During your stay
Managing my studies
Everything you need to manage your studies, from your university email to STAG and other essential services. These tools will accompany you throughout your studies and help you stay organised, connected and informed.
Before accessing university information systems
Once the Study Department processes your enrollment, you will receive access to university systems like STAG, Portal, and Moodle. Your official username, the Portal ID, can be found in your online application at prihlaska.upol.cz. When your new university account is ready, you will receive an email prompting you to set up a password, and your Portal ID will be clearly displayed directly on the setup page. You can find detailed information on UP Wiki.
Exchange students will receive access to the University Portal/IS STAG after enrolment and once their data has been processed by the faculty International Office. Within 24-48 hours after receiving the enrolment notification from STAG, you can set your password using the activation link. After entering your initial e-mail address, you will receive a temporary link to view your username create your password.
University email
Every member of the UP community is assigned a university email address for official communication within Palacký University. You can access your email through Outlook or Office 365 using your UP email address and the same password you use for the UP Portal.
Your email address usually follows this format: firstname.lastname01@upol.cz; for example, frantisek.palacky01@upol.cz
Your university online services
The UP Portal is your gateway to many university services and resources, including information about teachers and staff, maps of university buildings, university canteens and free access to Microsoft 365. Simply click "Log in" in the upper-right corner and use your Portal ID and password. The same login details are used for IS/STAG, the university’s information system for managing your studies, as well as for other important academic services..
If you experience any problems with your university email, IS/STAG or other IT services, you can contact the HelpDesk through the Portal to report an issue and get technical support.
UPlikace
UPlikace is an official mobile application for students and teachers of Palacký University Olomouc. In it, you can find a detailed overview of your studies, including a clear timetable, exam dates or an interactive campus map. You can sign up for exam dates and have full control over your studies at your fingertips. What´s more, you are immediately alerted when a grade is entered into IS/STAG or when an exam date is set.
You can download the app for free on Android or Apple devices.
ID card
Every student at Palacký University gets an ID card called International Student Identity Card (ISIC). With ISIC, you can pay for your meals at university canteens, get discounts at fitness centers, shops, restaurants and entrance fees. With the ISIC card you can make copies and print out documents at computer labs and faculty libraries. The ISIC card also serves for the payment for these services. You can charge the card at the designated charging terminals at the library desks.
You can find more information and instructions on how to obtain here.
Academic calendar
The academic calendar provides an overview of the academic year and its key dates, including the start and end of semesters, teaching periods, credit weeks, examination periods and university holidays. It also provides important information about the organisation of your studies and indicates whether specific dates may vary depending on your faculty.
You can find the calender, along with further information, here.
Dining and housing
University life is about much more than studying. Discovering good places to eat can make everyday life more enjoyable and help you feel at home in Olomouc.
Palacký University offers convenient and affordable dining options through its canteens and Fresh UP bistros, with a variety of Czech and international meals, including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. Beyond the university, Olomouc´s diverse and multicultural atmosphere is reflected in its wide range of restaurants and cafés, offering everything from traditional Czech cuisine to flavours from around the world.
Palacký University provides student accommodation across two main campuses, giving students a convenient opportunity to live close to university life. If you prefer a place of your own, you can also rent a room or apartment in the private sector.
Leisure time
Olomouc offers plenty of ways to make the most of your free time. Many students enjoy spending time in the university libraries, especially at the Zbrojnice Library (Armoury), which is popular not only as a place to study but also as a quiet space to relax. You can also find the Student Club there, hosting a variety of community events throughout the year.
If you are looking for something more active, the Academic Sports Centre offers a wide range of sports and physical activities. Beyond the university, Olomouc is a city where you can move easily from historical landmarks to peaceful parks and green spaces. In your free time, you can visit the Olomouc Zoo at Svatý Kopeček or explore the world of science at the Fort Science. While exploring the city centre, don´t forget to visit UPoint, the official Palacký University shop, where you can find university merchandise and souvenirs.
Check out our Instagram for weekly updates on local events in Olomouc and its surroundings.
Health and wellbeing
At Palacký University, we care about your well-being and safety, as a healthy mind and body are an important part of a successful university experience. Here you can find essential information and support related to healthcare, insurance and other related topics.
Insurance
Most international students coming to the Czech Republic are required to have health insurance covering their stay. Some students from European countries may be exempt from this requirement, but having adequate insurance is still strongly recommended to ensure access to healthcare and avoid unexpected costs.
Students from EU countries (EHIC)
If you hold a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you are entitled to medically necessary public healthcare in the Czech Republic. To activate this coverage, you must visit the VZP branch in Olomouc upon your arrival and register your EHIC using a valid ID. Once registered, you will be issued a unique Czech health insurance number, which you must keep with you at all times to prove your coverage when visiting doctors or accessing other medical facilities.
Although additional medical insurance is not mandatory for EHIC holders, it is strongly recommended to cover services that may not be included.
Students from NON-EU countries
If you are a non-EU citizen staying in the Czech Republic for more than 90 days, you are generally required to have comprehensive medical insurance covering your stay, with a minimum benefit limit of 400 000 euros per insured event. Students staying for less than 90 days are also required to have an appropriate level of travel medical insurance, which may need to be presented as part of the visa process. We recommend checking the current requirements before your arrival and making sure you have adequate insurance for your entire stay.
If you need any assistance, feel free to contact us to learn more about the various options and special offers available exclusively to Palacký University students.
Medical care
Palacký University provides access to a range of healthcare services to support students during their stay. If you are insured with PVZP, you can use the Contract Health Facilities Finder to find doctors and specialists covered by your insurance.
When visiting a healthcare provider, you may either have your insurance handled directly by the provider, or you may need to pay for the treatment yourself and request reimbursement from your insurance company. In the latter case, keep all relevant documents and contact your insurance provider for further instructions. If you need assistance, you can also contact us.
General practitioner
Palacký University cooperates with the Moje Ambulance clinic. Their Olomouc branch offers medical care for our students. EU students should have a valid EHIC, registered at the VZP branch in Olomouc. Students from outside the EU with contractual insurance generally pay for examinations directly and then request reimbursement from their insurance company.
Please arrange a Czech-speaking interpreter for your appointment, as the clinic does not provide interpretation services.
Emergency care
In case of a medical emergency, go to the Emergency Department (Urgentní příjem/Pohotovost) at Olomouc University Hospital, located in the Surgery Clinic. Remember to bring your health insurance card or insurance documents, and note that a 90 CZK emergency fee may apply. If you do not speak Czech, we recommend bringing a Czech-speaking friend or fellow student to help communicate with the medical staff.
Call an ambulance only in life-threatening emergencies. In case of an acute crisis or severe emergency, call 122 or 155.
Students with special needs
The Support Center for Students with Special Needs provides individualized support to students with disabilities and special needs, helping ensure equal access to education and inclusive university environment. The center offers services such as academic support, testing accommodations, note-taking assistance, assistive technologies, counselling and guidance. It is located in the Faculty of Education´s main building.
Psychological support
Studying abroad can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but adapting to a new environment can also bring stress, loneliness, anxiety, or homesickness. If these feelings persist, do not hesitate to seek professional support. Exchange students can contact Dr Kvintová, while degree students can reach out to the counsellor assigned to their faculty.
Additionally, all UP students can utilize the OUSHI Counselling Centre, which is part of the Sts Cyril and Methodius Faculty of Theology. Please note that their psychological counselling services are subject to a fee. Alternatively, students can also access professional psychological counselling and support with student discounts by contacting Mgr. Gabriella Cápec, Ph.D.
If you are ever unsure, need further information, or require guidance with your specific situation, please feel free to contact us at welcome@upol.cz. Remember, we are always here for you.
Legal counselling
If you need legal advice but cannot afford professional legal services, the Student´s Legal Aid Office at Palacký University´s Faculty of Law offers support to UP students. The service covers a wide range of issues.
University ombudsman
Palacký University has its own Ombudsman, whose role is to protect the rights of students and employees and help create a safe and respectful university environment. Students and employees can contact the Ombudsman regarding serious or difficult situations such as bullying, discrimination, abuse of power, conflicts or sexual harassment, as well as for supportive consultations. The university Ombudsman is Mgr. Jaroslav Šotola, Ph.D.
Additionally, each faculty has its own dedicated ombudsman whom you can contact for assistance.
Religion
Olomouc has a rich religious heritage and offers places of worship and communities representing a variety of Christian denominations, as well as Jewish and Muslim communities. International students can find opportunities for prayer, religious services, and community activities, including English-language services and student religious associations. Explore the links below to find a community or place of worship that suits you.
- Catholic: Saint Wenceslas Cathedral, Church of Maurice, Archbishop´s Palace, St. Michael´s Church, Chapel of St. John Sarkander, Church of St. Catherine, Church of the Virgin Mary of the Snow, Academic parish Olomouc, Minor Basilica of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary, Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- Evangelical: Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren, Red Church
- Baptist: Baptist Church in Olomouc
- Orthodox: Church of St. Gorazd
- Jewish community: The Jewish Centre
- Muslim community: Al-Firdaus
- Student associations: University Christian Fellowship, Student Christian Movement Olomouc, University Catholic Movement
The Night of Churches is an annual event held in late May or early June, offering the opportunity to explore churches and chapels, join guided tours and enjoy concerts, performances and other cultural activities.
Working during your studies
As an international student holding a valid long-term visa or residence permit, you can work in the Czech Republic without a work permit if you are an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, enrolled in full-time study program, even if you are coming from a third country, or a national of selected non-EU countries, such as the USA, the UK, Canada, Japan, among others.
For full details, visit the official Ministry of the Interior Portal.
Job search
Finding a job in the Czech Republic is easiest through official databases and specialized job portals. The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs operates the Labour Office database (for foreign job vacancies) and the EURES portal. For commercial job offers, Jobs.cz, Expats.cz and Jobspin.cz offer the widest selection of English and multilingual roles. Specialized platforms like ITJobs.cz or Executivejob.cz cater to specific industries. Job vacancies for (not only) French-speakers are also available through a project of the French Embassy. Additionally, local Facebook groups, such as "Offers Job Employment Czechia" or "Remote jobs for foreigners in Czech Republic", frequently share active job openings for students and graduates.
Czech language courses
International students can learn Czech in Olomouc through a variety of flexible options, including free city-funded courses, credit-bearing university classes, informal language meetups with locals, and self-paced online apps.
At the university
| Language Seminars at the university | If you are a student at our university, there are seminars you can attend, get credits, and learn the Czech Language. |
| Summer School of Slavonic Studies | Courses of Czech language designated for teachers, lectors and students of Czech language and literature, Slavonic studies, translators, journalists, businessmen and applicants from the general public interested in Czech language, literature and culture. The programme comprises of courses for beginners (A0) as well as advanced learners (C1). |
| Czech for Foreigners | Two-semester intensive preparatory courses (preparatory for a follow-up study at Palacký University). |
| UPLift | The Language School of the Faculty of Arts at Palacký University offers individual Czech language courses. You can attend the course individually or, for example, together with a friend. The course includes thematically focused lessons, continuous assessment, and concludes with a final test.The course also prepares participants for the Czech language exam required for permanent residence. |
| Czech Language Courses for Employees | Czech language courses for employees are by the Language Centre of the Faculty of Arts at Palacký University Olomouc. The course is offered at several levels, from Beginners to Advanced, and is intended to support employees in developing their Czech language skills. Registration and further information are available via pavla.polachova@upol.cz. |
Outside the university
| Centres for Support of Integration of Foreigners | The one in Olomouc offers free language courses in person. The one in Brno also offers courses in person but additionally has a Self-Learning Course of Czech Language. |
| Facebook Group Only English | If you want to converse with Czech of English speakers, you can join Only English (Olomouc group on Facebook). |
| Tandem App | Additionally, there is a handy app called Tandem where you can chat online with people speaking the languages you want to learn. |
| Česky levou zadní | For self-learners, META has developed a series of textbooks titled Levou zadní I–III, complemented by a grammar reference book. Each textbook covers a different language level: Levou zadní I (A1–A2), Levou zadní II (B1), and Levou zadní III (B1+). The grammar reference book, which is adapted for all levels, includes tables and explanations of grammatical phenomena up to level B1. Answer keys and glossaries for the textbooks are also available on the website. In addition to the textbooks, learners can register for the Levou zadní Online e-learning course or download the mobile application. |
If you are preparing for a final exam to receive permanent residency permission, here are some useful information regarding the examination.
Extension of visa/residence
If you are a citizen of the EU, EEA (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein), or Switzerland, you do not need to apply for or extend a visa.
Visa and residence permit procedures apply only to non-EU students.
Extension of long-term visa
If your initial Long-Term Visa was issued for less than one year (for a single semester) and you are continuing your studies, you can extend its validity up to a maximum total stay of one year. To do so, you must submit your application in person at the local Ministry of the Interior office between 90 days and the last day before your current visa expires.
Please note that if your visa was already granted for a full year, it cannot be extended as a visa anymore, and you must apply for a long-term residence permit instead.
Extension of long-term residence permit
To extend your residency permit, you must submit your application before your current permit expires, ideally starting up to 120 days in advance, since processing can take up to three months.
You can apply in person at the local Ministry of Interior office either by booking an appointment online to avoid queues or by walking in, preferably early on Tuesday or Thursday mornings. Alternatively, you can send all required documents via registered mail to the same address and, after about five days, email pobyty@mvcr.cz with your full name and date of birth to request your application´s reference number for online tracking.
After the Ministry of Interior approves your documents, in time, you will receive an email specifying your date of biometric scanning appointment. Attend this appointment and your process will be completed. During this appointment, you will receive a date on which your residency document will be ready to be picked-up.
Mandatory obligations
As an international student in the Czech Republic, your legal stay is governed by national immigration laws. Palacký University is always here to support your academic journey; however, managing your daily life and maintaining your legal residency status remain your personal responsibilities.
Personal changes
During your stay in the Czech Republic, you are legally required to keep the Ministry of the Interior updated regarding any significant changes to your personal situation. If you change your address, you must report this within 30 days of moving and provide your new lease agreement as proof of accommodation. However, for updates concerning your identity, such as receiving a new passport or officially changing your name, the deadline is much stricter. You must report these specific changes within just 3 working days of receiving your new document.
The requirements for students from the EU and third countries differ.
Obligatory waste management municipal fee
As an international student staying in Olomouc for more than 90 days, you are legally required to pay an annual municipal waste management fee. The only exception applies to students under 26 years of age who live in Palacký University dormitories. If you live in private accommodation, even if your landlord claims the fee is included in your rent, or if you turn 26 while living in the dorms, you must officially register and pay this fee directly to the city.
For further details, please visit the official website of the city of Olomouc or read more information in English here.
Bank account services
Some foreign people must open a bank account to receive a payment or a scholarship from a university.
If you are an EU resident, it is recommended that you have all the documents prepared in English or Czech. Be prepared to provide: passport, mobile phone (Czech number), e-mail address, place of birth, permanent address (home country), contact address in the Czech Republic (for credit card delivery) and proof of studies not older than 30 days.
If you are a non-EU resident, it is recommended that you have all the documents prepared in English or Czech. Be prepared to provide: passport, mobile phone (Czech number), e-mail address, place of birth, permanent address (home country), contact address in the Czech Republic (for credit card delivery), proof of studies not older than 30 days and Long-term visa or Permanent/Long term residence permit.
Larger banks in the Czech Republic: Česká spořitelna, ČSOB, Commercial Bank (KB), MONETA Money Bank, Fio Bank, Raiffeisenbank
If you are waiting for a residence document to be received, you need a confirmation of fulfillment of the conditions for issuing a long-term residence permit (issued by the MOI, not Visa) - this confirmation must not be older than 65 days. Some of the banks (Raiffeisenbank or EquaBank) will not need a residency permit and will accept a visa as well.
Valid tickets for public transport
Public transportation in Olomouc is efficient, consisting of a network of trams serving the main districts and buses covering peripheral neighborhoods (or serving as replacements during track maintenance). The system is operated by the Olomouc Public Transport Company (DPMO). Navigating the city using the DPMO website or the IDOS.cz app is easy.
Purchasing and validating your public transport ticket is not just a recommendation, it is a strict legal requirement. Ticket inspectors operate daily in plain clothes across the city´s tram and bus network. Find out more about the rules and fines here.
For detailed information regarding tariffs and fares, please click here.