Photo: Stanislav Dusík, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Charles University
Charles University is a public university in Prague, Czech Republic, founded in 1348, with about 49,500 students.
- Type
- Public university
- Location
- Prague, Czech Republic
- Founded
- 1348
- Students
- 49,508
- Teaching language
- Czech, English
Data from the official website · last checked 18 Oct 2026 · How we collect data · Report an error · Is this your university? Claim it to update
Logo: Univerzita Karlova, Public domain
Charles University (Univerzita Karlova) is a public research university in Prague. Founded in 1348 by Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor, it is the oldest university in Central Europe and one of the oldest continuously operating universities in the world.
Its 17 faculties include three theology faculties, law, five medical faculties (three in Prague and one each in Plzeň and Hradec Králové), pharmacy, arts, natural sciences, mathematics and physics, education, social sciences, physical education and sport, and humanities. The historic Carolinum building in the Old Town remains the seat of the rector.
Study in Czech at public universities is free for students of any nationality, while programmes taught in English, including popular general medicine and dentistry degrees, charge tuition. Student dormitories are available.
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Frequently asked questions
What language are courses taught in at Charles University?
Courses at Charles University are taught in Czech, English.
When was Charles University founded?
Charles University was founded in 1348.
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