The Conference of Rectors of Academic Schools in Poland has been formed by Polish higher education institutions that are authorised to confer doctoral degrees in at least one discipline. CRASP is the representative organ of academic institutions in the sphere of higher education and science. Both state and non-state institutions may become members of the CRASP, while non-academic schools may gain the status of an affiliated unit.

The CRASP was founded on 7 June 1997 by rectors of 73 higher education institutions. This number has since increased to 107, with 11 non-state schools and 9 affiliated units.