Before arrival
Welcome to Palacký
Founded in 1573, Palacký University Olomouc is the second-oldest university in Czechia and one of the country’s leading centres of education, research, innovation, and international collaboration. Its eight faculties and one research institute welcome more than 23,000 students, while its researchers rank among the world’s top 2% and contribute to more than 200 high-impact projects and grants each year. With a wide range of Bachelor’s, Master’s and doctoral programmes, modern facilities, strong student support, international mobility opportunities, and membership in the Aurora European Universities Alliance, Palacký University combines more than 450 years of academic tradition with a forward-looking vision.
Find out more about our university and its missions, visions and values.
University study programmes
The first step before beginning your studies is to carefully consider the type of programme you would like to study. At Palacký University Olomouc, you can choose from Bachelor’s programmes (three years), Master’s programmes (five years), follow-up Master’s programmes (two years after completing a Bachelor’s degree), or doctoral programmes (four years).
All English-taught programmes are subject to tuition fees ranging from EUR 2,000 to EUR 15,000 per academic year, depending on the costs associated with the programme. However, all programmes taught in Czech are completely free of tuition fees.
If you are considering applying for a Czech-taught programme, learning Czech is essential. We therefore offer a Czech language preparatory course. It is an intensive one-year programme designed for international students. You can find out more on the dedicated webpage.
See more the information about the admission processes.
Should you have any questions regarding admission, you can also contact our dedicated administrative support officers at admissions@upol.cz.
Visas and residence permits
If you come from a non-European country, you will generally need a visa or residence permit for the purpose of studies. You can apply either in your home country or in a country where you hold long-term or permanent residence and have legally resided for at least two years. We strongly recommend starting the process and gathering the necessary information at least four to six months before your planned arrival in the Czech Republic.
If you plan to study for more than one year, you should apply for a long-term residence permit for the purpose of studies.
However, if you plan to study for up to one year, you should apply for a long-term visa for the purpose of studies.
If you already possess a long-term residence permit or long-term visa for the purpose of studies issued by another EU Member State, you may be able to apply directly in Olomouc after your arrival.
If you have any questions regarding the initial application process for a long-term residence permit or visa, you can contact our dedicated administrative support officers at welcome@upol.cz.
Travelling to Olomouc
Find detailed directions from Prague, Vienna and Brno Airports.
The Czech Republic and the European Union have well-developed public transport networks, making it easy to travel to Olomouc by train or bus. If you are arriving by plane, the most convenient airports include Prague, Brno, Vienna, Kraków, and Katowice. From all of these airports, Olomouc can be reached by bus or train, either directly or with one or more transfers.
For travel within the Czech Republic, we recommend using České dráhy for train connections and ticket purchases or IDOS for searching train, bus, and public transport connections. Tickets can also be purchased online through these services.
For convenient train travel, we also recommend downloading the Můj vlak (My Train) mobile app by České dráhy, which allows you to search connections, buy tickets, and manage your journey directly from your phone.
Reporting your arrival
Foreign nationals are generally required to report their arrival to the Foreign Police after entering the Czech Republic.
- If you are staying in a university dormitory, the accommodation provider will report your arrival on your behalf, so no additional action is required from you.
- If you are staying in private accommodation, you are required to report your arrival in person to the Foreign Police shortly after arriving in the Czech Republic.
To report your arrival in Olomouc, visit the Foreign Police during their office hours. Please bring your passport and any relevant identification or residence documents. For contact details, address, and current office hours, see the General Information section.
Onboarding courses
The Welcome Office offers two types of onboarding activities designed to help international students prepare for their studies and settle into life in Olomouc.
- On-line onboarding courses
- Our online onboarding courses are designed for newly admitted international students and are divided into thematic modules led by professionals in the relevant fields. After admission, students receive information and access to the courses, which usually begin in March and April, with particular attention given to pre-arrival procedures such as visas and residence permits, embassy requirements, and support with the application and appointment process.
- In-person orientation day
- Before the official start of classes in the beginning of September, the Welcome Office organises an Orientation Day for newly arrived international students. The programme focuses on practical information and helps students become familiar with life at Palacký University and in Olomouc. Students can learn about university systems, course registration and assessment, student services, canteens and everyday life in Olomouc. The programme also includes guided activities and opportunities to meet fellow international students in an informal and welcoming environment.
Find out more about the topics, important dates, registration, and practical information for our Onboarding Courses.
University dormitories
Palacký University provides several accommodation options across two main dormitory campuses, as well as additional university residences in Olomouc. All university accommodation options can be explored online through virtual tours, allowing you to see the facilities and room types before making a reservation.
The main accommodation locations include:
- Envelopa Campus (Generál Svoboda, J. L. Fischer, Bedřich Václavek, Josef Jařab, and 17. listopadu dormitories)
- Neředín Campus (Neředín I–IV dormitories)
- Evžen Rošický Dormitory
- Chválkovice Dormitory
We recommend checking the specific instructions for international students, including information on how to make a reservation, pay the security deposit, sign the accommodation contract, and complete the check-in process upon arrival, and visit the general Accommodation and dining webpage.
Housing and apartments
Olomouc offers a wide range of private accommodation options, including apartments and rooms outside the university dormitories. You can rent directly from private landlords or through local real estate agencies, with many opportunities to view the accommodation before signing a rental agreement.
To support you with your search, we have listed selected websites, real estate agencies, and Facebook groups that offer accommodation in Olomouc.
- Real estate agencies: Foreigners.cz, Vojtareality.cz, Seznamreality.cz, Remax-cze.cz, Reality-olomouc.cz, Ulovdomov.cz
- Hotel and other accommodation options: DORM, Rentola, Nezvalova Archa, Theresian hotel, Clarion Congress Hotel, Long Story Short Hostel, Hotel Trinity
- Facebook groups: Group no. 1 (CZE), Group no. 2 (CZE), Group no. 3 (ENG), Group no. 4 (ENG)
When signing a rental agreement, take your time to read all terms and conditions carefully before signing. We also recommend keeping original agreement in a safe and easily accessible place, as you may need it later for administrative purposes, including visa or residence permit extensions.