Charles University

Charles University was founded in 1348, making it one of the oldest universities in the world. However, it is also known as a modern, dynamic, cosmopolitan and prestigious institution of higher education. Charles University ranks in the top 1.5% of world universities in the most prestigious international rankings.

History and location:

• Founded in 1348 (one of the oldest universities in the world)
• 17 (relatively independent) faculties
• 3 cities (Prague, Pilsen and Hradec Králové)
• Almost 52,000 students and more than 11,000 international students

Faculties of Charles University

PhD studies:

Come and study at one of the most prestigious universities in Central Europe. Get your PhD degree in a variety of scientific fields in a place rich in history and with modern facilities.

• Over 200 doctoral study programmes in several languages
• Study fields in medicine, law, natural sciences, theology, humanities, ...
• Full-time or combined form of study
• Standard length of study 3-4 years

Application process:

There are two application periods per year:

• Application deadline usually 30th April (for all programmes)
  • Publication of information and conditions of the admission procedure is usually 30th November
  • Entrance exams are usually held in June
  • Commencement of studies in October
• Application deadline either 30th November, or 15th December or 30th December depending on the faculty (for some programmes only)
  • Publication of information and conditions of the admission procedure is usually 30th July
  • Entrance exams are held in January or February
  • Commencement of studies in March

General information on how to apply to CU.

Central database of study programmes for online application, admission requirements, deadlines and tuition fees.

Funding:

Doctoral candidates enrolled in a full-time doctoral programme will receive a doctoral bursary for the standard length of study of the given study programme.

Additional funding is available by applying for project grants. Either university, national or international grants are available (more HERE). Possible funding should be discussed with the potential supervisor.

Examples include Primus (for exceptional young researchers), UNCE (for excellent research teams at Charles University), Cooperatio (large institutional support programmes), Specific Academic Research Project Competition (research conducted by students and teachers) or other university grants (e.g. GAUK - individual student grants, ...). There are also other international grants such as the SYLFF (Sasakawa Young Leaders Fellowship Fund) Research Grant or projects from the Horizon Europe programme or the European Research Council (ERC).

For all applicants interested in the natural sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Geography etc.) there is a special opportunity offered by The STARS programme, which provides fully-funded PhD positions to ensure excellent training and an adequate income for PhD students. The call for applications is currently open. For more information visit: stars-natur.cz/

Find out more about Charles University PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

University Achievements

Charles University ranks in the top 1.5% of world universities in the most prestigious international rankings.

Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2023 - Charles University ranks among the world's leading institutions in terms of the quality of science in 20 fields, and in five cases among the top 200.

Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 by Subject - Charles University has been recognised as one of the world's premier institutions across all the disciplines it consistently offers in education and research.

QS World University Rankings 2024 - Charles University ranks among 250 best universities in the world and among the TOP 200 universities in the world in sustainability.