Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan

AMU is proud to bear the name of Adam Mickiewicz – a Polish bard who believed strongly in a free, multicultural Poland and was one of the most important poets of European Romanticism.

AMU is one of the largest academic centers in Poland. In addition to its facilities in Poznan, it has campuses in Gniezno, Kalisz, Pila and Slubice. The University currently employs nearly 3,000 teaching staff, including 345 tenured professors, 550 AMU professors and over 1,600 doctors and senior lecturers. Since 2002 our professors have coordinated or have been partners in over 50 research projects funded by the European Union Framework Programs for Research and Technological Development and other EU/international programs.

AMU is strongly dedicated to creating high-standard educational opportunities. The University serves over 39,982 students with 15 faculties offering BA, MA and PhD programs. Students who know Polish can choose from over 170 majors. The newest programs include: Dialogue and Social Consulting, Film Studies and Media Culture, Economy and Law Studies, Poles and Germans in Europe and State Management.

AMU offers BA programs taught in Polish, English and German, MA programs in Polish, English, German and Dutch and individual PhD research programs in English and a variety of other languages.

AMU has well-developed foreign relations and co-operates with about 350 universities across the world under bilateral agreements. AMU is a member of: EUA – European University Association, EUCEN – European University Continuing Education Network, The Compostela Group of Universities, The Santander Group – European University Network, European Chemistry Thematic Network and other.

From the beginning, the history of the Adam Mickiewicz University has been inextricably linked to the history of Poznań itself and in some measure – the history of the entire Republic of Poland, which, partitioned by the neighboring countries (Prussia, Austria-Hungary and Russia) towards the end of the eighteenth century disappeared from the European map for more than a hundred years. On 28 October 1611, when under the Royal Charter granted by King Sigismund III Vasa, the Jesuit College became the first university in Poznań. These edicts were later affirmed with charters issued by King John II Casimir in 1650 and King John III Sobieski in 1678, the university in Poznań lasted until 1773. Based on these charters, the university granted scholar degrees to its members.

The inauguration ceremony of the newly founded took place on 7 May 1919 that is 308 years after it was formally established by the Polish king and the 400th anniversary of the foundation of the Lubrański Academy which is considered its spiritual predecessor. Its original name was Piast University (Polish: Wszechnica Piastowska), which later in 1920 was renamed to the University of Poznań (Polish: Uniwersytet Poznański). In 1920 sociologist Florian Znaniecki founded the first Polish department of sociology at the university, one of the first such departments in Europe. In the same period of the university's history, botanist Józef Paczoski founded the world's first institute of phytosociology.

After the invasion of Poland, Poznań was annexed by Germany and the University was closed by the Nazis in 1939. It was reopened as a German university in 1941, which operated until 1944. Staff and students of the Polish university, some of them expelled by Germans to Warsaw, opened an underground Polish University of the Western Lands (Polish: Uniwersytet Ziem Zachodnich), whose classes met in private apartments (see Education in Poland during World War II). Many of the professors and staff were imprisoned and executed in Fort VII in Poznań, including professor Stanisław Pawłowski (rector in the years 1932-33). The Polish university reopened, in much smaller form, after the end of World War II. In 1950, the Medical Faculty, including the Dentistry section and the Faculty of Pharmacy, were split off to form a separate institution, now the Poznań University of Medical Sciences. In 1955 the University of Poznań adopted a new patron, the 19th-century Polish Romantic poet Adam Mickiewicz, and changed to its current name.

Admissions to Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan are competitive and based on various criteria depending on the level of study and the program chosen. Prospective students from Poland and abroad must meet specific academic requirements and provide relevant documentation to support their application. For undergraduate programs, applicants typically need to have completed secondary education equivalent to the Polish Matura or a recognized international school leaving certificate. International students may also need to demonstrate proficiency in English or Polish, depending on the language of instruction, through standardized tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, or a university-specific language exam.

The application process usually involves submitting an online application form via the university's admissions portal, along with scanned copies of educational certificates, a copy of a valid passport or ID card, and a recent passport-sized photograph. For some programs, especially competitive or specialized ones, additional materials such as motivation letters, CVs, or portfolios may be required. Certain programs may conduct entrance exams or interviews to assess the applicant's suitability and motivation for the chosen field of study.

International students planning to study in Poland under the Erasmus+ program or other exchange schemes should follow the specific application instructions provided by both their home institution and Adam Mickiewicz University. Candidates interested in master's or doctoral studies need to demonstrate their academic qualifications, relevant research experience, and proficiency in the language of instruction. Admission decisions are made based on the overall assessment of the application, and unsuccessful candidates may be offered alternative programs or future opportunities.

Once accepted, students must complete the necessary formalities, including registering for courses, paying tuition fees if applicable, and obtaining a student visa if required. The university also provides guidance and support for international students in accommodation, legal requirements, and integration into university life. Overall, the admission process aims to select motivated, qualified students who wish to pursue high-quality education in a vibrant academic environment equipped with modern facilities and distinguished faculty members.

Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan holds a prestigious accreditation status granted by the Polish Accreditation Committee. This accreditation confirms that the university meets high standards of academic quality, organizational management, and educational effectiveness. The Polish Accreditation Committee periodically reviews and evaluates universities across Poland to ensure they uphold rigorous educational standards, and Adam Mickiewicz University has been recognized for its excellence in various fields of study, including arts, sciences, and social sciences. The accreditation process assesses multiple criteria, such as curriculum quality, faculty qualifications, research output, student services, and infrastructure. Adam Mickiewicz University has successfully demonstrated its commitment to providing high-quality education, maintaining a vibrant academic community, and contributing to scientific and societal development. The university's accreditation status reflects its dedication to continuous improvement and its aim to foster an environment conducive to intellectual growth and innovation. This official recognition supports the university’s reputation both nationally and internationally, attracting students, researchers, and academic collaborations. The accreditation status also ensures that degrees awarded by Adam Mickiewicz University are recognized and valued in the labor market and within higher education systems across Europe and beyond. Additionally, the university undergoes regular quality assurance procedures to retain its accreditation and to implement improvements based on feedback from evaluations. Overall, Adam Mickiewicz University's accreditation underscores its position as a reputable institution committed to academic excellence and sustainable development in higher education.

University student life at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan offers a vibrant and diverse experience for students. The university provides a wide range of academic programs across various faculties, fostering an environment of intellectual growth and cultural exchange. Students have access to modern laboratories, libraries, and recreational facilities that support their educational and personal development. Campus life is enriched by numerous student organizations, societies, and clubs, which promote social interaction, leadership, and extracurricular engagement. The university actively encourages participation in sports, arts, and volunteer activities, enabling students to develop unique skills and lifelong friendships. International students can enjoy a welcoming community, with dedicated support services to help acclimate to life in Poland. The university’s location in Poznan, a dynamic city known for its rich history and lively cultural scene, offers students numerous opportunities for exploring local traditions, participating in festivals, and enjoying a variety of cultural events. Academic life is complemented by seminars, workshops, and conferences that facilitate research and networking. Student housing options are available both on and around campus, ensuring convenient access to academic resources. The university also emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary knowledge, encouraging students to engage in projects and collaborations beyond their main fields of study. Overall, student life at Adam Mickiewicz University combines rigorous academics with an active social scene, fostering a well-rounded university experience that prepares students for future careers and personal growth.

AMU PreMed and PreTech Programs

Foreign students wishing to improve their knowledge and skills in natural sciences before they apply for their medical studies may choose a a two-semester PreMed Program. It prepares for the interview and entrance exams at Poznan University of Medical Sciences (PUMS) as well as other medial programs in Poland. On the other hand, the PreTech Program is an engineering course offered and designed to enable the students to approach technical and engineering degree programs with more confidence and prevent them from dropping out after the first year. Apart from courses in various natural and technical sciences both programs provide candidates with basic skills in Polish and improve both medical and technical English vocabulary.

PreTech covers fundamental subjects for most engineering and technical studies. AMU also offers a 6-month and a 1-year General English and English for Academic IELTS course

A Dozen Reasons to Study at AMU in Poznan

• Supreme academic expertise
• Competitive price
• Central location: halfway between Berlin and Warsaw; most European capitals within 2 hours by plane!
• Multicultural environment
• Student-friendly city: every fourth citizen of Poznan is a student! 39,982 of them study at AMU!
• Vibrant business center offering career opportunities for students, Poznan region enjoys one of the lowest unemployment rates in Poland
• Comprehensive academic offer: AMU has been consistently ranked among top-3 universities in Poland for the last 5 years!
• Large number of professional full-time academic staff
• Advanced research opportunities: research projects funded by the 7th European Union Framework Program for Research and Technological Development and Horizon 2020
• Handicap-friendly program: AMU has the largest population of students with disabilities in Poland!
• Easy access to culture: Poznan Philharmonic Orchestra plays in the AMU Main Auditorium, Poznan Opera House just across the square, National Museum 10 minutes away by foot!
• Exciting sports program to follow in 30 disciplines!