Charles University in Prague
General Information
Charles University is the oldest university in Central Europe, and its medical faculties are among the most prestigious and highly sought-after in the world. There are three separate medical faculties located in Prague (the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Faculties of Medicine) which share the brand's prestige but have independent admissions procedures and slightly distinct curricula. Below is general information, primarily focusing on the First Faculty of Medicine, which is the oldest and largest.
General Information (Focus on 1st Faculty of Medicine, CU)
Institutional and Program Facts
| Feature | Detail |
| Official Name | First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University (1. LF UK) |
| Founding Year | 1348 (Charles University); the Faculty of Medicine was one of the original four faculties. |
| Institutional Status | Public University (Subsidized by the Czech Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports). |
| Degree Awarded | M.D. (Medicinae Universae Doctor) upon completion of the General Medicine program. |
| Program Duration | 6 Years (General Medicine). |
| Instruction Language | Czech (tuition-free) and English (tuition-paying program). |
| Accreditation | Fully accredited by the Czech Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports. |
| Global Recognition | Recognized by the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) and globally acclaimed, facilitating physician registration in North America, the EU, and other regions. |
| Entry Requirements | Secondary school diploma and a highly competitive entrance examination (written test in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics). |
Campus Facilities
Admission Process for International Students
Qualification: Completion of secondary school education is mandatory, with a strong background in science subjects.
Entrance Examination: Successful completion of a written entrance exam in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics/Mathematics in the English language is required. Exams are held in Prague and at numerous locations worldwide.
Competitiveness: The program is extremely competitive, requiring outstanding results in both the entrance exams and secondary school academics.
Deadlines: Application and exam dates vary among the three Prague faculties but are typically early in the year.
Curriculum Structure
Years 1–2 (Preclinical): Focus on theoretical and basic sciences.
Years 3–6 (Clinical): Intensive clinical subjects and rotations.
Prestige: Students gain access to the country's leading scientific and clinical experts.
Hospital & Medical Facilities
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
The Prague medical faculties of Charles University utilize the largest and best hospitals in the Czech Republic.
University Hospital and Clinical Exposure
Primary Teaching Hospitals (1st FoM):
General University Hospital in Prague (Všeobecná fakultní nemocnice v Praze - VFN): The main clinical base for the 1st FoM, located in central Prague (e.g., Charles Square).
Bulovka University Hospital and other specialized institutes.
Scope: Students gain exposure to a broad range of general and highly specialized pathology due to the role of these hospitals as tertiary care centers for the entire Czech Republic.
Integration: The faculties are closely integrated with the hospitals, ensuring intensive practical training.
Fee Structure
State University Affordability
Financial Commitments (English Program)
Annual Tuition Fee (General Medicine): Approx. 380,000 – 420,000 CZK (approx. $16,000 – $18,000 USD) per academic year (fees may vary slightly between the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd FoM).
Total 6-Year Tuition: Approx. 2.28 million – 2.52 million CZK (approx. $96,000 – $108,000 USD).
Other Fees: Non-refundable application fee and administrative charges.
City Details
Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic and one of the most popular and beautiful cities in Europe.
Vibe: Historic, cosmopolitan, and bustling. It offers an incredible amount of cultural and historical richness (Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square) alongside modern infrastructure and a vibrant international student life.
Culture: Prague is a major cultural center, with plenty of theaters, concerts, galleries, and international events.
Safety: Prague is generally a very safe large city.
Transportation: Exceptionally efficient public transport, which is cheap and reliable for students.
Quality of Life: Very high, with slightly higher living costs than the national average.
Hostel & Mess
Prague has the highest cost of living in the Czech Republic, yet it remains lower than most Western European capitals.
Accommodation (Dormitory/Hostel) Details
| Feature | Detail |
| University Housing | Available. Charles University manages an extensive network of dormitories (e.g., Hostivař, Komenského). Rooms are usually secured for international students. |
| Monthly Dormitory Cost | Low. Prices range around 5,000 – 8,000 CZK per month (approx. $210 – $340 USD) for a place in a shared room. |
| Private Rental | High. Rent is the most expensive in the country. Estimate: 12,000 – 20,000 CZK per month for a small apartment or shared room (approx. $500 – $850 USD). |
Dining (Mess/Food) Details
| Feature | Detail |
| Mess System | Available (University Canteens - Menza). The university operates canteens with subsidized prices. |
| Cost of Meal at Menza | Very Low. A typical student lunch costs approximately 90 – 140 CZK (approx. $3.80 – $6 USD). |
| Monthly Food Cost | Estimated monthly expenditure for food: 8,000 – 11,000 CZK (approx. $340 – $470 USD). |
Miscellaneous
Administrative and Living Expenses
| Feature | Detail |
| Visa/Residency | Student Visa. Non-EU students require a long-term visa for study purposes (Type D). |
| Health Insurance | Mandatory. Comprehensive health insurance is required for the duration of the stay in the Czech Republic. |
| Local Transport | Excellent and Cheap. Prague has a superb metro, tram, and bus network. Students are eligible for significant discounts on annual transport passes. |
| Total Annual Cost (Excluding Tuition) | Estimated total annual cost of living (accommodation, food, transport, personal expenses): $9,000 – $15,000 USD. |
| Important Note | Charles University has 3 FoMs in Prague: 1st FoM (General University Hospital), 2nd FoM (Motol University Hospital), and 3rd FoM (Královské Vinohrady University Hospital). You must select one or apply to multiple during the admission process. |
Collage Images Gallery
Facilities & Campus Life
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus
Frequently Asked Questions
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