The Faculty of Medicine in Plzeň is one of the three prestigious medical faculties that form Charles University in Prague, the oldest university in Central Europe. Located in the city of Plzeň (Pilsen), it is highly respected for its focused clinical training and strong research profile, attracting a large international student body for its English-taught programs.
| Feature | Detail |
| Official Name | Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Plzeň (Lékařská Fakulta v Plzni, Univerzita Karlova) |
| Founding Year | 1945 (Established as a branch of Charles University immediately after WWII). |
| Institutional Status | Public University (a faculty of Charles University, subsidized by the Czech government). |
| 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 highly respected globally, facilitating physician registration worldwide. |
| Entry Requirements | Secondary school diploma and a competitive entrance examination (written test in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics). |
Qualification: Applicants must have a completed secondary school education with high academic grades, especially in science subjects.
Entrance Examination: Requires successful completion of a written entrance exam in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in the English language. This is followed by a brief oral interview to assess motivation and suitability.
Conduct: Exams are held in Plzeň and at numerous accredited centers worldwide.
Competitiveness: The program is highly competitive due to the excellent reputation of Charles University.
Years 1–2 (Preclinical): Focus on theoretical subjects (Anatomy, Physiology, Histology) and basic sciences.
Years 3–6 (Clinical): Intensive clinical subjects, practical skills training, and mandatory rotations.
Modern Facilities: The faculty has been continuously upgrading its teaching facilities, including modern laboratories and simulation rooms.
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
The faculty is fully integrated with the largest healthcare facility in the region.
Primary Teaching Hospital:
Plzeň University Hospital (Fakultní nemocnice Plzeň): This is the main clinical base, serving as a comprehensive, high-capacity tertiary care hospital for the entire Western Bohemia region.
Location: The main theoretical institutes are located in the central part of Plzeň, while the hospital campus is accessible via public transport.
Exposure: Students benefit from exposure to a wide spectrum of pathology and a high volume of complex cases due to the hospital's regional importance.
State University Affordability
As a part of Charles University, the Plzeň Faculty of Medicine's tuition fees are among the highest in the Czech Republic, reflecting the university's prestige.
Annual Tuition Fee (General Medicine): Approx. 360,000 – 380,000 CZK (approx. $15,000 – $16,000 USD) per academic year.
Total 6-Year Tuition: Approx. 2.16 million – 2.28 million CZK (approx. $90,000 – $96,000 USD).
Other Fees: Admission application fees and administrative fees.
Plzeň is the fourth-largest city in the Czech Republic, historically known as the heart of Western Bohemia and the birthplace of the Pilsner beer style.
Vibe: Historic, industrial, and increasingly modern, with a vibrant university presence and a friendly atmosphere. It offers a good balance between urban amenities and proximity to nature.
Culture: Famous for the Pilsner Urquell Brewery and its annual festivals. The city center features a beautiful gothic cathedral and large main square.
Safety: Plzeň is considered very safe.
Transportation: The city is compact and highly navigable using the excellent public transport network.
Student Focus: The city caters well to its student population with dedicated social and cultural events.
Plzeň offers a comfortable student lifestyle with costs lower than Prague but comparable to Brno.
| Feature | Detail |
| University Housing | Available. Charles University provides subsidized housing via its Halls of Residence (Koleje UK). Dormitory rooms are affordable and offer an easy way to integrate. |
| Annual Dormitory Cost | Low. Prices typically range around 4,500 – 6,500 CZK per month (approx. $190 – $275 USD) for a place in a shared room. |
| Private Rental | Moderate. Rent is reasonably affordable for students. Estimate for a shared room/small private apartment: 8,000 – 13,000 CZK per month (approx. $340 – $550 USD). |
| Feature | Detail |
| Mess System | Available (University Canteens - Menza). The university operates several canteens offering subsidized meals for students. |
| Cost of Meal at Menza | Very Low. A typical student lunch costs approximately 85 – 130 CZK (approx. $3.60 – $5.50 USD). |
| Monthly Food Cost | Estimated monthly expenditure for food: 7,000 – 9,000 CZK (approx. $300 – $380 USD). |
| Feature | Detail |
| Visa/Residency | Student Visa. Non-EU students require a long-term visa for study purposes (Type D), managed through the Czech Ministry of the Interior. |
| Health Insurance | Mandatory. Comprehensive health insurance from a recognized Czech provider is required. |
| Local Transport | Excellent and Cheap. Plzeň has an efficient network of trams, trolleybuses, and buses. Students are eligible for significant discounts on transport passes. |
| Total Annual Cost (Excluding Tuition) | Estimated total annual cost of living (accommodation, food, transport, personal expenses): $7,500 – $11,000 USD. |
| Part-Time Work | Limited. Work is possible under the conditions of the long-term student visa. |
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus