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A small yet beautiful and safe country with plenty of interesting historical sights, castles, woods and rivers.
CU has 17 independent faculties that offer a wide range of study programmes in various fields.
Prague, Pilsen, Hradec Králové and Poděbrady each have something unique to offer: historical sights, cultural events, parks, work and sports opportunities, and much more.
Charles in numbers
3 cities
one of the
top 100 universities in Europe
in the top 2 %
more than 800
17 faculties
20 %
45,456 students
130 countries
students from
in bachelor's, master's and Ph.D. programmes
international students
working in different areas of academic research
accredited degree programmes
of universities worldwide
in the Czech Republic
based in
the Charles story
1348
Establishment
Charles University still carries the name and legacy of its founder, the Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV. It has more than 600 years of tradition in education and research.
Charles University’s story began back in 1348
do you want to be in the next chapter?
One of our key priorities at Charles is to continue to enhance our prestige as a research university. Charles University hosts several outstanding research teams which collaborate closely with international institutions.
1348
1409
1517
1654
1882
1918
1939
1989
2000
2018
1517
A golden age under Rudolph
Habsburg Emperor Rudolf II. turned Prague into a cultural metropolis where the university flourished alongside the court.
1409
At the heart of the reformation
The university underwent a transformation during the Hussite reformist movement (which preceded the Reformation); the religious reformer Jan Hus was the rector of the university at the time.
Czech National Revival
1882
In 1882, at the culmination of the Czech National Revival, Prague's Charles-Ferdinand University was divided into two institutions: Czech and German. Both universities achieved a high academic standard. Some of the most respected figures associated with the University in this period included the theoretical physicist Albert Einstein and professor Tomáš G. Masaryk, the first President of Czechoslovakia
1918
Independence of Czechoslovakia
After the country became independent, the original name (Charles University) was regained. The University achieved outstanding results comparable with the world's most prestigious academic and research institutions.
1989
Velvet Revolution
Students, loyal to their tradition of academic freedoms, played a large part in the demonstrations against the totalitarian regime on 17 November 1989 that led to its fall.
4EU+ Alliance
2018
In 2018, six partner universities – the Universities of Copenhagen, Milan, Warsaw and Heidelberg, together with Charles and the Sorbonne— formed an alliance and agreed to establishment a shared, seamless infrastructure. The 4EU+ mission is to develop deep, barrier-free cooperation in education, research and innovation within the Alliance.
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explore our journey through centuries
1939
Nazi Occupation
The occupation of the Czech Lands by Hitler’s Germany brought much hardship and great losses. On 17 November 1939, all Czech higher education institutions were closed down in response to student demonstrations against the occupation; this was followed by widespread persecution of university students and lecturers.
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1654
Charles-Ferdinand University
In the early 17th century, the University fell under the strong political influence of the Protestant Czech Estates, whose representatives were involved in the anti-Habsburg opposition movement that gave rise to the Thirty Years' War. The war brought about fundamental changes, and in 1654 the institution became part of the Charles-Ferdinand University.
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2000
New Millennium
The University's youngest faculty, the Faculty of Humanities, was born in the new millennium. The University now consists of 17 self-governing faculties, most of which are based in Prague; two are located in Hradec Králové and one in Pilsen.
what do international students think about Charles?
accommodation
Charles University does not have a campus, but it is easy and convenient to travel around our university cities using public transport. Our students have the option of living at Charles University Dormitories, which are both affordable and convenient. We particularly advise first-year students to live in our dormitories. Prices vary according to room type and location. Most rooms are twin rooms, shared with one other student.
Students who prefer not to live in our dormitories are welcome to find private accommodation or share flats with other students: there are plenty of options in all our university cities. Rents are paid monthly and depend on the size, location and type of property. Compared to other big European cities, accommodation in the Czech Republic is not very expensive. It is easy to travel around our university cities using public transportation, so students who prefer quiet neighbourhoods and affordable prices may consider living outside the city centre.
study system
Elementary education in the Czech Republic lasts nine years (ages 6-15); this is followed by secondary education generally lasting four years. Afterwards, students may pursue university studies, which are completed by final state exams and a thesis.
University studies are divided into three stages: bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D. A bachelor’s degree is usually a three-year study programme, and this is commonly followed by two-year master’s degree programme. Long-cycle master’s degree programmes last five or six years.
The university’s academic year starts in autumn (at Charles this is on October 1) and is divided into two semesters - winter (October til January) and summer (February til June). Both semesters are followed by examination periods.
International students may choose direct entry to the individual faculties or may welcome to join a foundation programme to prepare them for their chosen university studies (academically, socially as well as from the language perspective). Foundation programmes start in September/November and are offered by UJOP CU.
scholarships
Financial support for students is mostly provided by the individual faculties, which also offer merit-based scholarships for outstanding students after the first year of studies. Full-time Ph.D. students receive a monthly scholarship, which is usually supplemented by other sources of income (participation in grant projects, teaching undergraduates, etc.). Other options for funding include e.g. governmental scholarships or International Visegrad Fund scholarships.
working in the Czech Republic
Many students work while studying. Part-time and summer jobs are popular among students and a great way of getting some professional experience. As a student, you will have the right to work in the Czech Republic during your studies. If you are a non-EU citizen, the purpose of your stay must always be as specified on your visa, so you do have to meet your duties and responsibilities as a student.
recognition of your
previous education
You can have your previous education recognized as part of the admissions procedure. Detailed information about this process is available on the university website.
By enrolling in the Foundation programme at Charles University's Institute for Language and Preparatory Studies (UJOP), you'll acquire the necessary language proficiency, academic expertise, and practical skills needed for entry into undergraduate programmes. Guidance in the recognition procedure of your previous education is part of the Foundation programmes.
1348
Establishment
Charles University still carries the name and legacy of its founder, the Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV. It has more than 600 years of tradition in education and research.
