Wrocław in the finals of the prestigious Erasmus Destination of the Year 2025 competition

Wrocław has been selected as one of the five finalist cities in the prestigious Erasmus Destination of the Year 2025 competition! The application, prepared by members of Wrocław's ESN sections, received high scores from an independent jury, allowing the city to advance to the next stage of the competition.

What is the Erasmus Destination of the Year?

Organised since 2022 by the Erasmus Student Network (ESN), the Erasmus Destination of the Year contest recognises cities that provide the best support for international students. The competition acknowledges academic centres that not only offer high-quality education but also actively contribute to creating a welcoming environment for students from around the world. Particular emphasis is placed on collaboration between student organisations, universities, and local authorities to improve the quality and accessibility of academic mobility.

Previous winners of the award include Thessaloniki (Greece) in 2022, Ghent (Belgium) in 2023, and Porto (Portugal) in 2024. The five cities that have qualified for the fourth edition’s final are Aarhus (Denmark), Łódź (Poland), Riga (Latvia), Tallinn (Estonia), and Wrocław (Poland). In the first stage, written applications were assessed, detailing initiatives supporting international students. The evaluation also considered the number of events organised within a specified period and submitted via a dedicated platform.

What makes Wrocław the perfect city for international students?

Wrocław is an open and diverse city with a welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for academic exchange. Its over-thousand-year history, shaped by Czech, Austrian, Prussian, and Polish influences, has resulted in a unique cultural heritage. Students can explore landmarks such as Ostrów Tumski, Centennial Hall, and numerous museums and art galleries.

With ten higher education institutions, Wrocław is a vibrant academic centre offering a rich student life. Integration activities organised by Wrocław's ESN sections, such as the Buddy Programme, Welcome Days, and Erasmus Games, help newcomers feel at home. Additionally, the city’s relatively low cost of living makes it more attractive than many other European cities — affordable rent, public transport discounts, and cultural and entertainment offers make daily life easier for students.

Collaboration between universities, ESN in Wrocław, and local authorities ensures that international students receive administrative and social support, including accommodation guides and places in student dormitories. Wrocław's ESN sections actively promote intercultural integration by organising events such as International Dinner and Erasmus in Schools. The city also boasts a rich cultural programme, including movie festivals, concerts, and theatre performances, while its unique symbol — over 700 small dwarfs statues scattered around the city — adds to its charm.

International students at Wrocław Tech

Every year, around 800 international students come to Wrocław on exchange programmes, with approximately 200 attending Wrocław Tech. ESN Wrocław Tech, a student organisation operating at the university since 2006, plays a key role in helping them adapt. Working closely with the Centre for International Relations, it provides extensive support and organises numerous integration, cultural, and sports events. In 2024 alone, ESN Wrocław Tech organised over 100 events, helping international students better adapt to their new environment.

Following the motto "Students helping students," Wrocław's ESN sections create a space for intercultural exchange and foster relationships among students. They also promote academic mobility among Polish students, encouraging them to participate in international exchange programmes.

Thanks to all these initiatives, Wrocław has a real chance of winning the title of Erasmus Destination of the Year 2025. The final winner will be announced in early April during the Erasmus Generation Meeting Ancona 2025 — keep your fingers crossed for Wrocław!