On October 1, 2023, the Ignatianum Academy in Krakow was transformed into the Ignatianum University. Thanks to this, it joined the group of the best universities in Poland. On this occasion, on October 6, a press meeting was held with the rector of the Ignatianum University, Fr. prof. Tomasz Homa SJ.
The rector presented the University’s development plan and answered journalists’ questions. He noted that raising the rank of the educational establishment proves the recognition of its high scientific level. Currently, the University is authorized to award doctoral and habilitated doctor degrees in six scientific disciplines and three fields of science. The ambition of the Ignatianum University in Krakow is to become a leading Jesuit research and teaching center in Central and Eastern Europe.
Ignatianum is characterized by an atmosphere of great openness, which makes it stand out from other universities. The approach to students is based on the almost 5-century tradition of Ignatian pedagogy. This is expressed in providing students with high-level education enabling them to develop professionally and ensuring self-fulfillment, as well as spiritual, moral and social development, – emphasized Fr. rector Tomasz Homa SJ.
Enrollment for the first year is 1,300 students, which is 300 more than last year. The academic community has a total of approximately 3,200 students. The most popular fields are „Psychology” (about 10 people applied for one place) and „English Philology”.
The nearest plans include launching three new fields of study in the areas of computer science and artificial intelligence, law and health sciences. Two of these directions will be opened next year. Meanwhile, the University is thinking about building a new campus and expanding the University to approximately 5,000 students, and at the same time it is concerned about constantly improving the quality of its offer.
The press briefing preceded the Inauguration of the Academic Year 2023/2024, which started at 10:00 Holy Mass celebrated in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus under the leadership of His Eminence, Cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz. The Holy Mass gathered a group of professors and students of the Ignatianum University and representatives of other academic communities in Krakow.
The rest of the ceremony took place in the Great Hall in the main building of the University.
