Charles University Prague: Complete Guide for International Students
- Jun 13
- 5 min read
Charles University is one of the oldest universities in Europe — and for students from Singapore, Malaysia, and across Southeast Asia, it is also one of the most accessible. Founded in 1348 and ranked 265th in the QS World University Rankings 2026, it offers over 300 accredited programmes, many taught entirely in English, at fees that are a fraction of what you would pay in the United Kingdom, Australia, or Singapore.
What Is Charles University?
Charles University was founded in 1348 by Emperor Charles IV, making it the oldest university in Central Europe and one of the oldest in the world. Today it has seventeen faculties spread across Prague, with additional medical faculties in Pilsen and Hradec Králové.
It is the highest-ranked university in the Czech Republic in the QS World University Rankings 2026, placed at position 265 globally. Its medical programmes are fully accredited by the European Union, meaning graduates can practise medicine across all EU member states.
Faculties and What They Offer
Charles University has seventeen faculties covering medicine, law, humanities, sciences, social sciences, theology, education, pharmacy, and physical education. The following faculties offer degree programmes taught in English:
First, Second, and Third Faculties of Medicine (Prague)
Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen
Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové
Faculty of Mathematics and Physics — Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics
Faculty of Social Sciences — International Economics, Area Studies
Faculty of Science — Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science
Faculty of Humanities — Liberal Arts and Humanities
Faculty of Pharmacy (Hradec Králové)
The medical faculties are particularly well-known among international students. Three are based in Prague and all five offer full six-year degree programmes in English with EU-accredited curricula.
Tuition Fees for International Students
International students studying in English pay tuition fees set by each faculty individually. Students who study in the Czech language pay nothing — the same as Czech citizens. If you are willing to spend a year learning Czech before you enrol, that pathway can make the degree essentially free.
Medicine (Prague faculties): CZK 400,000–420,000 per year (~€16,000–17,000)
Pharmacy (Hradec Králové): approximately €7,600 per year
Computer Science (Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, from 2026/27): €7,100 per year
History and Area Studies (Faculty of Social Sciences): approximately €5,000 per year
Liberal Arts and Humanities: approximately €3,000 per year
Fees are set by each faculty individually and can change between academic years. Always verify the exact figure for your specific programme on the relevant faculty page at cuni.cz before submitting your application.
Living Costs in Prague
Prague is more expensive than other Czech cities, but it remains significantly more affordable than London, Amsterdam, or Singapore. Your biggest cost will be accommodation — the gap between dormitory and private flat is substantial.
University dormitory room: €120–300 per month
Shared private flat (your room in a shared flat): €200–400 per month
Food (mix of cooking at home and eating out): €120–220 per month
Public transport monthly pass: €20–30 per month
Personal expenses and miscellaneous: €100–150 per month
Total monthly estimate: €500–900, depending on your housing choice. Students who live in dormitories and cook at home can manage on €550–650 per month. Those renting privately should budget €750–900. See our full guide on tuition fees and living costs in Czech Republic for a deeper breakdown.
Application Requirements
Requirements vary by faculty and level of study. Below are the general requirements for English-taught programmes at most faculties.
For Bachelor's Programmes
Completed secondary school leaving certificate (A Levels, IB Diploma, or national equivalent)
English proficiency: IELTS 6.5 or equivalent, not older than two years
Subject-specific requirements vary — medical faculties require strong biology and chemistry results at secondary level
Some faculties require an entrance examination (particularly science and medical faculties)
For Master's Programmes
Relevant Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Official academic transcripts
English proficiency evidence (IELTS or equivalent)
Some faculties require a take-home assignment or written statement of purpose
Application deadline: Most faculties set an April 30 deadline for the 2026/27 academic year. Students from outside the EU and Schengen Zone should apply well before this date to allow time to arrange a student visa or long-term residence permit. Original documents must typically be delivered to the faculty in person or by post by June 30, 2026.
How to Apply
Choose your faculty and programme using the central database at cuni.cz
Create an application account on the faculty's own online portal (each faculty has a separate portal)
Pay the application fee (typically CZK 500–900, depending on faculty)
Upload your documents electronically by the deadline
Send or deliver original certified documents to the faculty by June 30
Attend any required entrance examination or interview
Receive your admission decision, then apply for your Czech student visa
For a complete step-by-step walkthrough of the process from Singapore or Malaysia, read our guide on how to apply to a Czech university from Singapore.
Scholarships at Charles University
Charles University offers faculty-specific tuition fee scholarships for academically outstanding international students. These are competitive merit-based awards. Available options include:
Computer Science Tuition Fee Scholarship — Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, covers or reduces tuition for Bachelor's and Master's students
Prague Mathematics Tuition Fee Scholarship — Master's programme in Mathematics
Prague Physics Tuition Fee Scholarship — Master's programme in Physics
Václav Havel Scholarship — for students from countries with restricted academic freedom
Erasmus Mundus joint Master's programmes — fully funded, with Charles University as a partner institution
Scholarship applications typically open in late autumn, with deadlines between December and February. For a broader picture of financial support across Czech universities, see our guide to scholarships for international students in Czech Republic.
Is Charles University Right for You?
Charles University makes sense if you want a globally recognised degree, plan to study medicine or science, and are comfortable studying in a city where English is not the everyday language. It is a strong fit if:
You want a top-265-globally-ranked degree at a fraction of UK or Australian costs
You are applying for medicine, pharmacy, computer science, or natural sciences — where the English-taught offering is strongest
You want EU-accredited medical qualifications that are recognised across Europe
You want to live in Prague — one of Central Europe's most connected and affordable student cities
You are considering learning Czech to study free of charge — a realistic option if you begin preparation a year before enrolment
It may be less suitable if you want a fully English-language campus experience across all subjects and faculties. For that, private universities such as Anglo-American University or Prague City University teach entirely in English and may be a better fit.
Book a free 30-minute consultation with our advisors and get a personalised university shortlist based on your budget and goals. Whether Charles University is on your list or you are still comparing options, we can help you understand exactly what it takes to get in — and what it will cost.
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