The Jagiellonian University, founded in 1364, is the one of the largest and most prestigious in Poland. It is the oldest university in the country, and the second oldest in Central Europe. Distinguished alumni include the cream of Polish intellectual and political leadership, as well as international figures like Nicolaus Copernicus (1491-95) and Pope John Paul II (1938-39, 1942-46). It has over 50,000 students taking degree courses at 16 faculties at several campuses around Kraków.
The Institute of European Studies, part of the Faculty of International and Political Studies, offers interdisciplinary study programmes at BA, MA and doctoral level, focusing particularly on Europe and the processes of Europeanisation. The Institute is involved in various international research and educational projects. It includes a dedicated unit, the Centre for European Studies, specializing in offering MA, BA and Study Abroad programmes taught in English, organizing guest lecture series with international academics, and developing international cooperation networks. It cooperates with various consortia and partner universities worldwide in order to offer an array of double degrees.
