Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra

Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra (UKF) is a modern educational, scientific and artistic institution named after a significant figure in the history of Nitra and Slovakia – Constantine the Philosopher (Saint Cyril, 827–869). Its mission is to develop a harmonious personality, knowledge, wisdom, goodness and creativity in people, and to contribute to the development of education, science, culture and health, and thus to the development of a knowledge-based society. UKF’s main task in fulfilling this mission is to provide higher education and to carry out creative scientific research or creative artistic activity.
UKF has 8,087 students across five faculties, of whom 6,191 are full-time. It also attracts international students every year; currently there are 1,517 (data as of 31 October 2025).
The university employs 813 staff. There are 502 teachers and researchers, of whom 87 are professors and 180 are associate professors (data as of 31 December 2025).
One of the university’s strengths is its broad range of study programmes – specifically 264 study programmes: 105 bachelor’s, 91 master’s, 8 combined bachelor’s and master’s programmes, and 60 doctoral study programmes (data as of 31 December 2025). The university also organises lifelong learning, primarily in the form of specialised studies, supplementary pedagogical studies, extension studies, and courses of the University of the Third Age.
One of the university’s main activities is research. It focuses on obtaining original results that advance knowledge and includes activities aimed at effectively linking scientific research with the educational process and supporting the professional growth of staff. Research activity is carried out mainly through research, cultural-educational and other projects, with scientific and professional publications as the main output. The university organises major scientific, artistic and professional events every year, through which the results of research and scientific projects are presented, promoted and shared.
UKF also focuses on working with students and is known for organising cultural, social and sporting events and activities for students, many of which have a long tradition. It publishes the university magazine Náš Čas and the student magazine Občas nečas.