Charles University Prague: The Complete Guide for International Students

Charles University in Prague is one of the oldest universities in Europe — founded in 1348 — and it welcomes thousands of international students every year. For Asian families comparing European study options, it offers recognised degrees, over 290 English-taught programmes, and a Prague base that costs far less than studying in London or Amsterdam. This guide covers tuition fees, English programmes, how to apply, what it costs to live in Prague, and what Asian students need to know before they start.

What Is Charles University?

Charles University (Univerzita Karlova) was founded by Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV. It ranks consistently in the QS World University Rankings top 300 and is among the top 100 universities in Europe for several subject areas including medicine, social sciences, and mathematics.

The university has 17 independent faculties spread across Prague and several other Czech cities, including Pilsen and Hradec Králové. Around 50,000 students are enrolled, of whom approximately 10,000 are international. Its medical schools are particularly well known globally and attract applicants from Asia, the Middle East, and Africa every year.

English-Taught Programmes

Charles University offers over 290 degree programmes taught entirely in English across Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD levels. These are full degree programmes — not just a handful of international elective courses.

• First, Second, and Third Faculties of Medicine — General Medicine (6 years) and Dentistry (5 years) in English

• Faculty of Mathematics and Physics — Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics

• Faculty of Social Sciences — International Area Studies, Political Science, Economics

• Faculty of Humanities — Liberal Arts and Humanities programmes

• Faculty of Arts — History, Philosophy, Linguistics

• Faculty of Science — Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science

Czech-language programmes at Charles University are free of charge for all students, including international students. If you study in Czech, you pay no tuition at all. A one-year preparatory Czech language programme at the Institute for Language and Preparatory Studies (ÚJOP UK) costs approximately €2,500–€3,500, after which you are eligible for free Czech-medium degree programmes.

Tuition Fees at Charles University

Fees vary considerably between faculties. Medicine is the most expensive. Most other English-taught programmes are far more affordable. All figures are per academic year.

Medicine and Dentistry (English-Taught)

• General Medicine in English: €24,250 per year (6-year programme)

• Dentistry in English: €24,250 per year (5-year programme)

• Fees confirmed by the First Faculty of Medicine for the 2025/2026 academic year. Check directly with the Second and Third Faculties of Medicine for their current rates, as these may differ slightly.

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science

• EU/EEA students: approximately €4,200 per academic year

• Non-EU/EEA students (including Singapore, Malaysia, and SE Asia): approximately €7,100 per academic year from the 2026/27 intake

Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts

• English-taught programmes in these faculties generally range from €1,000 to €4,500 per academic year

• Exact fees depend on the specific programme — check directly with the relevant faculty before applying, as fees are reviewed annually

Czech-Language Programmes

All programmes taught in Czech are free of charge for every student, regardless of nationality. If you want to minimise costs and are willing to invest a year in learning Czech first, this is a serious option worth exploring.

How to Apply: Step by Step

Charles University has no central admissions office. Each of its 17 faculties manages its own applications, deadlines, and entrance exams independently. Here are the five steps every applicant follows.

1. Browse the programme catalogue at cuni.cz and filter by English language and your study level (Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD).

2. Find your faculty's specific deadline. Medicine applicants must apply by 30 November — earlier than almost any other European university. Most other faculties set deadlines in February or April.

3. Prepare your documents: secondary school diploma (translated and notarised if required), transcripts, proof of English language proficiency (typically IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 or equivalent), completed online application form, and the application fee (typically €20–€50 per programme).

4. Sit the entrance exam. Medicine requires a science knowledge test covering biology, chemistry, and physics. Other programmes may require a written essay, motivation letter, or interview.

5. After receiving your acceptance letter, apply immediately for your Czech student visa. Processing takes 90 to 120 days from non-EU countries — do not leave this late.

For a full document checklist and timeline, read our step-by-step guide on how to apply to a Czech university from Singapore.

Entry Requirements

• Academic results: strong secondary school grades are required, especially for medicine

• English language: IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 is the typical standard, though requirements vary by faculty and programme

• Entrance exam: required by most faculties — format and content differ per programme

• No GMAT or SAT required: Czech universities do not ask for these

• Age: no upper age limit for applications

For medicine, competition is strong and spaces are limited. The entrance exam covers biology, chemistry, and physics at advanced secondary school standard. Begin your preparation at least six months before the exam date.

Living Costs in Prague as a Charles University Student

Prague is affordable by Western European standards. Most students live comfortably on €500 to €950 per month, depending primarily on whether they live in a university dormitory or private accommodation.

• Accommodation — university dormitory: €150–€200 per month

• Accommodation — private room in shared apartment: €350–€500 per month

• Food and groceries: €150–€200 per month

• Public transport (monthly student pass): approximately €5.50 per month

• Books and study materials: €20–€50 per month

• Personal spending and leisure: €100–€150 per month

Estimated monthly total: €500–€650 for students in university dormitories; €700–€950 for students in private accommodation. Dormitory spots are significantly cheaper, but demand is high — apply for a place as soon as you receive your acceptance letter.

For a full breakdown of grocery costs, utility bills, and dining out in the Czech Republic, see our article on tuition fees and living costs in Czech Republic.

Scholarships at Charles University

• Faculty-level merit scholarships: available at most faculties, awarded based on academic performance. Amounts and eligibility criteria vary by faculty.

• Czech Government Development Scholarships: the Czech Ministry of Education offers a limited number of annual scholarships covering tuition and a monthly living stipend for students from developing countries.

• Czech Republic Government Scholarship Programme (MŠMT): covers tuition fees and provides a monthly allowance for selected applicants.

• Erasmus+ exchange mobility: available if your home university has a partnership agreement with Charles University — useful for funded exchange semesters within your degree.

For a complete overview of government and university scholarships available in the Czech Republic, read our guide on scholarships for international students in Czech Republic.

Student Visa for Czech Republic

Non-EU students from Singapore, Malaysia, and most Asian countries need a Czech Long-Stay Visa (Type D) to study for more than 90 days. You apply at the Czech Embassy in your home country.

• Apply immediately after receiving your acceptance letter — do not wait

• Processing time: 90–120 days — start this process months before your intended arrival date

• Documents needed: valid passport, acceptance letter, proof of accommodation, comprehensive health insurance, and proof of sufficient funds (typically €4,000–€5,000 in your bank account)

• The visa is initially issued for 12 months and renewed annually at the Czech immigration office (OAMP)

Our Czech Republic Student Visa Guide for Asian Students covers every document, every step, and the exact timeline to follow.

Is Charles University the Right Choice for You?

Charles University suits students who want:

• A highly ranked, historically established European university degree recognised worldwide

• English-taught programmes at a fraction of the cost of UK or Australian universities

• A place on a recognised European medical or dentistry degree

• Life in Prague — a safe, historically rich, and well-connected European capital with genuinely affordable day-to-day costs

The main factor to plan for is the entrance exam. Unlike many universities that admit purely on school grades, Charles University requires you to sit a faculty-specific exam. For medicine, competition is strong and spaces are limited. Start your preparation well in advance — ideally 6 to 12 months before the exam date.

If minimising costs is the top priority and you are willing to learn Czech, the free tuition path is real. After a preparatory year (approximately €2,500–€3,500 for the language course), you study for free. Over a six-year medical degree, this represents a very significant saving compared to the English-taught fees.

Book Your Free Consultation

Ready to build your application to Charles University or explore other Czech Republic universities that match your budget and goals? Book a free 30-minute consultation with our advisors and get a personalised university shortlist based on your budget and goals.