was Professor Wincenty Danek, Ph.D. Under his leadership the development of the National Higher Teacher Training College soon gained prestige as a University in the educational environment due to the fact that it prepared highly qualified teachers. In the academic year 1958/1959, the study cycle was extended to 5 years.

In 1959, the University was granted the right to grant doctoral degrees, and in 1967 the right to conduct Doctorus Habilitatus courses. In 1973, the National Higher Teacher Training College was named after The Commission of National Education of the late XVIII Century. The year 1989 began a period of political and social transformations, confronting the academic environment with new challenges, involving the development of a model of education and functioning in conditions of complete independence and self-government.

On October 1, 1999, the College was transformed into the Pedagogical University of Krakow (Akademia Pedagogiczna im. Komisji Edukacji Narodowej w Krakowie) by parliamentary statute.

On 20 November, 2008, the School transformed its legal status into that of a university, and consequently changed its name to the Pedagogical University of Krakow (Uniwersytet Pedagogiczny im. Komisji Edukacji Narodowej w Krakowie).

On October 1, 2023, the College was transformed into the National Education Commission, Krakow.

Calendar of Important Dates

1946 – establishment of the National Higher Teacher Training College
1954 – the status of a higher education institution granted
1973 – named after the Commission of National Education
1999 – change of name to the Pedagogical University of Krakow (Akademia Pedagogiczna im. Komisji Edukacji Narodowej w Krakowie)
2008 – change of name to the Pedagogical University of Krakow (Uniwersytet Pedagogiczny im. Komisji Edukacji Narodowej w Krakowie)
2023 – change of name to theUniversity of the National Education Commission, Krakow (Uniwersytet Komisji Edukacji Narodowej w Krakowie)

Calendar of Important Holidays

14 October – the Day of The Commission of National Education (anniversary of the establishment of the Commission of National Education – 14 October, 1773)
11 May – University Day (the anniversary of the inception of the Committee of the National Higher Teacher Training College – 11 May, 1946)

The Pedagogical University of Krakow, named after the Commission of National Education, is the largest and one of the oldest pedagogical universities in Poland, which has long been prized for a well-deserved reputation. The achievements of numerous generations of the teaching staff and students (over 150 thousand graduates), as well as the efforts the employees, who want to continue modern education responding to the challenges of the twenty-first century, as well as cooperation with the renowned academic institutions in Europe, have formed the present University.

Maintaining a high level of education in the Humanities, Social Sciences, Educational Sciences, Natural Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Physical Sciences, Technical Sciences and Fine Arts to the highest European standards, as well as regular extension of the educational offer and making it more attractive, and continuing internationalization of scientific research in various areas of professional interest of the academic staff is at present the main objective of the activity and in the plans of the authorities and the Senate of the Pedagogical University.

Apart from the highest level of education of students – which is and has been our priority – we focus on the continuous development of academics and their cooperation with strong centres, domestic and foreign, as well as raising funds for research grants.

The ultimate goal is to prepare our students and graduates for their future careers and achievements according to their skills and expectations.

The variety of educational programmes on offer at our University – currently being adapted to the needs of the labour market – is truly impressive. It includes dozens of fields of studies at the first and second degree levels, Ph.D. degree studies and postgraduate studies in twenty two institutes. Our students and doctoral students truly have a lot to choose from.

For many years we have attached particular importance to the practical learning of foreign languages at the Department of Foreign Languages. Foreign language skills are essential for functioning well in a globalized world in the twenty-first century, and are crucial for students learning under the Erasmus programme, which is connected with departure to foreign partner universities and participation in lectures and courses in the language of the host country.

We have significantly expanded the infrastructure of the University with the construction of another university building at ul. Podchorążych 2, which is ultra-modern, has well-equipped course rooms and laboratories, and has multimedia classrooms and multiple-stand computer rooms, enabling teaching as well as the use of e-learning platforms.

Students have the rich collections of the Main Library and institute libraries at their disposal. They may participate in scientific circles, become active in organizations and associations, join Students’ Self-Government and Doctoral Students’ Self-Government, practice sports using modern facilities available at the Sports and Recreation Centre, including an indoor swimming pool and fitness room, and pursue musical passions at the Mixed Choir “Educatus” and the symphony orchestra.

Over six thousand students started studying in the academic year 2019/2020, educated by almost one thousand teachers. I am absolutely convinced that it is worth studying and pursuing life aspirations at the Pedagogical University of Krakow, a friendly place for people to work, rest, and live well, in the city of kings, Nobel Prize winners and saints.

Vivat Universitas Paedagogica Cracoviensis!

Professor Kazimierz Karolczak, Ph.D.
Rector of the Pedagogical University of Krakow