Basic Information
Palacký University Olomouc (UP) is an internationally respected and scientifically and academically highly productive university in Central Europe. Founded 22 December 1573, it is the second-oldest university in the Czech Republic and the oldest one in Moravia. For 450 years it has contributed to the intellectual wealth of society and to its scientific, cultural, and social development.
Every year 23,000 students study UP’s eight faculties, which provide over a thousand combinations of Bachelor’s, Master’s, and doctoral study programmes. Virtually every discipline is on offer, in teacher training, law, theology, physical education and sports, the humanities, social sciences, and arts to those in natural, medical, and health sciences. The UP credit system is fully compatible with international ECTS.
The university operates a number of modern science and research centres employing renowned international teams. In 2021, a university institute was established, the Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN), bringing together teams from the CRH, RCPTM and IMTM science centres. Michael Kohajda has been UP Rector since May 2025.
Palacký University Olomouc also focuses on “third mission” community engagement and service activities via educational and socio-cultural events. Since 1966, it has been organising the unique festival of popular science films Academia Film Olomouc (AFO). It founded a popular science centre, Fort Science, and runs the UPoint information centre and shop in the city centre. Since 2021, the university has established a Sustainability Office – Sustainable University, has created the UP Sustainable Development Strategy and is responsible for its implementation. Great emphasis is being laid on international relations and internationalisation. In the global university rankings, UP is regularly ranked among the top three Czech universities.
Prestige and Quality
Palacký University Olomouc is one of the most important Central European centres of higher education and research, boasting achievements on the European and global levels in a number of disciplines. It occupies prominent positions in international rankings comparing the best universities in the world. In addition to scientific and research performance, the rankings mainly recognise the quality and employability of graduates, the number of cited publications and patents, internationalisation, social responsibility, and sustainable development. UP also plays a significant role in the region: it is one of the largest employers in the Olomouc Region and the City of Olomouc, contributing significantly to the economic development of the region. UP has won the European Award for Excellence in Internationalisation (2019, EIAE) and the prestigious HR Excellence in Research Award for providing quality care for human resources in science and research (2021, European Commission).
Palacký University International Rankings
- Academic Ranking of World Universities 2024: 601–700th position
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025: 1001–1200th position
- QS World University Rankings 2025: 651–660th position
- U.S. News Best Global Universities Ranking 2024–2025: 671st position
Mission, Values, Vision
The mission of Palacký University Olomouc is to promote the involvement of students in all areas of research, to cultivate their critical and creative thinking, and to provide high-quality university education in a broad range of natural, medical, and social sciences, arts and humanities. Through research at the international level, UP contributes to solving global challenges. Its activities and progressive approach make UP a role model in sustainable behaviour and in the application of the concept of social responsibility. Via active partnerships with regional and global communities, UP contributes to the development of the intellectual capital of society.
International Cooperation and Mobility
UP cooperates with many partner universities abroad. It intensively supports the internationalisation of the educational and scientific research environment and international mobility, and pursues the development of international strategic partnerships in education, science, and research. International cooperation at UP is coordinated by the Division for International Cooperation.
Openness, Support Environment, Counselling
UP has quality facilities for students and staff, ranging from modern accommodation, libraries, and study rooms to canteens and sports facilities. The counselling services include care for students with special needs or anyone who finds themself in a difficult situation. The university has a career and volunteering centre, a support centre for students with special needs, and healthy lifestyle counselling. The UP Science and Technology Park forms a bridge between the academic and business worlds. The University Town website is aimed at those interested in studying, and the Uni t(r)ips online guide maps interesting university sites.
History of the University
The foundations of Palacký University Olomouc date back to 22 December 1573, when the former Jesuit College in Olomouc was given the right to confer degrees; i.e. promoted to university status. The development of the University of Olomouc throughout four centuries has reflected the milestones in European and Czech history. The Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648), the dissolution of the Jesuit Order (1773), the revolutionary year of 1848, the foundation of the Czechoslovak Republic (1918), the German occupation of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia (1939–1945), and the student demonstrations of 1939 and 1989 – all these events have shaped the past of today’s Palacký University Olomouc, one of the most prestigious Czech and Central European universities.
In 2023, the second oldest university in the Czech Republic celebrated 450 years since its foundation and prepared a rich programme of dozens of events for students, staff, alumni and the public. At these events, the university not only commemorated the rich history of Olomouc higher education and the important personalities who have associated their lives with it, but also presented today's vibrant institution that is educating new generations of students who will determine the future development of our society. The University has prepared a special website to celebrate the history and the anniversary.