University of Ljubljana

University of Ljubljana is the oldest and largest university in Slovenia.

The history of the University of Ljubljana dates back to 1595, when the Jesuit Academy was founded in Ljubljana. The academy offered a variety of courses, including philosophy, theology, law, and medicine. In 1604, the academy was granted the status of a university, and it was renamed the University of Ljubljana.

The university operated until 1784, when it was closed by Emperor Joseph II. The university was reopened in 1919, after the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes was formed. The new university had five faculties: law, philosophy, technology, theology, and medicine.

In the early years, the university faced a number of challenges. One of the biggest challenges was the lack of funding. The university was also hampered by the fact that Slovenia was a part of Yugoslavia, and the Yugoslav government was not always supportive of higher education.

Despite these challenges, the university continued to grow and develop. By the 1960s, the university had become one of the leading universities in Yugoslavia. In 1975, the University of Maribor was founded, but the University of Ljubljana remained the largest and most prestigious university in Slovenia.

The University of Ljubljana has played an important role in the development of Slovenia. The university has produced many of Slovenia's leading scientists, scholars, and business leaders. The university has also been a major driver of innovation and economic growth in Slovenia.

Based on the QS World University Rankings of 2025, University of Ljubljana is positioned as the #596 top university in the world, which makes it the #1 top university in Slovenia.