[3] It was founded soon after the conclusion of World War II, on 11 May 1946, originally as the National Higher College of Teacher Training.

The mission of the university is reinforced in scientific research and development according to the highest European standards in several dozen fields of studies.

At the beginning, the Pedagogical Academy trained elementary school teachers; with the curriculum spanning over a period of 3 years.

On 1 October 1999, the college was renamed to the Pedagogical Academy of Kraków of the National Education Commission (Akademia Pedagogiczna im.

On 3 October 2008, the college was renamed to the Pedagogical University of Kraków of the National Education Commission (Uniwersytet Pedagogiczny im.