Erasmus guide Charles University
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic.
City
PragueCountry
Czech RepublicSnapshot
Central Europe's oldest and most prestigious university (QS ~270, founded 1348), Charles University spreads across Prague's historic districts with 51,000 students, 500+ Erasmus partners, and English-taught programmes across medicine, law, and humanities.
Why students shortlist it
Historic multi-faculty university spread across Prague, with faculties in Old Town, Vinohrady, Mal? Strana and other districts. Good fit for exchange students who want broad academic choice and a central European city with strong Erasmus infrastructure.
Teaching languages: Czech (primary); English widely available for exchange students and in dedicated English-medium programmes
Before You Land
A few practical setup details students usually sort before arrival
Connectivity, insurance, and secure public WiFi are the boring things you only notice when you need them. Keep them on your checklist, but keep the guide itself front and centre.
Arrival Connectivity
Sort an eSIM before you land
Maps, ride apps, 2FA codes, and WhatsApp are usually the first things students need from the airport.
Coverage Check
Confirm your travel insurance
Even when the university gives guidance, students usually need to double-check what is covered before departure.
Public WiFi
Have a backup for shared networks
Campus halls, airports, and cafés are convenient, but many students prefer an extra privacy layer when they first arrive.
Exchange Basics
Requirements
Partner nomination, faculty online application, academic transcript, learning agreement, language proof, and Czech long-stay visa (if non-EU).
Nomination Process
Your home Erasmus coordinator or international office nominates you to the relevant Charles University faculty. Each faculty handles exchange separately — confirm which faculty manages your subject area.
Visa Support
EU/EEA students do not need a Czech visa. Non-EU students need a Czech long-stay visa (Type D) — apply at Czech consulate at least 10 weeks before arrival. Charles University provides admission documents for the visa application.
Buddy System
Charles University International Student Club (CISC) and Erasmus Student Network (ESN Prague) run buddy matching, welcome trips, and social events throughout the semester.
Orientation Week
Charles University runs faculty-specific orientation days plus ESN Prague welcome events — essential for registration, ID card, and social on-ramp.
| Semester | Nomination | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Winter semester (Sep–Jan) | May 31 | June 30 |
| Summer semester (Feb–Jun) | November 30 | December 31 |
Arrival Checklist
- EU students: no visa needed — bring national ID or passport.
- Non-EU: apply for Czech long-stay D visa at least 10 weeks before arrival.
- Book accommodation early — Prague student housing fills fast for September intake.
- Download Lítačka app for Prague public transport — very affordable and efficient tram+metro network.
Academics
Course Registration
Course registration managed at faculty level — each of 17 faculties has its own system and course catalogue. Confirm your host faculty and use its specific course registration platform.
Credit System
Czech Republic uses ECTS. Full-time semester = 30 ECTS. Charles University maps directly to European credit standards.
Grading System
Czech 1–4 scale: 1 (výborně — excellent/A), 2 (velmi dobře — very good/B), 3 (dobře — good/C), 4 (nevyhověl/a — fail). Grade conversion tables provided by faculty.
Exam Culture
Oral exams are more common than in Western Europe, especially in law, medicine, and humanities. Written exams and coursework also used. Expect direct academic discussion.
Library Access
Charles University central and faculty libraries — excellent historical and academic collections. UKAŽ library system gives full digital access across all faculties.
Tuition & Fees
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | CZK 0 (pay home institution fees only) | Erasmus exchange students pay no tuition to Charles University. Living costs in Prague: CZK 18,000–30,000/month (~€720–1,200) — one of Europe's most affordab… |
| Full degree – EU/EEA | CZK 0 (free for Czech-language degrees) | Czech-language degree programmes at Czech public universities are free. EU students who study in Czech qualify. |
| Full degree – non-EU | CZK 90,000–220,000/year (~€3,600–8,800) | English-medium programmes charge fees regardless of nationality. Medicine, Law, and Social Sciences English tracks at higher end. Still very competitive vs W… |
CZK 0 (pay home institution fees only)
Erasmus exchange students pay no tuition to Charles University. Living costs in Prague: CZK 18,000–30,000/month (~€720–1,200) — one of Europe's most affordab…
CZK 0 (free for Czech-language degrees)
Czech-language degree programmes at Czech public universities are free. EU students who study in Czech qualify.
CZK 90,000–220,000/year (~€3,600–8,800)
English-medium programmes charge fees regardless of nationality. Medicine, Law, and Social Sciences English tracks at higher end. Still very competitive vs W…
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Where to Stay
Insurance & Campus Support
Mandatory Insurance
Yes — EHIC for EU (supplement recommended) or private insurance for non-EU.
EHIC Accepted
Yes
Campus Clinic
Charles University Central Health Centre — basic medical care. Faculty-specific health services also available.
Mental Health
Psychological counselling available through the university student support centre. ESN Prague also signposts mental health resources for exchange students.
EHIC
Home-country dependent
Covers emergency care in Czech Republic for EU/EEA students.
Czech private health insurance (VZP or Slavia)
~CZK 3,000–6,000/semester
Required for non-EU students as part of Czech D-visa; recommended as supplement for EU students.
Campus Services
International Office (Rector's Office)
Coordinates incoming exchange nominations and provides general guidance on Charles University as a whole.
Faculty International Offices
Each of the 17 faculties has its own international office handling course registration, learning agreements, and day-to-day exchange support.
ESN Prague
Erasmus Student Network Prague — social events, cultural trips, buddy matching, and city orientation for exchange students.
Charles University Dormitories (ISKAM)
Official accommodation booking system for Charles University halls across Prague.
Student Life
Student Clubs
- ESN Prague
- International Student Club (CISC)
- Faculty student associations
Buddy Program
ESN Prague and CISC buddy programmes pair exchange students with Czech and international student volunteers.
Sports & Recreation
- Charles University Sport Centre — gym, sports halls, pools across multiple campuses
- Cycling along the Vltava River
- Recreational sports in Stromovka Park
Your First 2 Weeks
- Attend faculty orientation and ESN Prague Welcome Event — registration, student card, and first social connections.
- Apply for Lítačka 30-day tram/metro pass (Roční coupon is best value for full year).
- Register with Czech foreign police if non-EU (within 3 days of arrival at accommodation).
- Explore Žižkov and Vinohrady neighbourhoods — authentic Prague student life beyond tourist zones.
Key Dates
Before nomination
Identify which of the 17 faculties hosts your subject area — each faculty handles exchange separately.
Nomination deadline (Winter semester)
May 31
Home Erasmus coordinator nominates to relevant Charles University faculty.
Arrival
Early September
Non-EU students must register with Czech foreign police within 3 working days of accommodation check-in.
Faculty Orientation
September
Each faculty runs its own orientation — check specific faculty calendar.
Exam period
January / June
Oral exam scheduling varies — confirm all exam dates before booking return travel.