Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra (UKF) is a modern educational, scientific, and artistic institution that bears the name of 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 individuals, and to contribute to the development of education, science, culture, and health, thus to the development of a knowledge-based society. The main task of UKF in fulfilling its mission is to provide higher education and creative scientific research or creative artistic activity.
8,087 students study at UKF across five faculties, of which 6,191 are in full-time study. It also attracts international students every year. Currently, there are 1,517 international students (data as of October 31, 2025).
The university employs 813 staff members. There are 502 teachers and researchers, of whom 87 are professors and 180 are associate professors (data as of December 31, 2025).
A strong point of the university is its extensive range of study programs, specifically 264 study programs – 105 Bachelor’s, 91 Master’s, 8 Master’s programs combining 1st and 2nd cycle higher education, and 60 Doctoral study programs (data as of December 31, 2025). The university also organizes lifelong learning, primarily in the form of specialization studies, supplementary pedagogical studies, extension studies, and third-age university interest studies.
One of the main activities of the university is research. It focuses on obtaining original results aimed at advancing knowledge and includes activities aimed at effectively linking scientific research with the educational process and supporting the professional growth of employees. Scientific research activities are carried out primarily through the implementation of research, cultural-educational, and other projects, with scientific and professional publications being the main output. The university organizes significant scientific, artistic, and professional events annually, through which the presentation, promotion, and transfer of knowledge and achieved results from research projects are realized.
UKF also focuses on working with students and is known for organizing cultural, social, and sports events and activities for students, many of which have a long tradition. It publishes the university newspaper Náš Čas and a student newspaper called Občas nečas.
