On June 17, 2026, a ceremonial gala summarising the "Uczelnia Otwarta" (Open University) ranking was held at the headquarters of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, during which the results were announced and awards were presented to the best universities in the country. We are proud to announce that the University of Economics in Katowice officially received the "Uczelnia Otwarta" status and took 2nd place among universities of economics, receiving a silver statuette. This prestigious distinction confirms the University's commitment to creating an open, friendly and accessible academic environment for all members of the community. The award was presented by Minister of Science and Higher Education Marcin Kulasek and Secretary of State Karolina Zioło-Pużuk to Director of the Accessibility Center and Rector's Representative for Accessibility and Disability dr Maria Gorczyńska, prof. UE, and Head of the Accessibility Center Anita Kamińska.
The University of Economics in Katowice received the certificate for its particular commitment to creating an accessible, safe and inclusive academic environment, including: supporting students with special needs, providing social and welfare support, ensuring equal educational opportunities, counteracting undesirable phenomena, and supporting scientific and non-scientific activities.
In the first edition of the ranking, 24 "Uczelnia Otwarta" certificates were awarded. A total of 21 statuettes were also presented - 9 gold, 7 silver and 5 bronze - to universities that achieved the best results in their respective categories.
The "Uczelnia Otwarta" ranking distinguishes higher education institutions that actively create a friendly and accessible study environment responding to the diverse needs of students. The assessment analysed, among other things, solutions supporting people with special needs, measures promoting equal access to education, social assistance systems, initiatives aimed at counteracting negative phenomena within the academic community, as well as opportunities for students' scientific, social and organisational development.
The conclusions drawn from the first edition of the project will be used to develop recommendations supporting the development of university policies in the area of student support, building a friendly academic environment and improving the quality of student life. The success of the first edition of "Uczelnia Otwarta" shows that an increasing number of Polish universities recognise the importance of measures promoting openness and counteracting exclusion. This is a sign that together we are moving in the right direction. Let us create a modern academic space together, concluded Minister of Science and Higher Education Marcin Kulasek.
The initiative was launched in November 2025 by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education in cooperation with the Students' Parliament of the Republic of Poland.
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