Charles University, Prague
Programme Details
Minimum mark 60%
Level Undergraduate
Language/s English
Agreement Scope Sociology & Social and Political Sciences Department Exchange
Exchange Places 2 full year places for 2025/26
Overview
About:
Charles University is the oldest and largest university in the Czech Republic, and one of the oldest in Europe dating back to 1348. The university is located throughout the city of Prague meaning students get to enjoy not only the sights of the city but also study in its 14th century buildings. Charles University hosts around 51,000 students, undergraduate and post-graduate.
Highlights:
Charles University is consistently ranked in the top universities of Eastern Europe. With such a high student population, Prague is a an exciting city with plenty of opportunities and sights for students to explore, such as the botanical gardens, the Prague Castle and the Charles bridge.
Location:
Prague, Czech Republic
Academic information
Courses / Modules:
Charles University offers a wide range of courses in English
Credit (Full-time Load per semester):
You must take a full credit load while on exchange. Aarhus University uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) to show credit values. 30 ECTS is the equivalent to 60 York credits, and 60 ECTS is the equivalent to 120 York credits.
Teaching Periods:
The academic year is split into two semesters: winter and summer. The winter semester runs from late September to mid-February with exams falling throughout January and a two Christmas break. The summer semester runs from February to the end of June with exams from the end of May until the end of June. The university is closed over the Easter weekend.
For more information, have a look at the Academic Calendar.
Language:
Many modules are taught in English
Student life
Accommodation:
Charles University has student residences on offer for both local and international students. Please note that there are no single rooms, only twin rooms. If you wish to share with a fellow York student you know is going, or someone else you know will be studying at Charles University, then you can contact the European Office at erasmus@ruk.cuni.cz prior to arrival.
In student residences, students will share bathroom facilities with their roommate and there is a shared kitchen at the end of each corridor. Bedding and linen is provided, while towels and kitchen utensils are not.
A deposit 1800 CZK plus the approximate first month's rent (about 3800 CZK) is to be paid approximately 2 months before arrival. This adds up to approximately 185 GBP.
Due to the large student population, private accommodation is not hard to find in Prague. For a small flat, the university estimates rent at around 15,000 CZK, or around 490 GBP.
For more information, please take a look at the university accommodation information website.
Orientation / Welcome week:
The university organises an Orientation Week at the start of each semester. This is a time for students to ask questions and learn more about the organisation of their studies and of the university, as well as meet other international students.
Support Services:
For students with disabilities, the Office for Students with Special Needs at Charles University offers support to students throughout their studies. Students can go to the office or email them to discuss their requirements. Incoming students with disabilities must let the European Office know so that they can keep this in mind when arranging accommodation.
Please take a look at the university welfare page for more information and contact details.
Visas:
You may need a visa to study in the Czech Republic. If you are a UK National you must refer to the Travel Advice page for the Czech Republic and its Living in the Czech Republic guide to check on any visa requirements, and raise any queries directly with the relevant embassy/consulate. If you are not a UK national you should check equivalent advice for your home country.
Charles University also provide some advice on obtaining a visa.
Travel insurance:
If you are approved by the University of York to participate in this program, you will be covered by the University's Travel Insurance Policy. This is a complimentary policy to cover you for the duration of your University of York mobility experience. Please refer to the Insurance website for all travel insurance queries. You may be required to obtain health insurance valid during your exchange.
Health insurance:
Students travelling to Europe may be able to apply for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or in some circumstances a new UK-issued European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which gives the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the EU. You are strongly recommended to obtain a GHIC / EHIC if eligible. To check your eligibility and find out how to apply if you are eligible, go to the NHS page on Applying for healthcare cover abroad (GHIC and EHIC).
Charles University also provide guidance on health insurance
Student experiences
Charley, Social and Political Sciences, Year Abroad 2023/24
"I feel at home in Prague now; I have definitely changed and am more able to deal with challenging situations. my biggest challenege has been when I needed to access medical care. Living in the dorms have been great to meet people, and I have met loads of lovely people. There are also faculty events which have helped. I think one of the best things about Prague is it is so affordable. I am so used to being broke in York, but here, I am able to do so much more socially without as big of a worry about the financial constraints. I have noticed alot of things are cash only, but my nationwide card has been good with no exchange fees so I haven't had to use a czech bank (also Revlout/Monzo is helpful too). Life is really great in Prague. I love my studying, my friends and my life and it is so easy to travel to different places from here too. I am sad it is near the end now. I will cherish the memories forever and it has changed me into a better person."
Have a look at some student stories on the Global Opportunities website!
Top Tips for Studying in Prague
Please note: these tips have been provided by students who have studied abroad in Prague - Global Opportunities recommends that you use these as a guide only and do your own research on what is best for you.
Money and Banking:
Revolut account - no charge for foreign transactions and means that you do not need to open a bank account in your host country.
Monzo - similar to Revolut, allows you to avoid foreign currency transaction costs.
Apple pay and contactless - note that you will receive a small charge if you use these payment methods.
Prices - Prague is recognised as one of the most affordable cities in Europe, however as it is a popular tourist destinations, some things like restaurants, cafés and bars may be expensive depending where they are located.
Staying Connected:
SIM cards - normal SIM cards can be used in Czech Republic, so long as data roaming is on. Check with your mobile provider if your contract can be used abroad as it is in the UK.
Make plans: Making plans to meet up with your friends from York who are also abroad keeps you connected to that bit of familiarity, especially good if you are missing home. It also means you have something exciting to look forward to, which always helps.
Post!: A little thing like sending a postcard to your friends or family back home can make all the difference. Not only is it a thoughtful touch, but it keeps you connected to anyone you might be missing.
Food:
Restaurants - Meet Burger in the historic city centre is a popular choice among students, and it is placed right in the middle of the old town square.
Paperwork and bureaucracy:
Mobility online - keep a check on tasks you need to complete on Mobility Online.
Backing up - think about keeping a copy of each document you submit on your laptop or computer, so that if something goes wrong, you can easily resubmit. Make sure your laptop is properly backed up before you go abroad.
Supervisors: don't forget to get in touch with your supervisors both in York and your partner institution if you need help with the paperwork - they are there to help you.
What I wished I'd known...
Getting around - Google maps is extremely useful on public transport. It will say what bus/tram/train to get, where to get off, and give directions to the relevant stop, as well as an ETA and how long the journey will take. You don't need to learn the bus and tram routes by heart.
Useful links
If you find any broken links, please email us at global-opportunities@york.ac.uk
Contact Global Opportunities
Global Opportunities - Find us in Derwent College
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