History
SWPS University (USWPS) was founded in 1996 as the Warsaw School of Social Psychology and achieved a status of a comprehensive university in 2023. USWPS is the first non-public university in Poland. Over the years, it has grown from one campus in Warsaw to six campuses providing academic education across the country. In 2024, USWPS has joined the European Reform University Alliance (ERUA).
Education
SWPS University is a great place to pursue undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees in psychology, management and leadership, computer science, art and design, and English studies (also with an additional language). We also offer preparatory language schools that help international candidates to achieve the required level of English or Polish proficiency enabling them to apply to university programs. Our faculty includes distinguished academics and internationally acclaimed researchers who are dedicated to sharing their knowledge and expertise with students. Our programs combine theoretical knowledge with practical skills to prepare students for a smooth entry into the job market.
Research
SWPS University conducts over 200 research projects annually, often in collaboration with international partners. The majority of our projects are funded by national institutions and the European Funds. Our goal is to provide evidence-based solutions that improve the quality of life, contribute to the development of the economy, and effect improvements in public policy. With 5 research institutes and over 30 research centers we provide an excellent environment for researchers to develop original ideas and create innovative solutions. Our Office for Research supports them in the grant acquisition process, while the Center for Knowledge Transfer and SWPS Innovations SPV facilitate research commercialization.
Career
We provide students with a multifaceted education that prepares them for a smooth entry into the labour market and successful professional development. We systematically align our curricula with the demands of today’s world and requirements of their future employers. We believe in experiential and project-based learning, therefore students acquire the latest knowledge in their chosen disciplines of study coupled with practical skills such as creative thinking, problem solving, strategic planning, and effective cooperation. This allows them to pursue careers in a variety of sectors, including business, academia, research, mental and behavioral health, arts and design, media, and new technologies.
SWPS University Key Statistics & Highlights
- #1201 Ranking
- 6 Masters
- 56 Scholarships
- 500 Academic Staff
- 18,000 Students
- 1,400 Students (int'l)
- 13,500 Students (female)
- Private Institution Type
SWPS University Overview
SWPS University Scholarships
SWPS University Scholarships
Below you will find scholarships related to SWPS University. Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.
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SWPS University Student Reviews & Awards
Based on 61 reviews
- 5 Star 25 Reviews
- 4 Star 27 Reviews
- 3 Star 5 Reviews
- 2 Star 2 Reviews
- 1 Star 2 Reviews
How Students Rated This University
- Overall Satisfaction 4.3
- Student Teacher Interaction 4.7
- Admission Process 4.4
- Quality of Student Life 4.0
- Career Development 4.0
Fulfilling SWPS Psychology Studies
I'm truly satisfied with SWPS University, it has been the best choice I have ever made. The academic environment, the quality of education, and the opportunities for personal and professional growth have exceeded my expectations. Not only have I gained valuable knowledge and skills, but I've also had the chance to meet inspiring professors and like-minded peers who have positively influenced my journey. This experience has shaped me both intellectually and personally, reinforcing my passion for psychology and preparing me for the career I aspire to build.
SWPS master’s for self‑driven learner
Very satisfied with the MA programme at SWPS. Things can always get better, but with the right mind-set , self-study, it's up to each and every person to extract the most amount of knowledge they can.
What I Wish I’d Known Before Studying Here
I am sharing this review to clarify structural issues that directly affect graduates’ eligibility for master’s programs abroad. The psychology bachelor’s program does not include a diploma (bachelor) thesis. Students were explicitly informed by academic staff that private universities in Poland are legally forbidden from having a bachelor thesis. This statement is incorrect under Polish law. According to the Act on Higher Education and Science (Prawo o szkolnictwie wyższym i nauce), higher education institutions — including private ones — may decide whether to include a diploma thesis in their study programs. The law regulates how theses must be supervised and assessed if included, but does not prohibit them. This is further contradicted by the same university offering bachelor theses in other programs (e.g., Design, English Studies). As a result of the lack of a thesis and missing core psychology subjects, many graduates face rejections from European master’s programs, which require research preparation at bachelor level. This significantly limits academic mobility despite the program being marketed as meeting European standards. Additional concerns include: • Mandatory paid course retakes due to illness-related absences, even when exams were passed without errors. • Tuition payments not reflected in the system until legal action was mentioned. • Teaching materials containing unedited AI-generated content. • Institutional failures (e.g., undelivered courses) resolved at students’ financial and academic expense. Prospective students — especially those planning to continue to master’s studies abroad — should carefully verify thesis requirements, curriculum content, and master’s eligibility before enrolling.
Global Student Satisfaction Awards 2025
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2025. Universities with a score above 4.0 (out of 5) in any of the 7 award categories, receive Badges of Excellence. Congratulations!
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Overall SatisfactionHow would you rate your overall study experience?
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Student Teacher InteractionHow helpful were your teachers?
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Admission ProcessHow simple was it to apply to your programme?
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Quality of Student LifeHow was your everyday life?
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Career DevelopmentDid the university provide support for your career development?
SWPS University Rankings
Study Portals Meta Ranking
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
World University Rankings
By Times Higher Education
The university hasn’t moved up or down in the rankings over the past year.
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend World University Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 1001 | - | 1201 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Student services
- International Admissions Office — manages applications to all USWPS campuses.
- Centers for Student Affairs — available on every USWPS campus, so that all students’ study-related needs are met locally.
- Office of Career Services – helps students to prepare for a successful entry to the job market and organizes annual career fairs.
- Office of the English and Polish Preparatory Schools — for candidates who wish to improve their English or Polish skill level before applying to the university.
- Office of the Doctoral School — for graduate students wishing to pursue doctoral education.
- Office for Accessibility, Scholarships, and Student Activity — available on every USWPS campus to support students with special needs.
Housing services
Our Warsaw campus is situated in a walking distance from two private student apartment buildings that follow the philosophy of coliving. They offer an urban lifestyle in an all-in-one formula. Students can enjoy comfortable accommodation and socialize in modern common areas that include chill out and coworking spaces, kitchen and dining room, and laundry facilities. A community manager who is present on the premises, ensures that tenants’ needs are met.
In total, there are:
- 85 one-person rooms
- 17 two-person rooms
- 6 three-person rooms
Additionally, USWPS collaborates with an agency that offers privately rented accommodation in Warsaw, Wrocaław, Kraków, and Sopot
Library services
- There are libraries on all campuses of SWPS University. They offer not only books, journals and periodicals, but also free student access to a vast repository of electronic databases of international academic publications.
- The Warsaw campus also houses a unique Oriental Library that serves students and researchers of Asian Studies.
ICT services
Our highly professional IT team ensures secure and proper working of all university ICT systems and networks. Free Internet is available to students on all campuses. There are some classrooms equipped with computers. Computers for student use are available in our libraries on all campuses.
Medical services
All our campuses are equipped with first aid stations, located in every classroom and common areas, and defibrillators. The campuses are also fully accessible for students with special needs. There are no medical offices available on USWPS premises. International students are required to purchase adequate medical insurance for the term of their studies.
Campus life
- Each of our campuses is unique and provides one-of-a-kind study experience. Warsaw — as the capital city of Poland — offers a cosmopolitan atmosphere and everything that great European cities have to offer. Kraków is steeped in history and long standing academic tradition. Wrocław seamlessly merges its historic ambiance with robust growth and international business. Sopot is a picturesque seaside town renowned for its sandy beaches and relaxed ambiance. Poznań is famous for the colorful old town, St. Martin’s croissants, and vibrant artistic scene, while Katowice for its strong spirit and post-industrial refurbished architecture.
Student clubs
- There are close to 155 student organizations across all six campuses of USWPS that enable young people to pursue their academic, research, and artistic interests in a wide range of disciplines.
- There is also a Student Government on every campus, which participates in the governance process of the university and organizes a variety of events for students.
Accreditation
- Polish Accreditation Committee (PKA)
- European Certificate in Psychology (EuroPsy)
- HR Excellence in Research