The calendar is defined in the Rector's Directives, stipulating the start dates of semesters, the university holiday schedule, and the end date of the academic year. The calendar also indicates the period during which students can enrol for course units provided by their faculty or other faculties.
The academic year is divided into two semesters (winter and summer) or into blocks. Each semester, year or block consists of teaching periods, examination periods and vacations.
The fall semester begins at the start of October and the summer semester in the middle of February. The number of teaching weeks and the length of the examination period are determined by faculty deans.
- Summer (July - August)
- Winter Semester (September / October – February)
- Summer Semester (mid-February – September)
- Full Academic Year (October – September )
Charles University was founded in 1348 and is one of the world's oldest universities. The largest and most famous Czech university, it also ranks highest among Czech schools in international rankings. It is the only Czech university ranking among the world's top 250 universities.
Charles University has a number of top research teams that collaborate with foreign institutions. Students at individual faculties also have the opportunity to participate in scientific and research activities of the university. CU staff participate in international projects, such as the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) programme or prestigious ERC grants.
The area of international cooperation has a significant role in raising the international profile of the university and its openness. The university strives to achieve high standards in joint international scientific projects, is active in a number of prestigious international organisations and university networks and actively supports international mobility of students and academic staff.
Charles University cooperates with a number of renowned universities around the world and its priority is to enable all students to go on study stays or practical internships abroad. The most important exchange programme, Erasmus +, is used by around two thousand students a year.
Charles University has 17 independent faculties, and each faculty has its own specific application procedure and admission requirements. Therefore, Charles University has no centralised Admission Office.
- Minimum entry qualifications:
- For Bachelor’s or long-cycle Master’s programs: completed secondary education.
- For a follow-up (second-cycle) Master’s: completed Bachelor’s degree.
- For Doctoral programs: completed Master’s degree in a related discipline.
Key Admission Steps for Degree Students:
- Select your program and faculty
- Use the university’s study catalogue to explore available degree programs and related requirements. More information at: studycharles.cz
- Submit your application
- Apply online via the catalogue or faculty-specific application portal.
- Include all required documentation (e.g., diplomas, transcripts, translations, nostrification documents).
- Pay the application fee
- Fees vary depending on the faculty and study level; payment completes your application.
- Entrance exam (if required)
- Some programs require an entrance exam or interview; others base admission solely on credentials and language certificates.
- Invitations to exams are sent after the initial submission.
- Recognition (nostrification) of previous education
- Foreign diplomas must be recognized (“nostrified”) by Czech educational authorities. This can be done before enrollment, but not necessarily before applying.
- Letter of Acceptance & visa
- Upon successful admission, you’ll receive an acceptance letter, needed for visa applications if you’re not from the EU/EEA country.
- Enrollment & matriculation
- Official enrollment dates are set by individual faculties. The academic year typically opens with a matriculation ceremony.
Specific Requirements:
- Language proficiency: Non-native speakers usually need to provide proof (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, CEFR) for programs taught in English, German, or other languages.
- Program type & fees: Programs taught in Czech are generally tuition-free for EU students. English- or other-language programs often charge tuition fees—amounts vary by faculty and program.
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Entrance exams & documents: Requirements depend heavily on the program. For example, sciences may require subject-specific exams, CVs, or motivation letters.
Key Admission Steps for Erasmus+ Students:
If you are studying at an institution that has an Erasmus+ agreement with the Charles University (CU), you are eligable to apply for a study stay at CU. For a successful application, you need to be selected and nominated by your home university.
At first, you should consult your application with the Erasmus office at your home University. This way, you will ensure that there is an Agreement between your University and the CU. Please note that your nomination can be submitted only by your home university. Information about the nomination process is included in the CU Infosheet. The Erasmus+ coordinators of sending universities who do not have the CU Infosheet are warmly welcome to contact us at erasmus@ruk.cuni.cz.
Nomination deadline
- Nomination deadline for winter semester/full academic year: 15th April
- Nomination deadline for summer semester: 15th September
Application deadline
- Application deadline for winter semester/full academic year: 15th May
- Application deadline for summer semester: 15th October
Learning Agreement
Once your nomination is accepted by CU, we will send you a confirmation email with further administrative steps. Follow the instructions in the confirmation email. After completing the online application form, please generate the Learning Agreement (LA) from the online application system, or use the form from your home university. After that, please submit the document to your home university coordinator for approval and send the signed LA to CU. Documents should be sent directly to your host faculty.
How to select courses for LA:
- Students are obliged to select at least 51% of the courses from their host faculty.
- Please fill out all the courses you would like to attend.
- Please select courses from the list of subjects offered for international students (mainly in English language): https://cuni.cz/UKEN-364.html
- If you would also like to take courses from faculties other than your host faculty, you are welcome to do so. However, please note that due to capacity or other reasons, your acceptance to the courses may not be guaranteed and should be confirmed at the beginning of the semester. For more information, please contact the Erasmus+ coordinator at the relevant faculty.
- Changes in your study plan can be done at the beginning of the semester. Please fill your changes into the relevant section of your LA and forward the document to your home university Erasmus+ coordinator and after that to the host faculty coordinator. Please do not send us LA without the faculty coordinator signature.
More information can be found here: https://cuni.cz/UKEN-362.html
For Degree Students: Non-native speakers usually need to provide proof (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, CEFR) for programs taught in English, German, or other languages.
For Erasmus+ students: All incoming students arriving through the Erasmus+ programme are required to have at least a B2 level knowledge of the English language. Usually, the English knowledge is up to your own evaluation and does not have to be confirmed by any official certificate, unless your host faculty requires it (certificate, language exam, transcript of records, confirmation issued by the university). For more information, please check the list of additional requirements: https://cuni.cz/UKEN-362.html#19
Czech Language Provision:
Non-Czech-speaking students can enroll in Czech-language courses, offered by host faculties and the university’s Language Institute (ÚJOP). The Institute for Language and Preparatory Studies (ÚJOP) provides extensive courses from A1 to C1, including exam preparation and internationally recognized certification. Faculties may charge fees for intensive Czech courses, as these are optional and not covered by the state while standard curriculum is tuition-free for EU students.
Charles University does not have a single central campus. Instead, its faculties and facilities are spread across multiple locations, primarily in Prague, but also in Hradec Králové, Plzeň, and Poděbrady.
For the purposes of this site, these locations will be referred to as campuses, even though Charles University does not officially recognize them as such.
Charles University is led by the Rector and central administration, which oversees university-wide institutes and services. The university consists of 17 autonomous faculties, each managed by a Dean and its own academic and administrative bodies. In addition to faculties, there are specialized institutes, research centers, and support units providing services such as libraries, IT, accommodation, and student facilities.
Rectorate
- Centre for Lifelong Learning
- CU POINT
- Department of Construction
- Department of Quality of Education and Accreditations
- Research Support Office
- Finance, Human Resources and Payroll Department
- International Relations Office
- Legal Department
- Project Support Department
- Public Procurement Department
- Public Relations Department
- Records Management Department
- Security Department
- Student Affairs Department
- Secretariat of the Academic Senate
Faculties
- Catholic Theological Faculty
- Protestant Theological Faculty
- Hussite Theological Faculty
- Faculty of Law
- First Faculty of Medicine
- Second Faculty of Medicine
- Third Faculty of Medicine
- Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen
- Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove
- Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Mathematics and Physics
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Social Sciences
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sport
- Faculty of Humanities
University Institutes
- Institute of the History of Charles University and Archive of Charles University
- Centre for Theoretical Study
- Centre for Economic Research and Graduate Education
- Environment Centre
Other Units
- Centre for Knowledge and Technology Transfer
- Institute for Language and Preparatory Studies
- Central Library
Services Facilities
- Agency of the Council of Higher Education Institutions
- Dormitories and Refectories
- Karolinum Press
- Premises and Facilities Administration
- Information and Communication Technologies
If you are a student from another university wishing to study at Charles University (CU) under an exchange programme, you are considered an incoming mobility student.
General regulations and procedures:
- Incoming students must be officially nominated by their home university within the deadlines published by the Charles University.
- Once nomination accepted, students will receive detailed instructions on how to complete their online application and prepare their Learning Agreement.
- Admission depends on the existence of a valid inter-institutional agreement between Charles University and the home institution.
- Incoming students are expected to follow all academic and administrative regulations of Charles University and their host faculty throughout their stay.
- Exchange students are expected to enroll in courses at the beginning of the semester. Course selection may be adjusted through Changes to the Learning Agreement, depending on availability and approval from both institutions. Each faculty provides its own list of available courses for exchange students and specific instructions.
- At the end of the mobility period, the host faculty at Charles University will issue an official Transcript of Records and a Certificate of Attendance.
If you are a Charles University student wishing to study or undertake a traineeship at one of CU’s partner institutions abroad, you are considered an outgoing mobility student.
General regulations and procedures:
- Mobility must be based on an existing agreement. Outgoing mobility can take place only within the framework of a valid bilateral or inter‑institutional agreement, such as Erasmus+, Inter‑University Agreements, Other bilateral partnerships.
- Outgoing students must apply through Charles University’s internal mobility calls, which are organized by individual faculties and the CU European Office.
- Students must follow the deadlines, required documentation and procedures set by their home faculty.
- Application and administrative steps are outlined in CU’s ViaErasmus! interface for outgoing students.
- Selected students must sign a Learning Agreement (for studies or traineeships) approved by their academic coordinator before departure.
- All outgoing students must complete all pre‑departure, during‑mobility, and post‑mobility requirements, including:
Pre‑departure: Before the selection procedure - Basic Conditions of Erasmus, Choose your destination, General Conditions for Scholarships, Amount of Scholarship, Create your online application, Selection Procedure.
After the selection procedure - Nomination, Learning agreement and study plan, Language test, the Euro account, Insurance, Green Erasmus, decision on scholarship award, Financial agreement.
During mobility: possible course changes, extensions, Learning Agreement updates, early return, documentation sent to CU.
Post‑mobility:
Study stays - Early return, Confirmation of Erasmus period, Transcript of records, Green Erasmus, Final reports
Traineeships - Early return, Confirmation of Erasmus period, Traineeship certificate, Green Erasmus, Final reports
Short-term PhD mobility + BIP - Early return, Confirmation of Erasmus period, Evaluation report, Traineeship certificate, Green Erasmus, Final reports
The recognition of credit mobility and prior learning at Charles University is regulated through Czech national legislation and the university’s internal academic regulations. Each faculty is responsible for evaluating and recognising learning achieved at other higher‑education institutions or in different academic contexts to ensure that externally completed coursework can be formally incorporated into the student’s degree programme.
Recognition of prior studies and credit mobility
Credits gained in previous studies, whether completed at another Czech or foreign university, may be recognised if the learning outcomes, academic level, and course content are comparable to those of the programme in which the student is enrolled at Charles University. Recognition requests are assessed by the relevant faculty or academic board, which examines course syllabi, workload, and competencies before granting equivalence.
Recognition of professional or work experience
Students may request recognition of relevant professional or work experience, provided it corresponds to the learning outcomes of courses within their programme. The extent to which professional experience may be recognised is determined by faculty‑specific rules and internal regulations of the University. Such recognised experience cannot replace core compulsory components of the programme, including final degree requirements such as bachelor’s or master’s theses. (This aligns with general principles stated in UK faculty admission and study regulations.)
Limitations and faculty decision‑making
Recognition is never automatic. Decisions are made solely by the competent faculty bodies in accordance with the university’s academic regulations. Students must submit the required documentation – such as transcripts, course descriptions, or proof of professional experience – within the deadlines set by the faculty.
Recognition of study activities completed abroad is based on the Learning Agreement (LA), which is prepared before mobility and approved by the student’s home faculty at Charles University, and the host institution abroad.
The Learning Agreement ensures that the courses and credits completed abroad will be recognised by the home faculty, provided the student successfully completes them as agreed. This aligns with the Erasmus+ requirement for “transparent and efficient preparation” and “automatic recognition” of approved learning outcomes.
Charles University uses the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) across its faculties.
ECTS credits correspond to the workload necessary to complete a course; departments allocate credits based on standard study regulations (1 ECTS = ~30 hours of student workload).
Some faculties impose minimum ECTS workloads during a stay:
- 20 ECTS per semester for Bachelor students
- 15 ECTS per semester for Master students
(but some faculties may require higher numbers).
After completing mobility and returning to CU, the host institution issues the Transcript of Records (ToR). It lists all completed courses and grades. Faculties compare the Transcript of Records with the Learning Agreement to confirm equivalence and completion. This verification step is part of CU’s outgoing mobility procedures. Credits are recognized under CU’s ECTS system and transferred if they match the courses/activities agreed in the Learning Agreement.
Recognition procedures can differ between CU faculties, because each faculty has its own academic structure, may set different minimum ECTS requirements, may require specific course equivalences, has its own internal approval workflows.
The admission of full‑degree international students at Charles University follows the general regulations governing higher education in the Czech Republic, combined with the university’s own faculty‑based admission procedures. Each of the university’s 17 faculties manages its admissions independently, including deadlines, required documents, and selection criteria. More information can be found here.
Undergraduate and Long‑Cycle Master’s Programmes
Admission to bachelor’s and long‑cycle master’s programmes is handled directly by the relevant faculty, as Charles University does not operate a central admissions office. Applicants must hold a secondary school qualification that grants access to higher education in their home country. All international students are required to have their previous education formally recognised (nostrification) or validated by the faculty before enrolment.
Applications are submitted online via the university’s programme catalogue. Some programmes require an entrance examination, while others admit students based on submitted documents and the applicant’s overall profile. Entrance exams can be organised in person, abroad through authorised representatives, or online, depending on the programme.
Official Master’s Programmes
For master’s degree programmes, applicants must hold a recognised bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification that allows access to graduate studies. Applications are submitted directly to the faculty offering the programme. Admission decisions are made by the programme’s academic committee in accordance with faculty requirements, which may include evaluation of academic background, relevance of previous studies, and – where applicable – language proficiency.
Doctoral Programmes
Admission to doctoral programmes is governed by national regulations and faculty‑specific procedures. Applicants typically need a completed master’s degree or an equivalent qualification. In addition to the application form, candidates submit a proposed research topic and any documents required by the doctoral programme. Acceptance is determined by the programme’s academic board, which evaluates the applicant’s academic preparation and the viability of the research proposal.
Language Requirements
Across all levels of study, applicants must meet the language requirements of the chosen degree programme. Programmes may be taught in Czech (usually free of tuition) or in English or other foreign languages, depending on the faculty. Language requirements and accepted certificates are published within each programme’s description.
Visa and Immigration Procedures
Non‑EU/EEA students admitted to degree programmes must complete the relevant visa or long‑term residence permit procedures. The official Letter of Acceptance issued after successful admission serves as an essential document for the visa application. For more information, please visit this website.
Once a student has been formally admitted to a full‑degree programme at Charles University (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral studies), they must complete the enrolment (registration) process to officially become a student and obtain full student status. The enrolment procedure is managed individually by each faculty, as the university does not operate a central admissions office.
Undergraduate and Long‑Cycle Master’s Students
For bachelor’s and long‑cycle master’s students, enrolment follows the successful completion of the faculty’s admission procedure, which may include an entrance exam or document-based evaluation. After receiving the Letter of Acceptance, students must submit all required educational documents (including recognition of previous education) no later than the enrolment date specified by the faculty.
Master’s and Doctoral Students
For official master’s and doctoral programmes, students enrol directly with the faculty once they have been admitted by the programme’s academic committee. Doctoral students typically confirm agreement with their supervisor and research topic as part of their enrolment. The exact steps and deadlines are determined by the faculty’s admission office.
Completion of Registration
In all cases, enrolment is only considered complete once the student:
- has submitted all documents required by the faculty (including diploma recognition), and
- has paid all relevant faculty‑specific administrative or application fees (if applicable), following the rules set by Charles University and its faculties.
Once registered, students gain full access to university services, including:
- the Charles University student ID card,
- access to digital systems and platforms (e.g., Student Information System – SIS),
- academic services and support,
- and participation in university activities such as the official matriculation ceremony.
The admission of exchange students at Charles University is based on bilateral inter-institutional agreements and follows the regulations governing international mobility programmes, such as Erasmus+, inter‑university exchanges, or other bilateral arrangements. Exchange students are admitted within the framework of these agreements and must be officially nominated by their home institution.
Unlike full‑degree students, exchange students do not pay tuition fees at Charles University, as they remain enrolled at their home university and continue to pay any applicable fees there, in accordance with the terms of the mobility agreement.
Erasmus+ students must submit their online application within the deadline, and complete their Learning Agreement. For more information regarding the necessary steps, please visit this webiste.
Upon arrival, exchange students are required to complete the registration process, which includes steps outlined by the receiving faculty and the International Relations Office. Students are encouraged to take part in the orientation activities, which provide essential academic and practical information to support the start of their stay. Orientation may include meetings, consultations, or even a full orientation week, depending on the faculty and programme.
Exchange students gain access to university services such as course registration, accommodation options, digital platforms, and academic and student support.
For Erasmus+ students, further guidance, including application procedures, deadlines, and practical matters, is provided on the university’s official website.
Further information about other mobility programmes, inter‑university agreements, or faculty agreements can be found in the overview on the left side of the website.
Exchange students must be officially nominated by their home university, which must have a valid bilateral agreement with Charles University or participate in recognised mobility frameworks such as the Erasmus+ Programme or other inter‑university exchange schemes. Only students who are enrolled in an accredited degree programme at their home institution and meet the eligibility criteria set by the mobility agreement may be nominated.
Once nominated and accepted, students are required to complete an online application by the deadlines established by Charles University. Additionally, students must complete their Learning Agreement signed by all three parties (student, sending institution, receiving faculty at Charles University).
Admission is granted once the complete application and supporting documentation have been reviewed by the International Relations Office and the relevant coordinators at the faculty. Exchange students must also demonstrate an adequate level of language proficiency corresponding to the language of instruction of their selected courses (typically English or Czech). Charles University generally expects at least B2 level for courses taught in English.
For Erasmus+ exchange students, some CU faculties may require additional documentation – further details may be found here.
First, students must be formally enrolled in higher education at their home institution at the time of nomination and throughout the mobility period. They are typically expected to have completed at least the first year of their undergraduate studies before beginning the exchange, ensuring sufficient academic preparation for university‑level coursework abroad. (This principle is reflected in typical eligibility requirements at Charles University faculties.) However, the rules are set by the sending institutions and their internal procedures.
Secondly, the nominated student’s academic background should be relevant to the field of study specified in the bilateral agreement or mobility arrangement. This ensures that selected courses at Charles University correspond appropriately to the student’s degree programme and can be fully recognised by the home university upon return.
Students are also expected to have a satisfactory academic record, as demonstrated by their academic transcript and confirmed by the home institution during the nomination process.
Nominated exchange students must have sufficient language competence in the language of instruction of their selected courses. The required level may vary by faculty or programme. For most English‑taught courses, a B2 CEFR level is recommended. While some faculties do not require a formal language certificate, they may request proof of proficiency issued by the sending institution. Additionally, certain faculties – as indicated in the faculty‑specific requirements – may ask for further documents such as medical confirmation, liability insurance, or Transcript of Records.
For Erasmus+ exchange students, additional faculty‑specific requirements can be found here.
Visiting students (Free Movers) are individuals who wish to study at Charles University independently, outside any established exchange or scholarship programme, and without enrolling in a full degree at the university. Their admission is handled directly by the relevant Charles University faculty, which decides whether a student may be accepted for a study period and under what specific conditions, including whether tuition or administrative fees apply.
Applicants must typically be currently enrolled in a higher education institution in their home country or hold a qualification granting access to university studies. As part of the application process, students submit documentation required by the selected faculty, which commonly includes proof of enrolment, academic records, identification documents, and a preliminary list of courses they would like to attend. Since each CU faculty manages Free Mover admissions independently, the exact list of required documents may vary.
The proposed study plan is reviewed by the relevant faculty to ensure that course choices are academically appropriate and that space is available. If accepted, the student receives confirmation directly from the faculty. Unlike exchange students, Free Movers are not covered by any bilateral agreements and may therefore be expected to pay tuition or other fees as determined by the faculty.
During their study period, Free Mover students may attend courses and, upon completion, receive a transcript of records, normally expressed in ECTS credits. Recognition of these credits at the student’s home institution remains solely the responsibility of that institution.
For more information, please visit this website.
Admitted visiting students (Free Movers) must confirm their acceptance and provide any documentation required by the faculty: typically proof of identity, proof of enrolment at their home institution (if applicable), and their approved study plan.
Once documentation is verified, students proceed with administrative steps defined by the host faculty, which may include formal course registration and payment of tuition or administrative fees, as Free Movers are not exempt from fees. Each faculty establishes its own procedures, deadlines, and payment rules.
After completing registration, Free Mover students gain access to Charles University’s digital services and academic platforms, which typically include the Student Information System, university email, learning platforms, and other student support services provided by the faculty.