The University of Ljubljana possesses a rich tradition. It ranks as a very large university, with more than 63,000 graduate and postgraduate students Approximately 4000 higher education teachers are employed in the 3 arts academies and 23 faculties.
The university was founded in 1919 on the basis of centuries of educational tradition, remaining the only Slovenian university for half a century. The University is based in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, a relatively large Central– European city with over 300.000 inhabitants. Students account for more than one-seventh of the population, giving the city a youthful and lively character.
The university’s central office and the majority of schools are situated in the centre of Ljubljana. Several newer and modern buildings of the University of Ljubljana are located on the city outskirts. The university is renowned for its quality study programmes. All of the study programmes from the 2007⁄2008 academic year are offered in accordance with the Bologna Declaration.
Mission
The University of Ljubljana practices basic, applied and development research, striving for excellence and quality of the highest standard in all fields of science and arts, such as the humanities, social sciences, linguistics, arts, medicine, natural sciences and technology.
Based on its own research projects as well as advances in research at home and abroad, the University provides instruction and training to prominent scientists and experts, capable of leading sustainable development, with a view to respecting the legacy of European Enlightenment and Humanism as well as human rights. The University also promotes interdisciplinary and multi-disciplinary studies.
Achievements in the fields of science and arts are shared with other universities and institutions carrying out scientific research. It thus contributes its share to the world’s treasure of knowledge and at the same time, disseminates this knowledge within the country’s borders. The University works in co-operation with various economic institutions in both the public and private sectors, with the government and local authorities as well as other civil institutions. In this way it encourages the harnessing and application of its research and educational achievements and contributes to social development.
The University of Ljubljana has a consolidating role in the academic community of professors, researchers, students and other associates, and strives to establish its fine reputation both at home and around the world. Its research, education, public activities and relations among its members is carried out based on the following principles:
- professional excellence or ensuring the highest possible quality,
- academic freedom of its staff and students, particularly creative freedom,
- autonomy in relation to the state, politics, capital or church,
- humanism and human rights, including equal opportunity and solidarity