Erasmus guide University of West Bohemia
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, Czech Republic.
City
PilsenCountry
Czech RepublicInternational
A growing international student body through Erasmus+ and bilateral exchange partnerships
Enrollment
Approximately 11,026 students
Study abroad at University of West Bohemia: overview
Study abroad at the University of West Bohemia for a solid Czech technical university: around 11,000 students, concentrated on a purpose-built Bory campus in Pilsen. Strongest for engineering, applied sciences and computer science, with the trade-off of a smaller international profile than Prague's larger universities.
Enrollment
Approximately 11,026 students
International Mix
A growing international student body through Erasmus+ and bilateral exchange partnerships
Why students choose it
Best for students who want a solid Czech technical university with a clearly documented, well-organised exchange process, at a much lower cost than Prague. The trade-off is a smaller international profile and course catalogue than Charles University or larger technical universities.
Language of instruction: Czech (primary); English B2 recommended for exchange students, with English-taught courses available especially in engineering and economics
Exchange & application at University of West Bohemia
Exchange runs through Erasmus+ with unusually precise, clearly published deadlines — including separate, earlier cutoffs for students who need a visa.
✅Requirements
Home university nomination, online registration, application form, learning agreement, and — for non-EU students — a Czech visa applied for by the earlier visa-applicant deadline.
📨Nomination Process
Your home university emails an official nomination directly to erasmus@service.zcu.cz; nominations must arrive at least 15 days before the relevant application deadline.
🛂Visa Support
EU/EEA students need no visa. Non-EU students needing a visa must meet earlier nomination and application deadlines (20 April/1 May for winter term, 20 October/1 November for summer term) to allow processing time.
👥Buddy System
ESN Pilsen runs a buddy programme and welcome events pairing new exchange students with local student volunteers.
🧭Orientation Week
The International Office runs orientation covering registration, dormitory check-in and course confirmation, alongside ESN Pilsen's social welcome events.
🗓️Deadlines by intake
| Intake | Nomination deadline | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 1st semester | May 1 (EU/non-visa) or April 20 (visa applicants) | May 15 (EU/non-visa) or May 1 (visa applicants) |
| 2nd semester | November 15 (EU/non-visa) or October 20 (visa applicants) | November 30 (EU/non-visa) or November 1 (visa applicants) |
Arrival Checklist
- Submit your accommodation request together with your application to secure a dormitory room near Bory campus.
- Confirm your faculty's English proficiency requirements before finalising your learning agreement.
- Bring the CZK 6,000 dormitory reservation fee if using university housing.
- Arrange a Czech visa early if required, using the earlier visa-applicant deadlines.
Academics & courses at University of West Bohemia
English B2 is recommended and required by some faculties (notably Mechanical Engineering); confirm your faculty's specific language requirement before applying.
📝Course Registration
Course registration is finalised through the learning agreement, approved by the home coordinator and the faculty exchange coordinator before arrival.
🎓Credit System
ECTS — the Czech Republic is fully aligned with the European Credit Transfer System.
💯Grading System
Czech 1-4 scale (1 = výborně/excellent, 4 = nevyhověl/fail); the university provides ECTS conversion guidance for exchange students.
✍️Exam Culture
Mix of written exams and oral exams, with engineering and applied sciences leaning toward written exams, problem sets and lab work.
📚Library Access
University of West Bohemia's library system serves the Bory campus and other faculty locations, with digital access for enrolled students.
Tuition & fees at University of West Bohemia
Exchange students pay no tuition beyond their home institution's fees; Czech-language full degrees are free for EU students.
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | CZK 0 (pay home institution fees only) | Erasmus+ and bilateral exchange students pay no tuition to the University of West Bohemia, only their home institution's fees. |
| Full degree – Czech-language programmes | CZK 0 (free for Czech-language degrees) | Czech-language degree programmes at Czech public universities are free, including for EU students who study in Czech. |
CZK 0 (pay home institution fees only)
Erasmus+ and bilateral exchange students pay no tuition to the University of West Bohemia, only their home institution's fees.
CZK 0 (free for Czech-language degrees)
Czech-language degree programmes at Czech public universities are free, including for EU students who study in Czech.
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Student housing at University of West Bohemia
University dormitories near Bory campus are the simplest and cheapest option — submit your accommodation request with your application and budget the CZK 6,000 reservation fee.
Full housing guide
Find housing in Pilsen
Official contacts, student residences, private platforms, tips & red flags.
Insurance & campus support at University of West Bohemia
The International Office and ESN Pilsen cover most day-to-day needs — use both in week one.
🛡️Mandatory Insurance
Yes for non-EU students; EHIC generally sufficient for EU/EEA exchange students.
🇪🇺EHIC Accepted
Yes
🏥Campus Clinic
No dedicated campus clinic; students use local Czech healthcare providers, with the International Office able to help with registration.
🧠Mental Health
Psychological counselling is available through the university's student support services.
EHIC
Home-country dependent
Accepted for EU/EEA exchange students for the duration of their stay.
Czech private health insurance (VZP or Slavia)
~CZK 3,000-6,000/semester
Required for non-EU students as part of visa/residence permit requirements.
Campus services
International Office
Central office handling exchange nominations, applications and housing reservations for incoming exchange students.
ESN Pilsen
Student-run Erasmus Student Network chapter organising buddy pairing, welcome week and social trips.
University dormitory administration
Manages room allocation and the reservation fee process for the Bory campus dormitories.
Student life at University of West Bohemia
Campus life concentrates around the purpose-built Bory campus, with náměstí Republiky and the historic centre a short tram ride away.
Student Clubs
- ESN Pilsen
- Faculty student associations
Buddy Program
ESN Pilsen buddy programme pairs new exchange students with local student volunteers.
Sports & Recreation
- University sports centre with subsidised classes and facilities
- Cycling and walking routes around Bory campus and the historic centre
Your First 2 Weeks
- Attend International Office orientation for registration and course confirmation.
- Move into your dormitory or finalise your private housing.
- Register with the Foreign Police if required for your visa type.
- Join ESN Pilsen's welcome week for social events and the buddy programme.
Key exchange dates at University of West Bohemia
Deadlines are unusually precise and split by visa status — non-EU students needing a visa face earlier cutoffs than EU/EEA students, so check which applies to you.
-
1
Nomination
By May 1 (winter, EU) / April 20 (winter, visa) / November 15 (summer, EU) / October 20 (summer, visa)
Home university emails nomination to the International Office at least 15 days before the application deadline.
-
2
Application
By May 15 (winter, EU) / May 1 (winter, visa) / November 30 (summer, EU) / November 1 (summer, visa)
Student completes online registration, application form and learning agreement.
-
3
Exam period
January-February / June-July
Mostly written exams in engineering and sciences; confirm dates before booking return travel.