Background. This article discusses the issue of institutional and quantitative changes in the higher education (HE) in Poland after 1990. It is actual and important issue, widely discussed in public space as well as in literature of the subject.

Research aims. The aim of the article is to consider the changes of the model of a higher education institutions (HEIs) have undergone and attempt of evaluation whether this model has evolving towards the university of the third generation. Characteristic features of this model include diversification of finance sources and growing relations of a HEI with its environment, both in educational and research terms. That is why the Author consider these two areas of HEIs’ activity.

Methodology. To reach research aims, an analysis of legal sources, the literature of the subject and desk top research have been carried out, the latter drawing on the data of Statistics Poland, among other sources.

Key findings. The analysis shows the period in question has seen the model of a HEI evolving towards the university of the third generation. 

JEL Codes: J21, D22

Background. This article discusses the issue of institutional and quantitative changes in the higher education (HE) in Poland after 1990. It is actual and important issue, widely discussed in public space as well as in literature of the subject.

Research aims. The aim of the article is to consider the changes of the model of a higher education institutions (HEIs) have undergone and attempt of evaluation whether this model has evolving towards the university of the third generation. Characteristic features of this model include diversification of finance sources and growing relations of a HEI with its environment, both in educational and research terms. That is why the Author consider these two areas of HEIs’ activity.

Methodology. To reach research aims, an analysis of legal sources, the literature of the subject and desk top research have been carried out, the latter drawing on the data of Statistics Poland, among other sources.

Key findings. The analysis shows the period in question has seen the model of a HEI evolving towards the university of the third generation. 

JEL Codes: J21, D22