The University of Warsaw received two awards in the nationwide “Open University” (”Uczelnia otwarta”) ranking, organised by the Student Parliament of the Republic of Poland in cooperation with the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. In the category of traditional universities, the University of Warsaw took first place, whilst in the overall classification, it ranked second in the country.

The awards were presented during the conference summarising the ranking, which took place on 17th June. Dr Marta Widy-Behiesse, the Rector’s representative for the quality of education, accepted the awards on behalf of the University of Warsaw.

“This recognition is the result of the commitment of many individuals and departments at the University of Warsaw. We are delighted that the measures we have taken to promote accessibility, the quality of education and student support have been recognised and highly rated. We see this result as motivation to further improve the solutions that support our academic community,” says Dr Marta Widy-Behiesse.

Accessible, safe and welcoming

The “Open University” ranking recognises higher education institutions that create an accessible, safe, and welcoming environment for students. Five areas were assessed: support for students with special needs, social and welfare support, equalising educational opportunities, tackling undesirable phenomena, and supporting students’ academic and non-academic activities.

The aim of the initiative is to promote universities that effectively respond to students’ needs, support their development, and strive to build an open and inclusive academic community.

“I am very proud that the University of Warsaw has been recognised as the most open university in Poland. This distinction confirms that high-quality education and research can go hand in hand with a commitment to the well-being, safety, and equal opportunities of students. For years, we have been consistently building a university that is open, accessible, and student-friendly. I am delighted that the results of the “Open University” ranking are further confirmation of these efforts, and I hope that for those choosing where to study, they will provide an additional reason to tie their future to the University of Warsaw,” says Prof. Maciej Raś, the UW Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Quality of Teaching and Learning.

The University of Warsaw is consistently expanding its support for students and doctoral candidates, in line with the objectives of its research university strategy, which combines the highest quality of education with a commitment to accessibility, diversity, and the well-being of the academic community.