Basic Information

Palacký University Olomouc is a university with long-standing tradition. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest university in Moravia and the second-oldest university in the Czech Republic. Today it is a modern higher education facility with a wide range of study programmes and copious scientific and research activities. In 2019, more than 22 000 students studied in accredited study programmes, exchange programmes and lifelong learning programmes at eight faculties. Palacký University Olomouc is one of the very top Czech universities, and ranks among the best universities in the world, according to international rankings.
Palacký University International Rankings
- Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 2020: #501–600
- QS World University Rankings 2021: #591–600
- The Times Higher Education World University Rankings (THE) 2021: #601–800
- U.S. News Best Global Universities Ranking 2020: #529
- The Center for World University Rankings CWUR 2020: #573
Statistical Data
- 20,193 students in accredited study programmes
- 22,351 students, participants of foreign exchange programmes and lifelong learning progammes
- 749 accredited study programmes
- 173 accredited study programmes taught in foreign languages
- 28,090 applications for studies
- 4,014 graduating students
- 7,158 graduates of the lifelong learning programmes
- 811 graduates of the University of Third Age
- 422 students paying full tuition
- 4,497 accepted international students for study stays, from 108 countries
- 678 courses of lifelong learning
- 371 academic and scientific employees with foreign citizenship
- 7 professors named on the proposal of the UP Scholarly Board
- 27 associate professors named
- 179 academic conferences, including the international ones
- 745,020 CZK distributed by the UP Endowment Fund to support scientific and academic research
- 566,223 volumes in the UP Library
- 4,792 beds in UP dormitories
- 499,644 meals served to students
Source: UP Annual Report 2019
History of the University
Palacký University Olomouc is the oldest university in Moravia and second oldest in the Czech Republic. Its history goes back to December 22, 1573, when the former Jesuit College in Olomouc was given the right to confer degrees, i.e. promoted to university status. The development of Olomouc's university throughout four centuries has reflected the milestones in European and Czech history. The Thirty Years' War between the years 1616-50, the dissolution of the Jesuit Order in 1773, the revolutionary year of 1848, the foundation of the Czechoslovak Republic in 1918, the German occupation of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia in 1939-45, and the student demonstrations of 1939 and 1989 - all these events have shaped the past of today's Palacký University. Palacký University Olomouc, represented by its eight faculties, is one of the most prestigious of all Czech universities. More information on the history of the university is available here.