The history of the University
Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW) is one of the largest and most prestigious universities in the country. It conducts research and teaching activities, as well as works enabling the implementation of scientific research into the economy. Since SGGW is a university of life sciences, it is the natural sciences that are dominating here, supported by technical, and economic sciences, as well as humanities.
The beginnings of SGGW date back to 1816 and are related to the foundation of the Agronomic Institute in Marymont, the first agricultural university in Poland and the fourth in Europe (Hungary - 1797, Switzerland - 1804, Germany - 1806). Its founders were Stanisław Staszic and Stanisław Potocki.
In 1918, the Agronomic Institute finally adopted the name of the Royal-Polish School of Life Sciences, and in 1919 the University was nationalized and named the Warsaw University of Life Sciences.
The highly developed infrastructure is a big asset of the university. The SGGW campus is one of the best planned and equipped educational and research complexes in the country.
What distinguishes SGGW from other universities are highly developed social facilities: student dormitories, canteens, swimming pools, tennis courts and other sports facilities.
All teaching, research and social facilities (49 in total) are located on an area of 70 ha.
There is also a place to rest in the open air. A beautiful park is a large part of the university's area.
Warsaw University of Life Sciences is one of the largest teaching centers in Poland. The 1st cycle bachelor's or engineer's study programmes last from 3 to 4 years, depending on the study field, and the 2nd cycle master's studies last 1.5-2 years.
After finishing the first-cycle studies, the student may continue studying at the master's level in the current or different field of study.
That enables them to change the education profile after the first-cycle studies and gain two diplomas.
The university uses ECTS grading scale, which enables the students’ exchange between universities on a local and global range.
There are dozens of postgraduate studies and a Doctoral School at SGGW.
The modernly managed SGGW Main Library (named after Władysław Grabski) is equipped with some innovative technological solutions offering access to the latest Polish and English-language scientific publications and valuable fiction. Due to the cooperation with many online databases, students have free access to the textbooks. Using its resources is improved by devices that enable automated return and rental of books, several thousand of which are in so-called free access. Library resources are close to half a million items.
SGGW student dormitories have a level of comfort to match their Western equivalents. 4000 students live in 1, 2 and 3-bed rooms with bathroom and kitchen.
Each student dormitory has a broadband internet connection. Student dormitories are also equipped with modern laundromats, bicycle storage rooms, and gyms.
There are also student clubs and canteens on the
campus offering a wide range of tasty dishes.
All that elements makes the SGGW campus one of the most comfortable science and housing complexes in the country.
SGGW works with about 275 foreign partners around the world. This allows employees and students to travel to partner universities for internships or studies.
The number of foreign students coming to study at SGGW is also increasing.
In addition to academic trips, students have the opportunity to travel to the UK, Switzerland, Norway, the Netherlands, and the United States, and many other countries as part of foreign internships.
There are numerous scientific clubs, student organizations and associations at SGGW (e.g. the Student Council, the Academic Choir, the Promni Artistic Folk Dance Ensemble, the Representative Orchestra), student clubs and various types of discussion clubs.
For years, the University has been the foremost in the rankings of higher education institutions in Poland and abroad, and according to the students opinion, it has gained the name “Student Friendly University”.
In 2010 and 2011 respectively, SGGW was ranked 1st as “The most innovative and creative university in Poland” by Academic Information Centre. Whereas in 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 SGGW was recognized as “the most innovative and creative university in Poland in creating professional perspectives”.
