University School of Physical Education - Krakow

The early days of the University School of Physical Education in Krakow were connected with a 2-year course organised at the Jagiellonian University in 1893. It was intended for candidates for gymnastics teachers, who would later work at secondary schools and teachers’ training colleges. That course, conducted at the Medical Department of the Jagiellonian University, gave rise to a 2-year School of Physical Education in 1913. Apart from the schooling of teachers, the School organised lectures and practical classes for the entire community of the University students. The course and then the School of Physical Education were pioneering institutions which educated PE teachers at a university level in Poland. Furthermore, the introduction of mandatory physical education for the community of students placed the Jagiellonian University third among the European universities, following those in Ghent (1908) and Copenhagen (1909).

The University of Physical Education in Krakow (commonly known as AWF — say Ah Voo Eff— from the initial of its Polish name) originated in 1893, as a department of the Jagiellonan University. In 1951, it became an independent institution of higher education, and now it occupies Its own campus. There is ample dassroom and laboratory space, and an enormous sports hall — 4,026 square meters. AWF also boasts ts own stadium, three dormitories housing 900 students and teachers quarters. There is also a cafeteria, as well as several snack bars, coffee shops, etc.