University of Pecs, Pecs

The University of Pecs (UP) is one of Hungary’s largest and most historically significant higher education institutions. With its origins dating back to 1367, it holds the distinction of being Hungary’s first university and the fourth oldest in Central Europe, founded with the approval of Pope Urban V at the request of King Louis I the Great.

Throughout its history, the university underwent multiple transformations. The official successor of Elisabeth University of Pozsony (Bratislava), founded in 1912, it relocated to Pecs in 1921 after Bratislava became part of Czechoslovakia. A major restructuring occurred in 1951, when the Faculty of Medicine became an independent institution, only to merge in 2000 with Janus Pannonius University, forming today’s University of Pecs.

Currently, UP hosts approximately 22,000 students, including 4,900 international students, making it one of the most diverse and student-populated universities in Hungary. It operates with ten faculties, providing a broad spectrum of academic programs supported by various research institutes and clinics.

The university’s academic roots also extend to 1785, when Joseph II relocated the Royal Academy from Gyor to Pecs for two decades. In 1833, Bishop Ignac Szepesy, in collaboration with the city council, established the Academy of Pecs, featuring faculties of law and humanities. His contributions included an ornate palace, substantial financial donations, and the incorporation of Klimo’s large library, enriching the institution's intellectual resources.

As a participant in the Bologna Process, UP offers a structured three-tier education system, including bachelor’s (BA, BSc), master’s (MA, MSc), and doctoral (PhD, DLA) programs. Additionally, it provides one-tier, undivided master’s degrees in medicine, law, engineering, and the arts, alongside short-term programs such as summer universities, preparatory courses, and specialized training.

A blend of rich history, academic excellence, and international engagement, the University of Pecs remains a significant center for higher education in Hungary and beyond.