Charles University Prague: The Complete Guide for International Students

Charles University Prague, founded in 1348, is the oldest university in Central Europe and one of the most respected in the world. For students from Singapore, Malaysia, and Southeast Asia, it is also one of the most underrated options in Europe: a globally ranked institution offering dozens of programmes in English, at fees that are a fraction of what UK or Australian universities charge. This guide covers every practical question — which faculties teach in English, what tuition and living costs actually look like, how applications work, and what it is really like to live and study in Prague.

What Is Charles University?

Charles University was founded in 1348 by Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV, making it one of the oldest universities in the world and the oldest in Central Europe. It ranks consistently among the top 300 universities globally and is the highest-ranked university in the Czech Republic by a significant margin. The university has 17 autonomous faculties spread across Prague, Pilsen, and Hradec Králové — each operating independently with its own admissions process, deadlines, and tuition fees. Approximately 50,000 students are enrolled, including around 10,000 international students from more than 130 countries.

Does Charles University Teach in English?

Yes — and this is the most important fact for Asian students who do not speak Czech. Charles University offers a wide range of programmes taught entirely in English across several faculties. You do not need to learn Czech to earn a degree here, though picking up some basics will make daily life in Prague considerably easier. The most popular English-taught programmes include:

• General Medicine (6-year MD equivalent) — First, Second, and Third Faculty of Medicine in Prague, taught entirely in English

• Dentistry (6-year programme) — First Faculty of Medicine, Prague

• Computer Science — Faculty of Mathematics and Physics

• Mathematics and Physics — Faculty of Mathematics and Physics

• Pharmacy — Faculty of Pharmacy, Hradec Králové

• International Economic Relations and Social Sciences — Faculty of Social Sciences, Prague

Czech-taught programmes are available tuition-free to international students who are admitted — on the same terms as Czech nationals. They require a high level of Czech language proficiency, which takes significant time and effort to develop.

Tuition Fees at Charles University for International Students

This is the question most families from Singapore and Southeast Asia ask first — and the answer is more encouraging than you might expect.

Czech-taught programmes: free of charge. International students admitted to Czech-language programmes study tuition-free, on the same terms as Czech students.

English-taught programmes: fees vary by faculty. For the 2025/26 academic year:

• Faculty of Mathematics and Physics (Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics): approximately €7,100 per year

• Medical programmes (General Medicine, Dentistry) at the First, Second, and Third Faculty of Medicine: €10,000–€20,000 per year depending on faculty

• Social Sciences, Humanities, and other faculties: approximately €1,020–€5,000 per year

These figures are substantially lower than comparable English-taught degrees in the UK, the Netherlands, or Australia. A six-year medicine degree at Charles University costs less than one year at some UK medical schools.

For the most current fee for your specific programme and faculty, check directly with the relevant Charles University faculty before applying — fees can differ between faculties for what appears to be the same type of programme.

Application Requirements

Charles University has 17 independent faculties, and each runs its own admissions process. Requirements vary — but here is what most English-taught programmes ask for:

• Completed online application via the Charles University application portal

• Secondary school leaving certificate or equivalent (for Bachelor's applicants); university degree transcript and certificate (for Master's applicants)

• Official English translation of all academic documents

• Proof of English language proficiency — IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge — issued within the last two years

• Passport copy and passport-size photograph

English proficiency exemption: students who completed at least two years of education entirely in English in Australia, Canada, India, Ireland, Malta, New Zealand, South Africa, the UK, or the USA may be exempt from submitting a test score. Singaporean applicants from English-medium schools should check directly with their chosen faculty, as exemption policies vary.

Many faculties require an entrance exam — written, oral, or both — typically scheduled for May or June. Medical programmes are highly competitive and test Biology, Chemistry, and sometimes Physics. Prepare well in advance.

Application Deadlines

• Most English-taught programmes: April 30 for October entry

• Medicine and Dentistry: November 30 of the year before your intended start — one of the earliest application deadlines in Europe

Non-EU students need a Long-Stay Visa for study purposes. Processing at the Czech embassy in your home country takes 90–120 days. To start in October, you ideally need your offer letter by July at the latest — so apply to the faculty as early as possible.

For a step-by-step walkthrough of the full Czech university application process, including document checklists and timing, read our guide on how to apply to a Czech university from Singapore.

What It Costs to Live in Prague as a Student

Prague is significantly cheaper than London, Paris, or Amsterdam — but costs have risen in recent years and you should budget realistically. Here is what to expect:

Accommodation

• University dormitory (shared room): €120–€300 per month — the most affordable option

• Shared private flat (your own room in a 2–4 person apartment): €200–€400 per month

• Studio or one-bedroom apartment: €400–€700 or more per month depending on location

Monthly Expenses

• Food (cooking at home plus some meals out): €150–€200 per month

• Student public transport pass: approximately €5.50 per month — one of the cheapest in Europe

• Phone plan: €10–€20 per month

• Utilities and internet: typically included in dormitory fees; €40–€90 extra per month in a private flat

A realistic monthly budget for a student in Prague is €500–€900, depending on accommodation and lifestyle. Students who secure a dormitory place and cook most of their meals can live at the lower end of this range.

Charles University has its own dormitories — apply for a place as soon as you receive your acceptance letter. Spots fill quickly, especially at the start of the academic year.

Scholarships at Charles University

• Czech Government Scholarships: the Czech Ministry of Education awards scholarships to students from developing countries including many in Asia — covering tuition and a monthly living stipend

• Faculty merit scholarships: individual faculties offer awards to academically strong applicants

• Erasmus+ grants: once enrolled, you may be eligible for a funded semester exchange at another European university

Competition for scholarships is high. For a complete overview of available funding, read our post on scholarships for international students in Czech Republic.

Student Life at Charles University

Charles University is not a single campus — its faculties are spread across Prague's historic districts, from the Old Town to Vinohrady. Studying here means studying in one of Europe's most beautiful cities, with centuries-old lecture halls a short walk from modern cafes and parks.

• Social life: the international student community is active and English is widely spoken. Student associations, university clubs, and social events are accessible without Czech

• Part-time work: non-EU students on a Czech student visa can work part-time with no legal hour cap — most students work 10–20 hours per week alongside their studies

• Transport: Prague's metro, tram, and bus network is excellent — a monthly student travel pass costs under €6, one of the cheapest in Europe

• Safety: Prague consistently ranks among the safest capital cities in Europe — a meaningful consideration for families sending a child to study abroad

How to Apply: A Quick Summary

1. Browse programmes at cuni.cz and identify your faculty and programme

2. Complete the online application and pay the application fee

3. Submit all required documents before your faculty's deadline

4. Prepare for an entrance exam if your programme requires one — typically held in May or June

5. Receive your offer letter, typically by June or July for October entry

6. Apply for a Czech Long-Stay Student Visa at your local Czech embassy — allow 90–120 days for processing

7. Apply for university dormitory accommodation as soon as your visa is confirmed

8. Book your flight and prepare for your first semester in Prague

For detailed guidance on the visa and documentation process, read our Czech Republic student visa guide for Asian students.

Is Charles University Worth It?

For Asian families weighing European study options, Charles University stands out for three reasons.

Quality: it is the most prestigious university in Central Europe, with degrees recognised worldwide. Employers and postgraduate programmes in the UK, USA, Asia, and Europe know the name.

Cost: English-taught programmes at €1,020–€20,000 per year compare very favourably with the UK, Australia, or the Netherlands, where international student fees often exceed €30,000 per year. Czech-taught programmes are free.

Location: Prague is one of the safest, most liveable, and most internationally connected cities in Europe. Living costs are lower than most Western European capitals, public transport is outstanding, and the city has a large and active international student community.

The main trade-off is application complexity. Because each faculty operates independently, deadlines and requirements vary widely — and medical programmes have a November deadline that catches many applicants off guard. Start your research early, plan your timeline carefully, and the process is very manageable.

Book a free 30-minute consultation with our advisors and get a personalised university shortlist based on your budget and goals. Our team has helped students from Singapore, Malaysia, and across Southeast Asia navigate Charles University applications — we know exactly what each faculty expects.