Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice opened its doors on Friday, November 7, 2025, at the Faculty of Arts of UPJŠ at Moyzesova 9. Thanks to a rich and interactive program, those interested in studying were able to immerse themselves in the world of medicine, science, law, public administration, and the humanities. Approximately 1,300 visitors were warmly welcomed at the beginning by Dr. h. c. prof. Mgr. Slávka Tomaščíková, PhD., Vice-Rector for International Relations. “It is a great pleasure for me to see so many of you at the Open Day of UPJŠ in Košice, one of the most prestigious universities in Slovakia. I believe that this event will provide you with important information and ideas that will help you decide on your future, and that we will meet many of you next year as students of our university.” The pleasant atmosphere of the entire event was enhanced by a performance by the university choir Chorus Universitatis Šafarikianae, conducted by choirmaster Mgr. Jana Havrilová. The musical program was provided by Student Radio Košice (ŠtuRKo).
Those present were welcomed by Pavol Jozef Šafárik, played by UPJŠ student Christofer Horňák, who took on this role in period costume. After the opening speech, visitors scattered throughout the campus between the Socrates, Aristotle, Plato, and Gutenberg buildings, where representatives of the faculties and university departments waited for them with an attractive program. Those who headed for the information stands on the ground floor of the Socrates building received comprehensive information about individual study programs, the admission process, and student life, provided by representatives of all five faculties and university departments. The UPJŠ International Relations and Internationalization Office provided information about the Erasmus+ program, the activities of the Euraxess Welcome Office, which provides support to foreign students, and the Aurora Alliance and the representation of our students on its board. The UPJŠ University Counseling Center (UNIPO) presented the support and counseling services it provides to UPJŠ students free of charge. While university students and teachers familiarized high school students with study opportunities, teachers and parents of applicants had the opportunity to discuss with the Vice-Deans of the individual UPJŠ faculties in the Minerva building.
The UPJŠ faculties prepared extremely engaging and practical demonstrations that reflected their main focus. The UPJŠ Faculty of Medicine presented itself in the spirit of the slogan: “We save human lives, we restore health.” In the Aristotle building, high school students could try out nursing techniques and first aid, learn more about the fascinating world of the human body, or take a look at the functions of the human heart and learn about vascular surgery. They received practical advice on proper oral hygiene procedures as part of the “Practicing a Healthy Smile” activity. The more courageous applicants could try extractions on models and watch the implementation of prosthetic work. Student associations were present as well. The Košice Medical Students’ Association (SMMK) demonstrated the correct use of EpiPen, the Heimlich maneuver on special vests, and an automated external defibrillator (AED). The Slovak Association of Dental Students (SSŠZL) provided advice on oral hygiene and the most suitable tools for daily dental care.
The Faculty of Science at UPJŠ presented the work of scientists and teachers with the slogan: “We discover the secrets of nature; we shape the future of science.” Lectures were held in the Plato building, divided into two blocks, which focused on practical applications in the natural sciences, such as projects and careers in computer science, modern tools in geography, problem solving in physics, formulas for success in chemistry, applications in biology and logic, models, proofs, and applications in mathematics.
„Hľadáme pravdu, chránime spravodlivosť.“ Právnická fakulta UPJŠ predstavila študijné programy v odbore právo na prvom a druhom stupni vzdelávania s osobitnou pozornosťou na podmienky prijímacieho konania. Prezentované boli študijné plány, skladba predmetov, fakultné pracoviská, možnosť absolvovať časť štúdia v zahraničí v rámci programu Erasmus+, ale aj uplatniteľnosť v praxi po skončení štúdia. O študentskom živote hovorili študenti práva zo všetkých stupňov vzdelávania, ktorí vyzdvihli najmä možnosti zapojenia sa do mimoškolských aktivít, akými sú rôzne workshopy, sympóziá, kolokviá, literárne súťaže, študentská odborná vedecká činnosť či simulované súdne spory. Záver programu bol venovaný interaktívnemu kvízu na tému „Právna regulácia umelej inteligencie (AI Act)“, v rámci ktorého si účastníci mohli formou zábavných otázok preveriť svoje vedomosti o aktuálnych právnych a etických aspektoch využívania AI v Európskej únii a na Slovensku. Študentský spolok ELSA Košice pripravil interaktívne aktivity, v ktorých si záujemcovia preverili znalosť latinských výrazov používaných v práve, základných práv a slobôd zakotvených v Ústave SR a pokúsili sa vytvoriť právny poriadok na základe formulácie noriem upravujúcich ľudské správanie na opustenom ostrove.
The Faculty of Public Administration of UPJŠ welcomed interested parties to the Aristoteles building with the motto: “We learn to govern the state, we create a better society.” As part of the block program, it presented the knowledge necessary to implement changes in society, cities, and municipalities with the aim of shaping a better future. Members of the FVS Student Parliament gave an entertaining presentation on student life at the university. The Faculty of Public Administration convinced those present that its graduates’ visions for change are already having a positive impact on public administration in Slovak cities and municipalities.
At the Faculty of Arts of UPJŠ, “we study ideas, history, language, and culture,” which was confirmed by the program that took place in a modern interactive classroom with the apt name “Classroom of the Future” in the Socrates building. Applicants were also able to visit the TV and Film Studio in the Aristotle building, where the Vertigo Effect workshop named “Roll the video and spin the heads!” was held. Those interested could learn about the study of psychology, social work, British and American studies, German language for business practice and project management, political science, history, Slovak and media studies, and other interdisciplinary bachelor’s and master’s programs in teaching. The student associations Universitas, a historical student association, and Univerzál, a magazine published by students of the Faculty of Arts at Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, were also presented.
The Institute of Physical Education and Sport at UPJŠ “inspired people to take up sport and lead an active life” through its study program in sport and recreation. The presentations took place in the Platón building in three blocks and focused on career opportunities for coaches, healthy eating advisors, and experts in organizing sports and physical activities. The university library in the Gutenberg building prepared an interactive literary quiz. It included questions about authors and classic and modern book titles, allowing visitors to test their knowledge and perhaps to discover new reading inspiration. In the FunFacts presentation, they revealed the secrets of the library and gained practical tips to help them make better use of resources during their studies.
The Open Day program culminated at 11 a.m. with a raffle, during which JUDr. Ľudmila Elbert, PhD., university associate professor, Vice-Rector for Undergraduate and Lifelong Learning, presented prizes to the winners. The raffle prizes were donated by all faculties, the UPJŠ University Library, the International Relations and Internationalization Office, and the Department of Marketing and Media Communication at UPJŠ in Košice. Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice has once again confirmed its status as a dynamic and innovative institution that is ready to shape a new generation of experts for the needs of today’s society. Not only the high turnout, but also the positive feedback from visitors testifies to the continuing interest of Slovak students in quality higher education in east Slovakia.
