The University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn was established on 1 September 1999, in accordance with the new Statute of Sejm signed by Polish President Aleksander Kwaśniewski, as well as Minister of Education Mirosław Handke, in August of the same year. Ryszard Górecki became its first chancellor. 

The Faculty of Theology was established with an agreement between Polish Episcopate and the government, in the presence of Cardinal Józef Glemp, among others. The university's first academic year started in October 1999 The University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn is situated in a picturesque part of city - Kortowo campus, the unquestionable pride of the University. Learning, leisure and recreation - all these needs are satisfied at the campus. Kortowo occupies an area of 230 hectares and is surrounded by forest and 4 lakes, the biggest one - Kortowskie Lake creates great conditions for leisure activities. Kortowo harbor offers a water equipment rental service, including sail boats, rowing boats, kayaks, water bikes and surfboats. 

The university also has a modern swimming pool complex, consisting of a main pool, a small basin, Jacuzzi and saunas. Swimming competition, in which students of the University are very successful, are held regularly at the pool. At Kortowo there is also a stable where students can take horse riding lessons offered by qualified instructors or simply take a ride. For those keen on tennis there are several open courts located in different areas of Kortowo. In the center of Kortowo there is also an athletic stadium, where a lot of regional and national sport events take place. For those who like jogging, there is a great place - the forest near Kortowo. 

In Olsztyn you can find about 44 km of cycling paths, however far more interesting are the forest paths in Kortowo, which will enable you to enjoy the beautiful landscape and clean air far from urban traffic and noise. The most common winter sports in Kortowo include cross-country skiing and sledging down Kortowo hill. Sledging during wintertime has almost become a tradition at Kortowo campus Overview The University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn (UWM) was founded on 1 September 1999. 

The establishment resulted from merging three institutions of higher education in Olsztyn, i.e. the Academy of Agriculture and Technology, the Higher School of Pedagogy, and Warmian Theological Institute. At first, in 1999, there were 12 faculties, 32 branches of study, and 24.500 students at UWM. The University also had a right to grant doctoral degrees in 13 scientific disciplines, and postdoctoral degrees in 6 branches. According to the University’s Act of Establishment, the position of the first Rector of UWM was taken by Prof. Ryszard Górecki, PhD. The University has been settled in Kortowo – an academic campus that used to belong to the Academy of A&T.

 UWM has undergone an intense transformation since its beginnings. Achieving such a progress would not be possible without funds of the European Union. Educational and scientific bases of the University have been significantly reinforced, for example by purchasing high-tech laboratory equipment. 

Over the years, UWM offer was extended to new branches of study, and consequently, new faculties were established. Currently, there are 17 faculties at UWM, 11 of which have full academic rights, namely the right to grant postdoctoral degrees (in 13 disciplines). Furthermore, the doctoral degree can be granted at 16 faculties, within 24 disciplines. 

In the Academic Year 2014/15, there are 27.000 students that are educated at 17 faculties, and 65 branches of study, within either full-time or part-time studies. Additionally, there are also 600 doctoral candidates, and 1500 post-graduate students.