 The Establishment of Matej Bel University The Slovak Parliament decided to establish Matej Bel University in Banska Bystrica under the Act No. 139 on February 27, 1992. The vision was realized on July 1, 1992 when the University was established in Banska Bystrica. The University was officially inaugurated on October 23, 1992. The Faculty of Education and the Faculty of Economics merged to form Matej Bel University and since April 1, 2002 the University has been referred to as a public university. Banska Bystrica has a long tradition of education and culture. Teaching existed in the form of a parish school and later a town school as far back as the 13th century. In the 17th century, a Jesuit college, and later in the same century an Evangelical Collage was established. Matej Bel studied at that College and later held the post of Rector at the College. The University is named after him. Matej Bel (1684-1749), the author of a large number of works of science, pedagogy, national history and geography, philosophy and religion, is a symbol of belief in the power of education and culture, national equality, religious tolerance, national integration and a love for the motherland. His works have contributed to the development of science, school system, education and culture in Slovakia and Europe. In the mid 19th century, the Catholic Grammar School, using Slovak as the language of instruction, became an important centre of education in Slovakia. In the academic year 1856-57, a Teachers’ Training College was founded in Banska Bystrica and, thanks to Bishop Stefan Moyzes, courses were provided not only in German and Latin, but also in Slovak. All the plans and hope for flourishing Slovak education in Banska Bystrica failed after Austro-Hungarian Settlement was followed by a tough Magyarization process which affected education and culture. The Act of April 9, 1946 helped to create a long-term demand for teachers with academic degrees at all types of schools . All universities in Czechoslovakia had a faculty of education and the Act No. 32 authorized the government to establish branches of the faculties outside the university location. In the academic year 1949-50, there was a branch of the Faculty of Education founded in Banska Bystrica which was a part of The Slovak University, Bratislava. The first college of Banska Bystrica was founded in 1954. It was the Higher School of Pedagogy. The Faculty of Education was established on September 1, 1964. In 1973, there was a branch of the Faculty of Commerce established in Banska Bystrica which was a part of the College of Economics, Bratislava. In 1977 the branch was made into the Faculty of the Economics of Services and Tourism. On July 1, 1992 the name of the Faculty was changed into the Faculty of Economics which better expresses its orientation. Both Faculties were the cornerstone of a new University which has seven faculties:
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