University of Primorska

The University of Primorska (UP) is a medium-sized, internationally engaged university with 5,744 students, of whom 1,296 (or 22.56%) come from 47 foreign countries. It has 782 staff. The UP has 516 researchers and higher education teachers, of whom 72 (or 14.09%) come from abroad. The UP hosts more than 270 international researchers every year and enrols 166 PhD students. In 2023, the UP celebrated its 20th anniversary.

In 2022, the UP became part of Transform4Europe (T4EU), a European university alliance. Moreover, the UP is one of the 38 members of the European Network of Innovative Higher Education Institutions (ENIHEI) – a forum to exchange knowledge, ideas and experience on how higher education can promote an innovation culture, and enable creativity, entrepreneurship and talent.

In partnership with the Škocjan Caves Regional Park, the UP launched the UNESCO Chair of Interpretation and Education for Enhancing Integrated Heritage Approaches, and within the Teaming instrument, coordinated the project and successfully established the internationally renowned research institute InnoRenew CoE.

The UP in 2023/2024 carries out 81 study programmes in all three cycles, 18 of which are also held in the English language. In addition, the UP organises from 5 to 10 international summer schools on various topics every year as well as over 10 international scientific conferences, including at least a major conference, as it has done for several consecutive years, with more than 1,000 participants and under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Slovenia.

Internationalisation and project activities go hand in hand with all aspects of UP operations. Furthermore, the University has recently strengthened its role in the region, where the main priorities are science communication (through the activities of the Science Centre and science communication events), work with schoolchildren and teachers, the establishment of an Alumni Office, innovation and technology transfer, student projects carried out in collaboration with companies, the promotion of responsible science and a wide range of additional training courses aimed at different target groups.

The UP also ensures the well-being of its community: it has established several student facilities (library access 24/7, reading rooms, study spaces), a university outpatient clinic, a centre for holistic psychological support and a career centre. It also advocates a healthy lifestyle among its employees and students, and organises events focused on the reception, orientation and integration of students and staff.