In short
Charles University, founded in 1348, is Central Europe's oldest university located in historic Prague. It offers a wide range of programs across 17 faculties and is known for its academic excellence and vibrant student life in a top-ranked European city.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1348
- Students
- 46,401
- International students
- 9,000
- Acceptance rate
- 40%
- Tuition (intl)
- €4–7k/yr
- Languages
- EN, CS
- Location
- Prague, Czechia
Charles University, founded in 1348 by Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV, is the oldest university in Central Europe and among the world's most historic institutions of higher learning. Located in Prague, it comprises 17 faculties covering the full spectrum of academic disciplines — from medicine and law to humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. With over 46,000 students including approximately 9,000 from abroad, it is the largest and most internationally connected university in the Czech Republic. It holds memberships in the League of European Research Universities and the Coimbra Group, and ranks in the QS World University Rankings top 300.
Why study here
- Benefit from a long-standing tradition of academic excellence at Central Europe's oldest university, founded in 1348.
- Engage with cutting-edge research across diverse fields, from social sciences to natural sciences and medicine.
- Experience student life in Prague, consistently ranked as one of Europe's best and safest cities.
- Access a wide array of international exchange programs and collaborations through Erasmus+ and bilateral agreements.
- Affordable tuition and living costs compared to Western European peers, with multiple scholarship options available.
Student life
Life at Charles University is enriched by its location in Prague, a city consistently recognized for its vibrant culture, affordability, and high safety standards. Students can enjoy a dynamic social environment, participate in various university activities, and explore the historical and modern aspects of the city. The university supports student mobility through exchange opportunities at partner institutions. Beyond academics, Prague offers a low unemployment rate, which is beneficial for graduates seeking career opportunities.
Fees
InternationalTuition fees for students from outside the EU are 7,100 EUR per academic year for Bachelor's and Master's programs (from 2026/27).
HomeTuition fees for students from the EU are 4,200 EUR per academic year for Bachelor's and Master's programs (from 2026/27).
LivingAverage living costs range from 600 to 750 EUR per month, covering accommodation, meals, public transport, and leisure activities.
The scholarship will only be administered after the awarded student proceeds with the payment of tuition fee for the Winter semester. For newly accepted students, no money will be paid in advance of the student's arrival in Prague in case of a visa delay. Scholarships are not offered for the third year of Master's study or the fourth year of Bachelor's study under any circumstances.
Admissions
High School Graduation Certificate (Diploma)Required for Bachelor's programs, along with certified secondary school transcripts. Foreign certificates may require nostrification or equivalent recognition.
Reasoning Requirements (Bachelor's Computer Science)Minimum scores in SAT Composite (1240, Math 660), ACT Composite (26, Math 27), IB Diploma (32, Math HL 6), or GCE A-Levels (A A B including A in Mathematics).
TOEFLInstitution code 3184
SATInstitution code 7249
ACTInstitution code 6790
International BaccalaureateInstitution code 000147
Rankings
QS World University Rankings265
Shanghai ARWUTop academic institution in Czech Republic
IDEAS RePEcTop in economics in Czech Republic
University scholarships
FSV UK SCHOLARS ProgramApprox. CZK 75,000 (ca. EUR 3,000)
Czech Government ScholarshipsFully funded (tuition, health insurance, monthly allowance)
Accreditation
All Bachelor programs at the Faculty of Social Sciences are fully accredited by the Ministry of Education and follow the Bologna process. The Master in Economics and Finance (MEF) curriculum is recognized by the CFA Institute.
Programs
a selectionCharles University · Czechia
Bachelor of Computer Science
Charles University offers a Bachelor of Computer Science program designed for students enrolling from the 2019 academic year onwards. This program provides a foundational education in computer science, with specialized tracks available in General Computer Science, Databases and Web, and Artificial Intelligence. The curriculum is structured to equip students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for a career in the technology sector.
Bachelor's
Level
€17k
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
Charles University · Czechia
CFA Institute University Affiliation Program - Bachelor and Master in Economics and Finance
Charles University's Institute of Economic Studies (IES) offers Bachelor's and Master's programs in Economics and Finance that are recognized by the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program. This affiliation signifies that the curriculum covers at least 70% of the CFA Program Body of Knowledge, providing students with a strong foundation for a career in finance and equipping them well for the CFA exams. The CFA charter is a globally respected credential for investment professionals.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Charles University · Czechia
Geopolitical Studies (GPS) - Master's Program
The Master's program in Geopolitical Studies (GPS) offers an in-depth analysis of the forces shaping global geopolitics and geoeconomics, with a particular focus on critical strategic regions. This program is designed to enhance your analytical capabilities, enabling you to connect diverse fields of study and integrate a global perspective with a nuanced understanding of local dynamics. It serves as an excellent foundation for both academic and professional pursuits in the field. The curriculum delves into the complexities of international relations in an era of increasing connectivity, shifting power balances, and heightened geopolitical tensions. You will explore the influence of geography on national advantages and disadvantages, develop expertise in geopolitical and geoeconomic analysis, and acquire empirical knowledge of various regions and countries. The program emphasizes the development of critical analytical, writing, and argumentation skills, alongside an understanding of contemporary theories in international affairs. Courses are delivered by leading academics and practitioners with extensive policy networks.
Master's
Level
€7k
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Charles University · Czechia
International Relations PhD
Charles University offers a doctoral program in International Relations without specialization, designed for students seeking advanced academic and research careers. The program aims to equip graduates with highly specialized knowledge and skills applicable in various sectors. Graduates are prepared for roles in academia, research institutions, think tanks, and managerial positions within governmental agencies, international organizations, NGOs, and the private sector. The program focuses on developing expertise in the complexities of global political and economic interactions.
PhD
Level
—
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
Charles University · Czechia
LL.M. – Legal Protection of Data
This specialized LL.M. program offers comprehensive training in data protection law, equipping graduates with practical knowledge and skills to become experts in the field. The curriculum covers personal data protection, copyright, database law, civil law, and constitutional law, addressing the growing importance of data regulation in the digital age. Graduates will be prepared for roles such as Data Protection Officers, corporate lawyers, compliance officers, and legal advisors specializing in information technology and data privacy.
Master's
Level
€7k
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Charles University · Czechia
LL.M. in Health Law
This LL.M. program focuses on Health Law, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of legal regulations and case law relevant to the healthcare sector. The curriculum covers the general principles of health law, including legal norms, relationships within healthcare, and the legal responsibilities of healthcare providers. It also delves into specific and specialized topics such as healthcare financing, pharmaceutical law, medical devices, assisted reproduction, and medical research. Upon completion, graduates will be awarded an internationally recognized LL.M. degree. The program is designed to be flexible, with a combined study mode. It is particularly beneficial for legal professionals, as participation may be recognized by the Czech Bar Association for mandatory elective seminars for legal trainees or as credits for continuing legal education for practicing lawyers.
Master's
Level
€7k
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for Czechiafull funding
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome Trust Fellowships and Grants (for international researchers)
For researchers at different career stages working on health-related science. Wellcome funds a family of fellowships and grants — early-career, career-development, and discovery awards, plus team and translational funding — each with its own eligibility, value, and call deadline. There is no single scholarship application; you apply to the specific scheme that fits your stage and project.
full
Funding
€3000k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
full funding
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome International Training Fellowships
For early-career researchers based in low- and middle-income countries (outside the high-income world) who want protected time and support for research training in health, often including a PhD or postdoctoral research. Wellcome's scheme names and exact criteria change over time, so applicants should check the current relevant Wellcome funding scheme.
full
Funding
€150k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
full funding
European Commission - European Research Executive Agency (REA)
Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships
Open to researchers of any nationality who hold a PhD (or will have defended their doctoral thesis by the call deadline) and have at most 8 years of full-time-equivalent research experience after the PhD. Applicants apply jointly with a host organisation - a university, research institution, business, SME, or other body based in an EU Member State or a country associated to Horizon Europe. European Postdoctoral Fellowships are open to all nationalities for a project inside the EU or an associated country; Global Postdoctoral Fellowships are reserved for EU nationals or long-term residents who carry out a phase in a third country before returning to Europe. Researchers who have been displaced by conflict and those restarting a research career after a break are explicitly encouraged to apply.
full
Funding
€100k
Max
Sep 10, 2026
Deadline
full funding
Rotary Foundation
Rotary Peace Fellowships
For professionals committed to peace and development, with relevant work experience and (for the master's) a strong academic background and proficiency in English. Applicants apply through their local Rotary district and are selected globally by The Rotary Foundation for study at a Rotary Peace Center.
full
Funding
€90k
Max
May 15, 2027
Deadline
full funding
Independent Social Research Foundation (ISRF)
ISRF Europe Early Career Fellowship
Open to early-career researchers in the social sciences and humanities who are within 10 years of their PhD award (career breaks considered) and hold a salaried position at a higher education or research institution, or are independent scholars with a host institution. Research must be hosted at a European institution and address innovative, interdisciplinary social research questions. Open to scholars of all nationalities.
full
Funding
€82k
Max
Feb 14, 2027
Deadline
full fundingMassachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
MIT Need-Based Aid for International Undergraduates
For international undergraduate applicants to MIT, which is need-blind in admission and meets the full demonstrated financial need of every admitted student. Aid is a grant (no loans in the standard package); the amount is set by each family's assessed need.
full
Funding
€80k
Max
Nov 10, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students at Charles University?
+
Tuition fees for students from outside the EU are 7,100 EUR per academic year for Bachelor's and Master's programs (from 2026/27). Students from the EU pay 4,200 EUR per academic year.
What are the estimated living costs in Prague for students?
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Average living costs in Prague range from 600 to 750 EUR per month. This typically covers accommodation, meals, public transport, and leisure activities.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for admission?
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Charles University accepts scores from TOEFL (institution code 3184), SAT (institution code 7249), ACT (institution code 6790), and the International Baccalaureate (institution code 000147).
What academic qualifications are required for Bachelor's programs?
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Applicants need a High School Graduation Certificate (Diploma) along with certified secondary school transcripts. Foreign certificates may require nostrification or equivalent recognition.
Does Charles University offer scholarships for international students?
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Yes, scholarships such as the FSV UK SCHOLARS Program (approx. EUR 3,000) and the fully funded Czech Government Scholarships are available. Scholarships are administered after tuition fee payment and not in advance of arrival.
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