Overview
Palacký University Olomouc, founded in 1573, is the second-oldest university in the Czech Republic and one of Central Europe’s most prestigious academic institutions. Today, it combines centuries of academic tradition with modern research and teaching methods, with a strong focus on practical learning in areas such as medicine, health sciences, and life sciences. Located in the historic city of Olomouc, the university offers a comprehensive range of programs across humanities, sciences, medicine, and law.
The university is particularly renowned for its Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, which operates one of the best medical schools in Central Europe and supports extensive clinical training through university hospital teaching. Palacký University maintains active international partnerships and participates in exchange programs, including Erasmus+. If you are comparing options in the Czech Republic, you may also want to review similar university guides such as Masaryk University and University of Hradec Králové. With a historic campus alongside modern research facilities, it attracts students from around the world.
2. General Information
| Name | Palacký University Olomouc (Univerzita Palackého v Olomouci) |
| Established | 1573 (refounded 1946) |
| Type | Public Research University |
| Location | Olomouc, Czech Republic |
| Rector | Prof. Martin Procházka |
| Students | ~22,000 (2023) |
| Website | www.upol.cz |
3. Fee Structure
| Program Category | Annual Tuition (EUR) |
| Czech-language programs (EU students) | Free |
| English-language BA/BSc programs | 2,500 – 5,000 |
| English-language MA/MSc programs | 3,000 – 6,000 |
| Medicine (English program) | 11,500 – 14,500 |
| Dentistry (English program) | 13,000 – 16,000 |
| PhD programs (English) | 0 – 4,500 |
4. Academic Programs
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry:
- General Medicine (6-year program)
- Dentistry
- Physiotherapy
- Faculty of Science:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Geology
- Faculty of Arts:
- History
- Philosophy
- Philology
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Physical Culture
- Faculty of Theology
- Faculty of Health Sciences
If you are deciding between health-focused study paths across the region, you may also want to compare opportunities with other Czech institutions, such as Czech University of Life Sciences, which is well known for agriculture, environmental science, and related technical fields. For students leaning toward engineering and applied sciences rather than medical training, guides like Brno University of Technology can help with a structured comparison.
5. Facilities
- Historic university buildings in Olomouc city center
- Modern science campus with advanced laboratories
- University Hospital Olomouc (teaching hospital)
- Central Library with over 1.5 million volumes
- Sports complex with Olympic-size pool
- Student cultural center (Konvikt)
- Research centers in optics and biotechnology
- University botanical garden
- Multiple student dormitories across Olomouc
Beyond classrooms, Palacký University supports students through research-oriented environments and practical facilities, especially for medicine and health sciences. Students benefit from access to major university spaces, including the central library and campus-based laboratories, which are frequently used in coursework and independent study.
6. Accommodation
Palacký University operates several dormitory complexes in Olomouc, offering affordable housing primarily for first-year and international students. The university provides a mix of accommodation options, though availability can be limited during peak admission periods. To improve your chances of securing a dorm room, it helps to plan early and monitor announcements on the university’s official accommodation pages.
- Dormitory rooms (single/double occupancy)
- Shared kitchen facilities
- Study rooms and common areas
- 24-hour security
- High-speed internet access
- Laundry facilities
- Meal plans available at university canteens
- Assistance with private accommodation
If you are considering a move to another Czech city after your studies, it can be useful to compare living costs and student support structures alongside other universities, for example Technical University of Ostrava, where many students also rely on nearby housing and dormitory networks.
7. Contact Information
- Main Address: Křížkovského 511/8, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
- Admissions Office: admission@upol.cz
- Phone: +420 585 631 111
More Universities in Czech
- Charles University
- Masaryk University
- Czech Technical University
- Brno University of Technology
- Czech University of Life Sciences
- University of South Bohemia
- Technical University of Ostrava
- University of Hradec Králové
– If you are interested in writing, write for us education articles now.
