The University of Bielsko-Biala (Akademia Techniczno-Humanistyczna w Bielsku-Bialej) was founded in October 2001 as an independent governmental academic institution. Previously, since 1969, it had been a branch of the Technical University of Lodz (Politechnika Lódzka). The machine-design, electrical and textile industries are traditional for the region so the main education areas have been long established. With the change in the economy, there have also developed other fields of study including management, humanities, environmental and computer sciences.

At present there are about 8,000 students studying at five departments of the University which employ experienced academic staff embracing professors and other specialists. Their number is constantly growing and currently there work about 400 people, with 200 professors and doctors. There are also several independent units at the University: the Department of Foreign Languages, the Department of Physical Education and Sport, the Main Library and the Centre of Postgraduate

Studies and Vocational Training. The University of Bielsko-Biala is open to new ideas and opportunities to improve modern educational tools. Internationalization has become here the most important objective of the University being constantly promoted through its participation in various European network projects. The University cooperates with institutions from all over the world and the number of agreements is growing rapidly each year - nowadays the University of Bielsko-Biala has 85 agreements in over 20 countries.