Erasmus guide Masaryk University
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Masaryk University in Brno, Czech Republic.
City
BrnoCountry
Czech RepublicSnapshot
Czech Republic's second-largest university (QS ~651–700, founded 1919) with 33,000 students in Brno — a vibrant tech-forward student city combining excellent academics in law, social sciences, and natural sciences with one of Central Europe's best quality-of-life to cost ratios.
Why students shortlist it
Multi-faculty university in Brno, with campuses across Bohunice and the city centre. Strong fit for students who want Czech university life, good transport links to Vienna/Bratislava and exchange courses in social sciences, informatics, law and natural sciences.
Teaching languages: Czech (primary); broad English-taught course catalogue for exchange students
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, MU IS application, academic transcript, learning agreement, language proof, and valid health insurance.
Nomination Process
Your home Erasmus coordinator nominates to MU's Centre for International Cooperation (CIC). MU CIC contacts the student directly with IS application instructions.
Visa Support
EU/EEA students don't 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. MU provides the admission letter for the application.
Buddy System
ESN Brno (multiple chapters) and MU Buddy Programme pair exchange students with Czech student volunteers.
Orientation Week
MU International Student Orientation and ESN Brno Welcome Week run at semester start — registration, student card, city orientation, and social events.
| Semester | Nomination | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn semester (Sep–Jan) | May 31 | June 30 |
| Spring semester (Feb–Jun) | November 30 | December 31 |
Arrival Checklist
- EU: no visa needed. Non-EU: apply for Czech D visa at Czech consulate — minimum 10 weeks before arrival.
- Register with Czech foreign police within 3 working days of arrival if non-EU and staying over 30 days.
- Download the Dopravní podnik Brno app for tram and bus tickets.
- Book accommodation early — MU dormitories and private market both fill fast for autumn intake.
Academics
Course Registration
Course registration via MU Information System (IS) — same portal as application. English-taught course catalogue published each semester. Build backup list for oversubscribed courses.
Credit System
Czech Republic uses ECTS. Full-time semester = 30 ECTS.
Grading System
Czech 1–4 scale: 1 = výborně (A/excellent), 2 = velmi dobře (B/very good), 3 = dobře (C/good), 4 = nevyhověl (fail). Numerical and letter equivalents on transcripts.
Exam Culture
Mix of written exams, oral exams (common in Law, Humanities), and coursework. Exam dates in January (winter) and June–July (summer). Oral exams directly with professor are standard in many faculties.
Library Access
MU Library System (Masarykova Univerzita Knihovny) — central and faculty libraries with strong digital collections. Open during extended hours around exam periods.
Tuition & Fees
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | CZK 0 (pay home institution fees only) | Erasmus exchange students pay no tuition to Masaryk University. Brno living costs: CZK 15,000–22,000/month (~€600–880) — one of Central Europe's most afforda… |
| Full degree – EU/EEA | CZK 0 (free in Czech language) | Czech public university education in Czech language is free for EU students. |
| Full degree – non-EU | CZK 80,000–180,000/year (~€3,200–7,200) | English-medium degrees attract programme fees. Medicine (English track) at higher end. Very competitive vs Western Europe. |
CZK 0 (pay home institution fees only)
Erasmus exchange students pay no tuition to Masaryk University. Brno living costs: CZK 15,000–22,000/month (~€600–880) — one of Central Europe's most afforda…
CZK 0 (free in Czech language)
Czech public university education in Czech language is free for EU students.
CZK 80,000–180,000/year (~€3,200–7,200)
English-medium degrees attract programme fees. Medicine (English track) at higher end. Very competitive vs Western Europe.
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Where to Stay
Insurance & Campus Support
Mandatory Insurance
Yes — EHIC for EU (VZP supplement recommended); private insurance mandatory for non-EU.
EHIC Accepted
Yes
Campus Clinic
MU Faculty health centres — basic medical care. Bohunice University Hospital adjacent to main science campus is strong for specialist care.
Mental Health
MU Student Psychological and Social Counselling Centre — free confidential support for all MU students.
EHIC
Home-country dependent
Emergency coverage for EU students. Supplement with VZP for comprehensive care.
VZP (Všeobecná zdravotní pojišťovna)
~CZK 2,500–5,000/semester
Main Czech health insurer — mandatory for non-EU student visa, strongly recommended as supplement for EU students.
Campus Services
Centre for International Cooperation (CIC)
Central contact for all Erasmus exchange matters — nominations, IS application, learning agreements, and arrival.
MU Dormitories (Student Houses)
Apply via MU IS portal immediately after exchange admission — allocation competitive for autumn.
ESN Brno
Multiple active ESN chapters in Brno running welcome events, trips to Vienna and the Moravian wine region, buddy matching.
MU Student Welfare Centre
Psychological counselling, social support, disability services, and academic adjustment help.
Student Life
Student Clubs
- ESN Brno
- MU Sports Centre
- Faculty student organisations
Buddy Program
ESN Brno buddy programme and MU Buddy scheme pair exchange students with Czech student volunteers.
Sports & Recreation
- CSMU Sport Centre (gym, pool, courts across campuses)
- Brno dam (Brněnská přehrada) — swimming, cycling, kayaking in summer
- Day-trips to Lednice-Valtice UNESCO wine estate
Your First 2 Weeks
- Attend MU International Orientation and ESN Brno Welcome Week — IS registration, student card, and social on-ramp.
- Buy Brno tram/bus monthly pass (Dopravní podnik Brno) — very affordable, essential for cross-campus travel.
- Register with Czech foreign police within 3 working days if non-EU.
- Take the train to Vienna for a weekend — 90 min, ~CZK 400 return — an incredible bonus living in Brno.
Key Dates
Before nomination
Confirm active MU Erasmus partnership in your target faculty.
Nomination deadline (Autumn)
May 31
Home Erasmus coordinator nominates to MU CIC.
MU IS application
June
Complete online MU IS application + learning agreement after nomination.
International Orientation + ESN Welcome
September
Attend both — IS activation, student card, tram pass, and first Brno social events.
Exam period
January / June–July
Oral exams can be scheduled across January — confirm all dates before booking return travel.