The Warsaw University of Technology (Polish: Politechnika Warszawska, literally, "Warsaw Polytechnic") is one of the leading institutes of technology in Poland and one of the largest in Central Europe. It employs 2,453 teaching faculty, with 357 professors (including 145 titular professors). The student body numbers 36,156 (as of 2011), mostly full-time. There are 19 faculties (divisions) covering almost all fields of science and technology. They are in Warsaw, except for one in Płock.
The Warsaw University of Technology has about 5,000 graduates per year. According to the 2008 Rzeczpospolita newspaper survey, engineers govern Polish companies. Warsaw Tech alums make up the highest percentage of Polish managers and executives. Every ninth president among the top 500 corporations in Poland is a graduate of the Warsaw University of Technology. Professor Kurnik, the rector, explained that the school provides a solid basis for the performance of managers by equipping its students with an education at the highest level and a preparation with the tools and information, including knowledge of foreign languages.
The origins of Warsaw University of Technology date back to 1826 when engineering education was begun in the Warsaw Institute of Technology.
In 2018, Times Higher Education ranked the university within the 601-800 band globally.
After German troops were dislodged from Warsaw, classes started in improvised conditions on 22 January 1945. By the end of the year, all the pre-war faculties were re-opened. Old and war-damaged buildings were rebuilt quickly; new ones were erected. In 1951 the Warsaw University of Technology incorporated the Wawelberg and Rotwand's School of Engineering.
The Academic and Research Centre in Płock was created in 1967.
In 1945 there were 2,148 students in six faculties (divisions). By 1999 there were 22,000 students enrolled in 16 faculties. The Warsaw University of Technology granted over 104,000 Bachelor of Science and Master of Science engineer degrees between the years 1945 and 1998.
Over the years, the university was an important scientific centre, educating academic staff for its own purposes and for other Polish schools of technology. Between 1945 and 1998, 5,500 PhD theses were written. There were almost 1,100 theses qualifying for assistant professorships. The number of academic staff grew significantly. In 1938, the university had 98 tenured professors and associate professors, as well as 307 assistant professors and teaching assistants; in 1948 there were 87 and 471; while in 1999 there were 371 professors, 1,028 tutors, 512 lecturers, and 341 teaching assistants.
Based on longstanding tradition at WUT we understand that student success is not defined solely by academic achievements. The Warsaw University of Technology provides students with numerous possibilities to develop their knowledge, gives them freedom to explore various interests, passions, and dreams.
Thanks to many kinds of activities everyone has a chance to choose what she or he really is interested in. WUT gives possibilities not only to learn but also helps to develop personal engagement, leadership or community building abilities. Through those activities students at WUT grow as individuals, embrace diversity and learn to learn to get engaged in their societies.
We create opportunities for growth, achievement and success of students, helping them to see the world with a new perspective and start their working life. The best proof is the fact the Warsaw University of Technology has about 150 Students Research Circles. Students travel all around the world to present their projects, compete and win.
WUT offers the essential activities traditionally associated with college life, but our location in the heart of Warsaw presents unique opportunities that accentuate the student experience — from athletic teams to students’ clubs. WUT students are active around and beyond campus.
