Pavol Jozef Šafárik University

Pavol Jozef Šafárik University (PJS) is a public university located in Košice, Slovakia.

The history of Pavol Jozef Šafárik University (PJS) in Košice, Slovakia, dates back to the year 1657, when the bishop Benedict Kishdy founded an Academy by the Memorandum of “Studium Universale” and presented it with 40 000 tallers (by way of a dot). The Academy or the University started up managed by the Jesus' Community Jesuits.

The Academy was closed in 1773 by the Empress Maria Theresa, but it was reopened in 1787 as a public institution, the Royal Academy of Košice. In 1850, the Royal Academy was closed again, but it was reopened in 1861 as the Royal University of Košice. The Royal University was closed again in 1921 after the creation of Czechoslovakia.

In 1959, the Pedagogical Faculty of Košice was established, and in 1965 it was renamed Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice. The university was named after Pavel Jozef Šafárik, a 19th-century Slovak philologist, poet, and historian.

In 1969, the university was divided into two universities: Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice and Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Prešov. In 1989, the two universities were merged into one university with its seat in Košice.

PJS is a leading center of education, research, and culture in Slovakia. The university contributes to the development of society through its students, staff, and researchers.

Pavol Jozef Šafárik University is ranked as the #2 top university in Slovakia during 2025. This is the same rank as last year.