The Western University was officially founded by Decree-Law no. 660 of 30 December 1944, promulgated by King Michael I. However, the application of the decree-law was abandoned, except for the establishment of the Faculty of Medicine. 

In 1948 the Pedagogical Institute was founded with the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, in 1956 the Faculty of Philology with its five specializations was added, and in 1959 the three-year pedagogical faculties with six other specializations were added. It was not until September 1962 that the five-year Pedagogical Institute, with the Faculties of Mathematics-Physics and Philology, became the University of Timișoara. In 1967-1968, the newly founded Faculty of Economics was added, then the faculties of the three-year Pedagogical Institute. In 1970, the University of Timișoara was composed of 12 faculties with 20 specialisations.

In 1977, by decree of the communist authorities, the three-year pedagogical faculties were abolished, and until 1990 there followed a period of serious setback for the University, decades of shrinking student numbers and activities.

Since 1990 the situation has changed radically, and in 1994 the original name, Western University, was changed back. The structure of the institution diversifies, new faculties, departments and specialisations are created, defining its true mission as an intellectual forum.

The material base of the University has undergone a similar evolution. From two lecture halls in 1948, the Western University had 17 lecture halls, 25 large lecture halls, 74 seminar and laboratory rooms, etc. At the beginning of the 21st century, the modern central building was completed in 1962-1965 and the University's buildings were designed by the Timisoara architect Hans Fackelmann.

With a complex range of profiles and specialisations, Western University offers a high quality scientific training and a full correlation with the performance requirements of contemporary society. It includes centres of excellence, postgraduate training courses, important international cooperation agreements, etc. The work carried out has a comprehensive international recognition, materialized in numerous bilateral agreements concluded with major universities in Europe and the transatlantic area.

Bibliography:

1. Ioan Hațegan, Tourist through TimișoaraOrizonturi Universitare Publishing House, Timisoara, 2009, p.118.
2. Ioan Munteanu, Rodica Munteanu, Timișoara - MonographMirton Publishing House, Timisoara, 2002, pp. 411-413, 523.