Palacký University Olomouc (Univerzita Palackého v Olomouci, UP) is the oldest university in Moravia, founded in 1573, with eight faculties ranging from medicine and law to theology and physical culture. Czech-taught degrees are tuition-free. English-taught fees start at $1,940 (€1,700) a year for the master's in Nanomaterial Chemistry and reach $15,980 (€14,000) for Dentistry. The Faculty of Arts has already published its 2027/28 calendar: applications to tuition-free Czech-taught programmes run from 1 November 2026 to 15 March 2027, and to fee-paying foreign-language programmes until 31 March 2027. Housing is cheaper than in Prague or Brno: a university dormitory bed starts at $4 (CZK 80) a night, about $110 a month.
| At a glance | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Olomouc, the historic capital of Moravia |
| Founded | 1573 |
| Students | about 19,900, including 2,534 international (QS profile data) |
| Faculties | 8: Theology, Medicine and Dentistry, Arts, Science, Education, Physical Culture, Law, Health Sciences |
| Rankings | QS World University Rankings 2027: 711–720; THE World University Rankings 2026: 1001–1200 |
| Czech-taught degrees | tuition-free; Czech B2 needed to study |
| English-taught degrees | $1,940 to $15,980 a year |
| Preparation | one-year Czech course at the Faculty of Arts, $4,070 (CZK 87,000) |
| Dormitories | 4,800 beds on two campuses; from 1 Sep 2026, $4–8 (CZK 80–173) per bed per night |
Why applicants choose Olomouc
The university describes Olomouc as a city where every fourth resident is a student. For an international applicant that means three practical things.
- Budget. A university dormitory bed starts at $4 (CZK 80) a night (about $110 a month) and a canteen lunch costs about $3.40 (€3). For comparison, a bed in a double room at a CTU dormitory in Prague costs $160–270 a month.
- Everything close by. According to the university, its dormitories sit on two campuses next to faculties, libraries and sports facilities, in a compact city.
- A full range of classic fields. Unlike technical universities, UP offers medicine, law, psychology, languages and teacher training, as well as sciences backed by research centres such as the CATRIN institute.
The downside of a smaller city is fewer part-time jobs and internships with international firms than in Prague or Brno. If that matters, compare Olomouc with Masaryk University or the options in our guide to universities in Prague.
Who Palacký University suits
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Tuition-free Czech-taught study, including medicine, law and psychology | English-taught medicine costs $14,260–15,980 a year |
| Dormitory beds from about $110 a month | Smaller market for part-time jobs and internships |
| English-taught master's from $1,940 a year | Few English-taught bachelor's, mostly languages and health |
| A late exam date at the Faculty of Arts for applicants studying abroad | Each faculty has its own deadlines and exams |
| Own one-year Czech course aiming at B2 | The course does not by itself lead to admission or a visa |
Faculties and fields
| Faculty | Fields |
|---|---|
| Medicine and Dentistry (LF) | general medicine and dentistry as 5–6-year long-cycle master's |
| Health Sciences (FZV) | midwifery, nursing, physiotherapy, radiological assistance |
| Science (PřF) | mathematics, physics and optics, chemistry, biology, ecology, geoinformatics |
| Arts (FF) | psychology, political science and European studies, languages, art history, journalism |
| Law (PF) | law, international and European law |
| Education (PdF) | teacher training, special education |
| Physical Culture (FTK) | physical education, sport, kinanthropology |
| Theology (CMTF) | Catholic theology and related programmes |
English-taught tuition fees
The university publishes a single fee table per academic year. A selection of programmes relevant to CIS applicants:
| Level | Programme | Fee per year |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's and long-cycle master's | General Medicine | $14,260 (€12,500) |
| Dentistry | $15,980 (€14,000) | |
| Physiotherapy | $9,130 (€8,000) | |
| Petroleum Engineering | $5,930 (€5,200) | |
| English Philology | $4,790 (€4,200) | |
| English Language for Education | $2,280 (€2,000) | |
| Czech for Foreigners | $4,560 (€4,000) | |
| Master's | Nanomaterial Chemistry | $1,940 (€1,700) |
| English Philology | $2,850 (€2,500) | |
| International and European Law | $4,110 (€3,600) | |
| Plant Biology | $4,560 (€4,000) | |
| Global Development Policy | $4,790 (€4,200) | |
| Euroculture (non-EU citizens) | $9,130 (€8,000) | |
| Czech Studies for Foreigners | $3,420 (€3,000) |
Many English-taught doctoral programmes charge a nominal $115 (€100) a year, and some charge nothing, which makes UP attractive for a PhD in the sciences or medicine.
For English-taught programmes you apply online, upload documents and pay the application fee by card. An application counts as complete only once all documents are uploaded and the fee is paid. The admission decision arrives through the same system.
For English-taught Medicine and Dentistry, the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry accepted applications until 31 July in the 2026 cycle: the application fee is $91 (€80), there is no separate exam fee, and the entrance exam is taken online. Expect a similar schedule for the 2027 intake, but check the date on the faculty website.
Applying to a tuition-free programme: the Faculty of Arts example
Deadlines differ by faculty. The Faculty of Arts has already published the calendar for admission opened in 2026/27 for study starting in 2027/28:
| Stage | Dates |
|---|---|
| Applications to Czech-taught programmes (tuition-free) | 1 November 2026 – 15 March 2027 |
| Applications to foreign-language programmes (fee-paying) | 1 November 2026 – 31 March 2027 |
| Application fee | $37 (CZK 790) |
| Bachelor's entrance exams | 15–16 May 2027 (also 22–23 May if numbers are high) |
| Psychology | 24–28 May 2027 |
| Master's | 14–15 June 2027 |
| Extraordinary date | 2 September 2027, for applicants studying at a foreign school or university during the regular exams |
| Enrolment | 1 September 2027 (alternative date 9 September) |
Many bachelor's programmes at the faculty use a written study aptitude test (SPF); some add a subject test, and Psychology and the interpreting and translation programme add an interview. Tests are in Czech, although some subject tests may include tasks in English. For the political science programmes (European Studies and Diplomacy, International Relations and Security, Political Science) the faculty accepts Scio national exam results in OSP or Social Science Basics (ZSV) taken by 15 March 2027. If a programme receives few applications, the dean may waive the exam. Detailed conditions for each programme appear in the UP catalogue from 1 November 2026.
Foreign-language programmes at the faculty work differently: by 31 May 2027 you send nostrification, an English or German language certificate, details of your education and a motivation letter, and the decision is made on documents.
For the general Czech admissions process, see our guide to applying to Czech universities.
Recognition of your certificate: for UP only or for any purpose
Palacký University uses two separate procedures.
- Recognition for admission to UP. The university assesses your foreign certificate or diploma itself, but the result is valid only for admission to UP. You pay the fee online in the application and are told the date and address for sending documents in the "notice of proposed admission". Documents must be legalised according to the issuing country's rules and applicable international agreements.
- Nostrification. This general recognition works for other universities and for employment in Czechia. School certificates are recognised by a regional authority, university degrees by a university with a similar programme. It takes longer.
For which route suits you and which documents your country requires, see our guide to nostrification in Czechia.
The university's one-year Czech course
The Language Centre of the Faculty of Arts (CJV FF UP) runs a two-semester intensive course for future Czech-taught students:
| Item | 2026/27 course |
|---|---|
| Price | $4,070 (CZK 87,000), including a non-refundable $95 (CZK 2,000) administrative fee |
| Volume | 600 teaching hours |
| Timing | from mid-September until the hours are used, usually in May |
| Goal | B2, which the centre says is needed to enter a Czech-taught programme |
| Applications | until April before the academic year |
To apply you need the application form, a passport scan and your latest education certificate. The centre warns that the administrative fee is not refunded, including when a visa is refused. For a comparison with courses elsewhere, see our guide to Czech language preparatory courses.
In summer the university runs the Summer School of Slavonic Studies, with Czech courses from beginner to C1 — a way to test your motivation before committing to a full year.
Dormitories and a budget in Olomouc
The university has 4,800 beds in dormitories on two campuses, Neředín and Envelopa, close to faculties and sports facilities. The price list valid from 1 September 2026 gives prices per person per night for stays of at least a month, including internet and utilities:
| Room type | Where | Per night | Approx. per 30 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed in a four-bed room, shared facilities | J. Jařaba / 17. listopadu | $4 (CZK 80) | $110 |
| Bed in a double or triple room with shared facilities | J. Jařaba / 17. listopadu, Gen. Svobody | $5 (CZK 103–114) | $140–160 |
| Bed in a double or triple cluster room (facilities per cluster) | Gen. Svobody, J. L. Fischera / B. Václavka, Chválkovice, E. Rošického, Neředín | $5–6 (CZK 115–131) | $160–180 |
| Sole occupant of a cluster room | same residences | $8 (CZK 173) | $240 |
If a shared room has free beds, you can live in it with fewer people and pay the rate for the actual number of occupants. The university puts a canteen lunch at about $3.40 (€3). Study in Czechia estimates basic student expenses at $570–910 (€500–800) a month; in Olomouc you can realistically stay near the lower end. See also the cost of studying in Czechia.
The university also reports that last year more than 80% of students received some form of scholarship, whether merit, accommodation, social or research. International students can apply for specific support, but you should not count on a particular amount in advance.
How much money to show for the visa. The Czech Ministry of the Interior requires 15 times the subsistence minimum plus twice the minimum for each further month: $5,420 (CZK 115,810) for an academic year, $3,662 (CZK 78,250) for a semester; the consular fee is $117 (CZK 2,500). The same calculation applies to the UP one-year Czech course.
Work. With a student visa or residence permit for study you do not need a work permit, but study must remain your main purpose of stay. The university itself hires students at its science centre, shop and events.
Visas and restrictions for citizens of Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan
Russian citizens. Under Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs rules, consulates do not accept study visa or residence applications from Russian citizens except in narrow categories: family grounds, the Civil Society Programme, and the Czech national interest. The restriction also applies to those with a second citizenship. If you already live in Czechia legally, you can apply on general terms. Universities also observe the EU ban on technical assistance; for science programmes linked to materials, energy or oil and gas, check the programme's status with the faculty.
Kazakh citizens. The Czech university or school books the study visa appointment at the Czech embassy in Astana by email. The average wait is 21–30 days. University students can be included in Režim Student: 30 places a month for Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan combined, with the university nominating candidates.
Uzbek citizens. Students already admitted to a university book their own appointment at the embassy in Tashkent by email. Language course students, including those on UP's one-year course, go through a monthly online registration with limited places. Study at a public university or its courses is decided within 60 days.
Visa decisions are made by the Czech Ministry of the Interior. See our guide to the student visa and residence permit in Czechia.
Mistakes to avoid
- Relying on one faculty's calendar. The Faculty of Arts dates do not apply to Medicine or Law; check your programme in the catalogue.
- Missing the extraordinary date. If you are still at school abroad in May, the Faculty of Arts offers 2 September, but you can request it only after receiving your exam invitation.
- Confusing "Czech for Foreigners" with a language course. It is a fee-paying bachelor's in Czech philology, not admission preparation.
- Paying for a course before checking the visa route. The course administrative fee is non-refundable, and Czech consulates do not currently accept study visa applications from Russian citizens.
Palacký University in the rankings
| Ranking | Position | Note |
|---|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings 2027 | 711–720 | =668 a year earlier |
| THE World University Rankings 2026 | 1001–1200 | band, no exact place |
FAQ
Can I study at Palacký University for free?
Yes, in Czech-taught programmes. You need to prove Czech (faculties work towards B2), have your certificate recognised and pass the entrance exams.
How much does English-taught medicine cost in Olomouc?
General Medicine costs $14,260 (€12,500) a year and Dentistry $15,980 (€14,000). Housing and living costs are extra.
When should I apply for 2027/28?
For the Faculty of Arts, from 1 November 2026 to 15 March 2027 for Czech-taught programmes and until 31 March 2027 for foreign-language ones. Other faculties set their own dates in the UP programme catalogue.
Does the university offer a Czech course for applicants?
Yes, the Faculty of Arts Language Centre runs a one-year course of 600 teaching hours for $4,070 (CZK 87,000), aiming at B2. Applications close in April.
How much is a dormitory?
From 1 September 2026, from $4 (CZK 80) per night for a bed in a four-bed room (about $110 a month) to $8 (CZK 173) for sole use of a cluster room (about $240). That is cheaper than dormitories in Prague and Brno.
Can I apply after 11 years of school?
Yes, if the university accepts your certificate in its recognition for admission or you have nostrification. For tuition-free study you will also need Czech.
Can StudyU help me apply to Palacký University?
Under an agreement with StudyU, we shortlist programmes and faculties, check requirements and deadlines, prepare documents for recognition and the application, and plan the language year and the visa stage. The university decides on admission, and the Czech Ministry of the Interior as the migration authority decides on the visa.
Sources
- UP: Why Palacký University (university and dormitory facts)
- UP: study programmes and tuition fees
- UP: admissions
- UP: recognition of education earned abroad
- FF UP: admission opened in 2026/27 for study in 2027/28
- CJV FF UP: Czech for Foreigners 2026/2027
- UP: Czech language courses
- UP Halls of Residence: price list from 1 September 2026 (PDF)
- UP Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry: admissions in English
- Czech Ministry of the Interior: proof of funds for residence
- Czech MFA: visa services for citizens of Russia and Belarus
- Czech Embassy in Astana: study visa registration
- Czech Embassy in Tashkent: study in language and other courses
- Study in Czechia: living costs
- QS: Palacký University Olomouc
- THE: Palacký University Olomouc
Dollar amounts are converted at the ECB reference rate of 23 September 2026 (€1 = $1.1411; €1 = CZK 24.383) and rounded.
For other universities and general rules, see Study in Czechia; for medical programmes nationwide, see studying medicine in Czechia. To compare Olomouc with Prague and Brno for your budget, send us a request.
During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step.
Next steps
- Studying Medicine in Czechia: Free in Czech or Paid in English — Faculties, Exams, Fees and Degree Recognition
- Nostrification in Czechia: How to Get Your School Certificate and Degree Recognised
- Czech Language Preparatory Courses: University Programmes, Private Schools, Prices and Visas
- Applying to Czech Universities for 2027/28: Step-by-Step Plan, Deadlines, Documents and Exams
- Studying in the Czech Republic for international applicants
- Cost of Studying in Czechia: 2026/27 and 2027/28 Tuition, Living Costs and a First-Year Budget
