Enrolling students

Before arrival

After arrival

Start of studies

Congratulations on your admission to the Faculty of Arts, Charles University!

Before your studies begin in October (see Academic Caledar), there are several important steps you need to complete to ensure a smooth transition from admission to enrollment and the start of classes.

The process includes:

  • finalizing your application
  • completing your official enrolment

and, if applicable

  • arranging your visa
  • accommodation
  • health insurance

The process includes finalizing your application, completing your official enrollment, and, if applicable, arranging your visa, accommodation, and health insurance.

You will also obtain your student ID, register for your courses, and attend orientation activities designed to help you get started. Some steps can be completed online, while others require careful preparation in advance, especially for international students.

On this page, you will find a clear overview of all required steps. Each step is explained in detail and will guide you through what needs to be done, when, and how.

Before arrival

To complete your admission to the Psychology programme at the Faculty of Arts, Charles University, you must submit official documents confirming your secondary education and, where applicable, your English language proficiency (according to requirements for admission to study at Faculty of Arts, Charles University). Both documents may be submitted from the announcement of final examination results to September 2026.

The exact procedure depends on the type and country of your previous education. Detailed instructions for each group of students are provided below. In general, you will either:

  • upload your documents to the Student Information System (SIS) as authorized electronic documents (or authorized conversions), or
  • submit certified paper copies by post.

Most applicants are required to submit:

  • A final secondary school diploma (school-leaving certificate)
  • A transcript of grades (if issued separately) – only non-Czech graduates
  • Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)

English proficiency can typically be demonstrated in one of the following ways:

  • An internationally recognized English language certificate (at the level B2 or higher), or
  • Completion of secondary education conducted in English

Depending on your country and qualification:

  • Some diplomas are automatically recognized (e.g., Czech maturita, Slovak, Polish, Hungarian, Slovenian diplomas, or IB/EB qualifications)
  • Some diplomas require assessment by the Faculty of Arts (which may replace nostrification)
  • In specific cases, formal nostrification may still be required if the assessment is not successful

Documents issued in Czech, English, or Slovak do not require translation

  • Documents in other languages must be accompanied by an official translation into Czech or English

Always submit certified copies or authorized electronic documents

  • Do not send original documents by post
  • Make sure all documents are complete and clearly legible
  • Requirements for authentication (e.g., apostille or superlegalization) may apply depending on your country of origin

Please note that your admission can only be fully finalized once all required documents have been received and verified. The assessment of submitted documents may take several days since delivery.

The official decision on admission can be issued only after you have submitted all required documents in the correct form. For visa purposes, we recommend contacting the Embassy in your country ahead of time and making an appointment.

As a graduate of a Czech secondary school, you can submit your required documents in one of the following two ways:

You can upload your documents directly to the Student Information System (SIS) as part of your application.

  • The documents must be in the form of an authorized conversion of an electronic document
  • This means your original paper document is officially converted into a verified electronic version (e.g., autorizovaná konverze at a Czech POINT office or notary).

Upload the following:

  • Your maturita certificate
  • Your proof of English proficiency (if applicable). If your secondary education was conducted in English, this is accepted as proof of English proficiency.
  • High school graduation examination in English is sufficient as a proof of language competence.

This is the fastest and most convenient option.

You can also send or deliver your documents as certified copies (úředně ověřené kopie).

Send certified copies of the following documents:

  • Your maturita certificate
  • Your proof of English proficiency (if applicable). If your secondary education was conducted in English, this is accepted as proof of English proficiency. High school graduation examination in English is sufficient as a proof of language competence.

Send them to:

Faculty of Arts, Charles University
Admissions Office (Referát přijímacího řízení)
nám. Jana Palacha 2
116 38 Praha 1
Czech Republic

  • Do not send original documents by post.
  • Certified copies can be obtained at Czech POINT offices, post offices, or from a notary.
  • If your diploma is issued in Czech, English, or Slovak, no translation is required.
  • Make sure your documents are complete and legible.
  • If you are unsure which option to choose, uploading documents via authorized conversion is usually the fastest and easiest approach.

As a graduate of an international secondary school in the Czech Republic with International Baccalaureate (IB) or European Baccalaureate, your qualification is recognized without the need for nostrification. You can submit your required documents in one of the following two ways (for more information please see Recognition of Diplomas) :

You can upload your documents directly to the Student Information System (SIS).

  • Documents must be submitted as an authorized conversion of an electronic document (autorizovaná konverze).
  • This means your original paper document is officially converted into a verified electronic version (e.g., as autorizovaná konverze at a Czech POINT office or notary).

Upload the following:

  • Your final secondary school diploma (e.g., IB Diploma, European Baccalaureate certificate)
  • Your transcript of results (if available)
  • Your proof of English proficiency (if applicable). If your secondary education was conducted in English, this is accepted as proof of English proficiency.

Alternatively, you can submit your documents as certified copies (úředně ověřené kopie).

Send certified copies of the following documents:

  • Your final secondary school diploma (e.g., IB Diploma, European Baccalaureate certificate)
  • Your transcript of results (if available)
  • Your proof of English proficiency (if applicable). If your secondary education was conducted in English, this is accepted as proof of English proficiency.

Send them to:

Faculty of Arts, Charles University
Admissions Office (Referát přijímacího řízení)
nám. Jana Palacha 2
116 38 Praha 1
Czech Republic

  • You do not need to complete nostrification.
  • Do not send original documents by post.
  • Certified copies can be obtained at Czech POINT offices, post offices, or from a notary.
  • If your diploma is issued in Czech, English, or Slovak, no translation is required.
  • Make sure all documents are complete and clearly legible.
  • If you are unsure which option to choose, uploading documents via authorized conversion is usually the fastest and easiest approach.

If you completed your secondary education in Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, or Slovenia, your qualification is recognized in the Czech Republic and you do not need nostrification. As you are applying from abroad, please follow the instructions below. For more information please see Recognition of Diplomas.

You must submit your documents in paper form as certified copies.

Please send:

  • Your final secondary school diploma
  • Your transcript of grades (if issued separately)
  • Your proof of English proficiency (if applicable). If your secondary education was conducted in English, this is accepted as proof of English proficiency.

Your documents must be:

  • Officially certified copies (verified by a notary or other authorized authority in your country)
  • Complete and clearly legible

Send them to:

Faculty of Arts, Charles University
Admissions Office (Referát přijímacího řízení)
nám. Jana Palacha 2
116 38 Praha 1
Czech Republic

If your school issues your school-leaving certificate as an authorized electronic document, or if you can obtain an authorized conversion into electronic form, you may upload your documents directly to the Student Information System (SIS).

  • Documents must be submitted as authorized electronic documents or officially converted electronic copies.
  • This means that your document is originally issued in electronic form, or a paper document has been officially converted into a verified electronic version.

Upload the following:

  • Your final secondary school diploma
  • Your transcript of results (if available)
  • Your proof of English proficiency (if applicable). If your secondary education was conducted in English, this is accepted as proof of English proficiency.
  • Nostrification is not required.
  • No apostille or superlegalization is required.
  • If your diploma is issued in Czech, English, or Slovak, no translation is required.
  • Documents in Polish, Hungarian, or Slovene require an official translation into Czech or English (unless issued bilingually).
  • Do not send original documents by post.
  • Keep copies of everything you send.

As a graduate of an international secondary school in the Czech Republic with International Baccalaureate (IB) or European Baccalaureate, your qualification is recognized in the Czech Republic and you do not need nostrification. As you are applying from abroad, please follow the instructions below. For more information please see Recognition of Diplomas.

You must submit your documents in paper form as certified copies.

Please send:

  • Your final secondary school diploma
  • Your transcript of grades (if issued separately)
  • Your proof of English proficiency (if applicable). If your secondary education was conducted in English, this is accepted as proof of English proficiency.

Your documents must be:

  • Officially certified copies (verified by a notary or other authorized authority in your country)
  • Complete and clearly legible

Send them to:

Faculty of Arts, Charles University
Admissions Office (Referát přijímacího řízení)
nám. Jana Palacha 2
116 38 Praha 1
Czech Republic

If your school issues your school-leaving certificate as an authorized electronic document, or if you can obtain an authorized conversion into electronic form, you may upload your documents directly to the Student Information System (SIS).

  • Documents must be submitted as authorized electronic documents or officially converted electronic copies.
  • This means that your document is originally issued in electronic form, or a paper document has been officially converted into a verified electronic version.

Upload the following:

  • Your final secondary school diploma
  • Your transcript of results (if available)
  • Your proof of English proficiency (if applicable). If your secondary education was conducted in English, this is accepted as proof of English proficiency.
  • You do not need nostrification.
  • No apostille or superlegalization is required.
  • Documents issued in Slovak do not require translation.
  • If your diploma is issued in Czech, English, or Slovak, no translation is required.
  • Do not send original documents by post.
  • Keep copies of everything you send.

If you completed your secondary education outside recognized countries (e.g., outside Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, or Slovenia), your qualification must be assessed by the Faculty of Arts, Charles University. This assessment replaces standard nostrification for the purposes of admission.

Please note: Some internationally recognized qualifications, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or the European Baccalaureate (EB), are accepted directly and do not require assessment or nostrification. For more information please see Recognition of Diplomas.

In your application in the Student Information System (SIS), complete:

My application → Secondary education proven by → type of document: “a foreign document concerning a foreign secondary education (it will be assessed)”

You must submit the following documents as authenticated (certified) copies:

  • Your final secondary school diploma (or equivalent certificate)
  • A document describing the content and scope of your education, including:
    • Overview of subjects
    • Number of instruction hours for individual years of study

Verification requirements (apostille or superlegalization) may vary depending on the country of issue.

If necessary, the Faculty may ask you to provide additional documentation, such as:

  • Further details on the content and scope of your education
  • Confirmation that your school was authorized to provide secondary education comparable to the Czech system
  • Official confirmation (e.g., from your school or Ministry of Education) that your qualification allows you to apply for bachelor’s or long-cycle master’s studies in your home country

Your documents will be assessed by the Faculty of Arts:

  • If the assessment is positive, your qualification will be accepted
  • If the assessment is negative, you will be required to obtain formal recognition (“nostrification”) and submit the corresponding certificate
  • Please note:
    • This assessment is valid only for the admissions procedure at the Faculty of Arts, Charles University
  • A fee of 930 CZK applies for the assessment of your documents
  • You will be sent a link for a card payment
  • You do not need to arrange nostrification in advance—the Faculty assessment is the recommended first step
  • Some qualifications (e.g., IB and EB diplomas) are recognized directly and do not require assessment
  • Documents must be submitted as authenticated (certified) copies (paper form)
  • Do not send original documents by post
  • Please keep copies of all submitted documents
  • If your documents are not issued in Czech, English, or Slovak, you must provide an official translation into Czech or English
  • Depending on your country, your documents may require apostille or superlegalization to verify their authenticity
  • Apostille applies to countries that are members of the Hague Conference on Private International Law convention
  • Superlegalization applies to countries outside this convention and typically involves additional verification (e.g., by a ministry and embassy)
  • You can check the requirements for your country, including the competent authority, here
  • As requirements vary by country, please verify the correct procedure in advance

After your application has been evaluated and you have met the admission requirements, you will receive your official admission decision from the Faculty of Arts, Charles University.

The decision will be delivered electronically via the Student Information System (SIS) usually a couple of days after assessment of submitted documents (see step 1). Please make sure to check your application regularly and download the document once it becomes available.

Decision on admission confirms that you have been officially admitted to the study programme.

You may also request a letter of acceptance (for visa purposes)

  • Issued upon request sent to email address prijimacky@ff.cuni.cz for students who require a visa
  • Confirms the current status of the admissions process
  • Sent as an original document by DHL to the address provided in your application

Important conditions

  • Your admission is considered preliminary until you submit all required final documents (see Step 1)
  • We do not issue letter of confirmation automatically; you must request one (see above)
  • Make sure that your documents are submitted in the correct form as soon as possible

What to do next

  • Download and keep your admission decision for your records
  • If you require a visa, request your acceptance letter and ensure your postal address in the application is correct
  • Proceed to the next step: online registration for studies

After you receive your admission decision (Step 2), the admission process is finalized.

The next steps is enrollment to study which can be done remotely via your application in Student Information System (SIS). Detailed information regarding enrollment to study and manual is listed on this page.

Important information

  • You will receive access to SIS only after your admission has been fully finalized
  • Online registration is a mandatory administrative step
  • By completing this step, you officially become a student of the Faculty of Arts, Charles University
  • Please ensure that all your personal and contact details are accurate and up to date
  • Registration must be completed within the specified deadline (you will be informed via SIS or email)

What to do next

  • Complete your registration in SIS as soon as you receive your login details
  • Continue with the next steps of the enrollment process (e.g., visa arrangements, accommodation)

EU and EFTA nationals

If you are a citizen of an EU or an EFTA country (+ Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein) you do not need to apply for a visa. It is enough for you to register with the Czech Immigration Police within 30 days of your arrival (this is a legal requirement).

Address: Olšanská 2, 130 51 Praha 3, door D (tram stop Olšanská):
Opening hours
Monday, Wednesday 8-18, Thursday 8-15 (check their opening hours here before visiting)

You are also entitled (but not obliged) to apply for a Temporary Residence Permit (a card stating your address in Czechia). For further information, please see the Ministry of the Interior official website.

Non-EU nationals

Please note that the information below are general and may vary depending on your country of citizenship. Always make sure to check what applies to you.

The responsibility for obtaining the legal stay is up to each student. At the International Office of the Faculty, we are happy to help where we can, but please note that our options are limited and you need to apply for the visa/permit yourself. We have no influence over the approval process and the Ministry of the Interior will not give us updates on individual students’ cases.

Unfortunately, the length of the process may vary depending on the country where you apply for the visa/permit. We want to give our students a realistic idea of the actual process timeline and heed this information while considering the application deadlines. Each country’s institutions may also take different amount of time to issue the required documents. However, most of our students end up going through the process smoothly and arrive in Prague on time. Don’t be intimidated by the process! Our guide will help you be as prepared as possible.

Collecting the application documents: read the list below carefully. Each country’s institutions may take different amount of time to issue the required documents and you likely already have a good idea about how fast or slow they usually are. You will have to obtain documents like a criminal record, etc., which may take several weeks. Add time if you have lived in multiple countries and will need to get criminal records from there as well.

Authentication and translation of the application documents: Add time to have the documents properly translated and authenticated (with an Apostille or superlegalization). Specifically, the superlegalization may take weeks to obtain.

Getting an embassy appointment: This depends greatly on how busy the embassy is and how many embassies there are in your country. Please be aware that for some embassies, the waiting time for the appointment can stretch for several weeks or even longer.

Evaluation period: The official evaluation period is 60 days; however, it may take up to 10 weeks for you to receive the decision.

Note for Russian and Belarussian passport holders: Please be aware that in accordance with a Government Decree, Czech republic currently does not issue new student visas/permits for the citizens of Russian Federation. This includes dual passport holders where one of the passports is Russian. Limited visa services are also provided to Belarussian citizens. You can read more on MFA website. If you are a Russian citizen and already have a visa/permit to stay in Czechia, you are allowed to extend it for your new study at FSV UK.

Visa step by step

Since processing time can be lengthy, make sure you apply sufficiently in advance!

All students from non-EU or non-EFTA countries who wish to stay in Czechia for more than 90 days need a student visa/residence permit. This includes students from EU candidate countries, and from countries whose citizens can enter Czechia visa-free as a tourist (e.g. the US). In most cases, it also includes foreign nationals who are currently residing in another EU country.

Our tip: Read up on the process. Start collecting your documents as soon as you can, so when you get your Application appointment, everything is ready and properly translated and authenticated. We recommend using the time before our University issues documents (Acceptance letter and Accommodation contract) to collect all the other documents and preparing your application, so that you can submit it as soon as the University documents arrive! See step 5 for overview of what you need.

Our tip #2: Find out if your passport allows you to enter Czechia visa-free as a tourist for up to 90 days on this list.

There are two possible types of legal stay you may obtain. Both of these are issued for a study stay in Czechia longer than 3 months, and both allow movement within the Schengen area.

Our tip: We recommend applying for a Long-term Residence Permit if you intend to stay in Czechia for longer than one year.

LONG-TERM VISA (Long-stay Visa for the Purpose of Study; “Dlouhodobé vízum za účelem studia”) – D/VC multiple entry visa

  • Primarily intended for a study stay lasting several months
  • Validity: Maximum of one year, usually issued for several months
  • After approval: Can only be collected at the same embassy where you applied
  • After expiration: Cannot be directly extended, we usually recommend switching to a residence permit once the visa expires
  • Access to job market: yes, as long as your study remains a primary priority
  • Process: After arrival, you have to register at the Foreign Police Office (see step 8). After that, you can leave the country and return to it as you please.

LONG-TERM RESIDENCE PERMIT for the Purpose of Study (“Povolení k dlouhodobému pobytu za účelem studia”) – D/VR single entry visa followed by a residence permit

  • Primarily intended for a longer study stay, like a degree program
  • Process: You receive a single entry visa to arrive in Czechia. After that, you visit the MOI to register and receive your biometric residence permit card. With it, you can leave the country and return to it as you please, but you cannot leave the country until your residence permit card is issued!
  • After approval: If you cannot enter Czechia visa-free, collect the single entry visa at the embassy where you applied. If you can enter Czechia visa-free for 90 days, you can collect the residence permit directly in Prague at the MOI (you must let the embassy know in advance when submitting the application).
  • Validity: 1 year, extensions usually for 1 year
  • After expiration: Can be extended for another year
  • Access to job market: yes, as long as your study remains a primary priority

You can apply at:

  • The Czech Embassy or Consulate in the country of your citizenship/passport (or a nearby country, as Czech Consulates are not located in all countries of the world).
  • A Czech Embassy or Consulate in a non-EU country where you have been legally residing continuously for at least 2 years and have their residence permit (NOT a long-term visa)
  • If you have been residing at an EU country and have their residence permit for the purpose of study (NOT a long-term visa):
    => Long-term Visa application must be submitted only at the Dresden Visa centre (this Visa centre provides services for the Schengen area)
    => Long-term Residence Permit application can be submitted at the MOI in Prague (BUT! Does NOT apply if your EU study residence permit was issued in Ireland or Denmark)
  • If you are a citizen of a country on this list, you can apply at any Czech Embassy around the world (in the Schengen area, this must be done at the Dresden Visa centre)

Not all the Consulates can issue a visa, so check that before you apply at the list of Czech diplomatic missions and their territorial districts to find the right one for your situation.

NOTE for Ukrainian citizens: If you are applying for a visa/permit for the purpose of study, the Embassy in Lvov allows you to mail in your application (you need to attach a request to waive the in-person submission) or have it submitted by another person with a power of attorney. Please read more here.

Read the website of your specific Consulate to find out how to set an appointment. During the appointment, you will submit your application. Therefore, make sure to have all your documents collected and ready when your appointment time comes.

Some countries enable the applicants to be entered in a “Student Mode,” which should speed up the process and prioritize the student’s appointment. You can find out if your country allows this here. If yes, email us at studijni-rbms@ff.cuni.cz and we will enter you in the Student Mode. Once you are entered, the embassy should contact you within 2 weeks to offer an appointment. 

Note: The Student Mode is limited only for applicants who have graduated no more than 3 years prior. 

What you will need to apply for a student visa or residence permit:

Note: All documents (with the exception of travel documents, registry data, and photographs) must be no more than 180 days old, and all foreign-language documents must be translated into Czech and the translation notarized.

  • Completed Application Form. Forms are available at every Czech embassy/consulate, and in pdf on the websites of the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs: long-stay visa, residence permit
  • A valid travel document, generally your passport, with the date of expiry extending at least three months beyond the date of your projected departure from Czechia
  • A document confirming the purpose of your stay in Czechia – the Letter of acceptance supplied by the Faculty of Arts.
  • A document containing the specific address where you will be living in Czechia  – supplied by the Faculty of Arts, if needed
  • Evidence of financial support. For further details, please visit the Ministry of the Interior website
  • Evidence of health insurance – read more about health insurance Step 6[JM1] . In most cases, the consulate will not require health insurance to be finalised at the time of your initial visa/residence permit application, but they will insist you have valid insurance before they affix the visa/residence permit in your passport. The following documents will be required: insurance agreement, including details of the insurance that has been arranged (either as part of the basic insurance agreement, or as a separate document), plus proof that the insurance has been paid (your receipt).  All insurance documents must be in Czech or accompanied by a Czech translation.
  • 2 passport photographs
  • A confirmation from the authorities in your home country that you do not have a criminal record, including a Czech translation. In addition, if you have resided in a third country for a continuous period of more than six months at any time within the last three years, you will also be required to provide evidence regarding your lack of a criminal record from this third country.

Our tip: We will send the University issued documents to the delivery address used in your application by DHL. Make sure it’s correct – if it’s not, email us the right address at bakalarske.magisterske.studium@ff.cuni.cz. 

Insufficient proof of money is one of the most common reasons for rejected visas, so be careful to have the right amount in your bank account! Read the MOI’s website thoroughly and follow the directions carefully!

The Foreign Nationals Residence Act stipulates that if you are entering the Czech Republic for a stay longer than 90 days, you are obligated to have travel insurance covering comprehensive health care upon arrival.

Foreigners can choose any insurance company that offers comprehensive health care. The most popular insurance providers in the Czech Republic are PVZP, AXA, Slavia, Uniqa, ALLIANZ and others. We recommend carefuly reading the terms of your selected insurance, to ensure it includes the services you may need based on your individual medical needs, as well as all key services such as dental care, gynecological examinations, psychological assistance, etc.

You must submit the document on travel medical insurance before the visa is indicated in your passport. Mostly, embassies don’t ask you to buy your insurance for the application, but when your visa gets approved, you have to buy insurance and bring it with you for when you collect it.

You can choose either

  • Comprehensive health insurance for the entire period of your stay.
  • Insurance covering the necessary and urgent care for the first 90 days and a comprehensive health insurance covering the remaining period of stay

This obligation does not apply to you if you are:

  • EU citizens
  • Holders of a valid EHIC or GHIC health insurance card
  • Foreign nationals covered by the Czech public health insurance scheme
  • Foreign nationals whose health care is covered under an international agreement (see the list here)

More information on health insurance is available here .

You can follow the status of your application online, or set up a status tracker with automatic notifications.

After 60-90 days, you should receive the decision and be asked to pick up your visa at the Consulate where you applied. In case there is any issue or discrepancy in your visa, you will be asked to mend it.

If you can enter Czechia visa-free (as a tourist) and you applied for a residence permit, you can also collect it in Prague at the MOI. You have to mention this in advance when submitting your application.

After you arrive, your next steps depend on your type of legal stay in Czechia. Non-visa students from EU/EFTA countries and long-term student visa holders register at Foreign Police. Long-term residence permit holders register at the Ministry of Interior.

Note: After this initial registration, you need to report your new address every time you move to a new residence (e.g. when you move out of the dorms)!

Registration at the Foreign Police

Visa: Long-term study visa holders

  • If you are staying at the CUNI dorms, you don’t have to do anything and the dormitory office will register you with the Foreign police.
  • If you are NOT staying at the CUNI dorms (private housing), you are legally obliged to register with the Foreign Police within 3 days of your arrival. More info here.

What to bring? 

  • Passport
  • Registration Card: available at the registration or it can be printed
  • Health insurance valid for the Czech Republic (EHIC or private)

Foreign police – Address

Olšanská 2, 130 51 Praha 3, door D (tram stop Olšanská)[JM1] 

Opening hours

Monday, Wednesday 8-18, Thursday 8-15 (check their opening hours here before visiting)

Registration at the Ministry of Interior

Visa: Long-term residence permit holders

Regardless of your residence, you have 30 days from arrival to register at the Ministry of Interior (MOI). You do not need to additionally register with the Foreign Police. As a RP holder, you will be issued a residence card detailing your residency status and carrying biometric data (face depiction and fingerprints). 

  1. Set an appointment at one of the branches of the Ministry of the Interior within thirty days of arrival.
    Note: The appointment itself must take place in 30 days after arrival (not just the appointment request). Therefore, please set the appointment ASAP when you come to Prague. The waiting time can get long.  
  2. Provide biometric data at MOI.
  3. When the card is ready for pick up, you will be asked to come to collect it. There is a fee for issuing the residency card. You can read more about the fee and the biometric data here.
    NOTE: You have 60 days from the biometrics appointment to pick up your card, or it will expire. If you leave Czechia again without collecting the card, you will not be allowed re-entry and will have to apply for a new visa.

Where to go?

  • On this website (tab MOI offices), you can find the available MOI offices in Prague including their opening hours. Student office Hládkov is responsible for students from 3rd countries and offers service only with appointment. If there are no available appointments left for now, you can go to one of the general offices depending on the district of your residence address (Žukovského or Chodov). The general offices accept walk-ins, but the queue might be long. Reservation portal and a guide to making a reservation.

What to bring?

  • Your passport and registration form

Before your arrival in Prague, you should arrange your accommodation. You can either choose private accommodation or stay in Charles University Dormitories.

Arranging accommodation is primarily the responsibility of each student. However, the Faculty can assist you with securing accommodation in Charles University dormitories or recommend private options.

After your admission, you will be contacted by the Faculty to ask whether you would like to reserve a place in the university dormitories.

Important for visa-seeking students:
We strongly recommend arranging accommodation in university dormitories, as this allows us to provide you with an official accommodation contract in hard copy, which is typically required for visa applications (together with your Letter of Acceptance).

Please note that you are not obliged to stay in the dormitories for the entire duration of your studies-you may change your accommodation later.

Reservation and payment

Once your reservation is confirmed, you will receive an email with payment instructions.

To secure your place, you must pay:

  • A deposit (approx. 90 EUR)
  • The first month’s rent (approx. 150 EUR)

Payment must be completed within 14 days, either:

If the payment is not made on time, your reservation will be cancelled.

At check-in, you will be required to pay the second month’s rent. Subsequent payments are made monthly (via email link or in person at the accommodation office).

Accommodation details

Charles University operates several dormitories in and around Prague.

  • International students are typically accommodated at Kolej Hvězda.
  • Most rooms are twin rooms (two separate beds)
  • Bathroom facilities are usually shared between rooms
  • Kitchens are available on each floor

Single rooms are generally available only for students with documented medical needs.

Dormitories offer:

  • Wi-Fi (eduroam)
  • Study rooms
  • Laundry facilities
  • Common areas (lounges, gym, student club)

Up-to-date prices are available on the dormitory website.

Arrival and check-in

After arriving in Prague, you must check in at your dormitory’s accommodation office (Office hours of all Accommodation offices).

If you arrive outside office hours, you will be temporarily accommodated until you can complete check-in.

Bring the following documents:

  • Passport (ID)
  • Accommodation voucher
  • Confirmation of study or admission
  • One passport-sized photo
  • Sufficient funds for payment

At check-in, you will:

  • Pay the second month’s rent
  • Sign the accommodation contract
  • Receive your room assignment

If your arrival is delayed, inform the accommodation office at accommodation@kam.cuni.cz in advance to avoid cancellation of your reservation.

Support at the dormitories

Each dormitory has housing assistants – fellow students who can help you with practical matters, communication, and settling in. You can find the contacts for housing assistants  and additional guidance on the dormitory website.

Alternatively, you may arrange your own accommodation.

Options include:

  • Shared apartments with other students
  • Private student residences

Examples of private dormitories:

You can also search using housing platforms such as:

The Foreign Nationals Residence Act stipulates that if you are entering the Czech Republic for a stay longer than 90 days, you are obligated to have travel insurance covering comprehensive health care upon arrival.

Foreigners can choose any insurance company that offers comprehensive health care. The most popular insurance providers in the Czech Republic are PVZP, AXA, Slavia, Uniqa, ALLIANZ and others. We recommend carefuly reading the terms of your selected insurance, to ensure it includes the services you may need based on your individual medical needs, as well as all key services such as dental care, gynecological examinations, psychological assistance, etc.

You must submit the document on travel medical insurance before the visa is indicated in your passport. Mostly, embassies don’t ask you to buy your insurance for the application, but when your visa gets approved, you have to buy insurance and bring it with you for when you collect it.

You can choose either

  • Comprehensive health insurance for the entire period of your stay.
  • Insurance covering the necessary and urgent care for the first 90 days and a comprehensive health insurance covering the remaining period of stay

This obligation does not apply to you if you are:

  • EU citizens
  • Holders of a valid EHIC or GHIC health insurance card
  • Foreign nationals covered by the Czech public health insurance scheme
  • Foreign nationals whose health care is covered under an international agreement (see the list here)

Charles University is partnered with PVZP to offer a discount on one of their comprehensive insurance packages, the Foreigners Comprehensive Medical Insurance EXCLUSIVE.

You can enroll online via a unique LINK for a 20% student discount on standard rates or via PVZP sales representatives for students over 30 or with pre-existing conditions.

This insurance package is:

  • Fully compliant with Czech legislation
  • Equivalent to Czech public health insurance
  • Includes emergency care in the Schengen area
  • Covers pre-existing conditions (if disclosed in advance)
  • Available for 4 to 60 months for students under 35

More information is available on the CUNI website.

This offer is non-exclusive, so you can of course choose another option from PVZP or a different provider that meets the visa requirements and may better suit your needs.

Charles University is partnered with Slavia pojišťovna to offer a discount on one of their comprehensive insurance packages, the Comprehensive Health Insurance for Foreigners – 131.

You can enroll online via a unique LINK for a 10% student discount for students or alumni under 35 years old. 

This insurance package is:

  • Fully compliant with Czech legislation
  • Equivalent to Czech public health insurance
  • Available for CU alumni on a „job seeking“ visa
  • Available for 1 to 60 months for students under 35

More information is available on the CUNI website.

This offer is non-exclusive, so you can of course choose another option from Slavia Pojišťovna or a different provider that meets the visa requirements and may better suit your needs.

All EU nationals should be able to cover the cost of standard medical treatment through their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), or through a Provisional Certificate.

However, in order to obtain treatment under the provisions of European regulations, you must make sure you contact a medical care institution that has a contract with the Czech Public Health Insurance System (most of the institutions do, but some are purely private). You must also take your EHIC card with you. Otherwise, the medical staff can insist on cash payment.

Other kinds of medical care, e.g. non-urgent treatment, or medically assisted transport home following serious illness or injury, are not covered by your EHIC, and for these eventualities, we recommend you to have extra commercial travel insurance.

EHIC is issued by your national health insurance provider. 

Important – the European Health Insurance Card:

  • is not an alternative to travel insurance. It does not cover any private healthcare or costs such as a return flight to your home country or lost/stolen property
  • does not cover your costs if you are travelling for the express purpose of obtaining medical treatment
  • does not guarantee free services. As each country’s healthcare system is different services that cost nothing at home might not be free in another country

Although the practitioner should (in theory) be willing to provide the treatment simply on the basis of your European Health Insurance Card, it will save you both time and a lot of unpleasant paper-work during the doctor’s visit if you register your EHIC in advance with any Czech insurance provider, who will act as an intermediary once you need medical care.

It is entirely up to you which Czech insurance provider you choose (there are many). The largest Czech insurance provider is Všeobecná zdravotní pojišťovna (VZP), and since they have the widest health-care network, we recommend choosing them.

Všeobecná zdravotní pojišťovna (VZP) – branches:

Praha 1 – Na PerštýněNa Perštýně 6, 110 00 Praha 1
Praha 1 – LazarskáLazarská 3, 110 00 Praha 1
Praha 2 – VinohradyŠkrétova 12, 120 00 Praha 2

You can register your card at any branch of VZP, but one of the largest branches in the city center is conveniently located 5 minutes‘ walk from Hollar, at Na Perštýně 6, Prague 1 (entrance in Martinská street). There is a queuing system in operation, pick a number from the machine by the entrance (press the button: for individual insurance, „individuální pojištěnci“ in Czech), and then wait till your number comes up. 

Before the start of the semester, you will need to register for your courses. Course registration is completed online through the Student Information System (SIS).

When registration takes place

  • Registration for the winter semester usually opens in the second half of September (around 20 September) – see Academic Calendar
  • The registration period typically lasts 3–4 weeks, until mid-October
  • Exact dates will be communicated via SIS or email

How to register 

  • Log in to SIS using your student credentials  
  • Select “Subjects and schedule registration” icon 

There are two options for electronic course registration available in the top green menu bar. 

  • First, register for compulsory and compulsory elective courses using “Enrollment (study plan)” 
  • Only afterwards, add elective courses using “Enrollment (my own)” 
  • Select your courses for the upcoming semester  
  • Confirm your registration in the system  

Important notes

  • We strongly recommend registering as early as possible, as some courses may have limited capacity
  • Make sure to follow any programme-specific requirements or recommendations when selecting courses
  • You can usually make changes to your registration during the registration period

What to do next

  • Monitor SIS for the opening of course registration
  • Register for your courses within the given timeframe
  • Prepare for the start of classes

After arrival

After completing your registration and arriving in Prague, you should obtain your Student ID Card, which serves as your official identification as a student of Charles University.

Where to get your Student ID Card

You can arrange and collect your Student ID Card at:

Charles University – UK Point
Celetná 13
110 00 Prague 1
Czech Republic

Types of Student ID Cards

At Charles University, you can choose between:

  • Standard Student ID Card
    • Confirms your student status
    • Allows access to university buildings and services
  • ISIC Card (International Student Identity Card)(recommended)
    • Includes all functions of the standard card
    • Provides additional international student discounts (transport, shops, travel, etc.)

How to obtain your card

  • Complete online pre-registration in the system (see https://cuni.cz/UKEN-2334.html)
  • Visit UK Point in person
  • Present a valid ID (passport or national ID card)
  • Have your photo taken (if not already uploaded)
  • Pay the applicable fee

Your card will typically be issued on the spot or within a short time.

Fees

  • The standard Student ID Card is issued free of charge
  • The ISIC Card requires an additional fee (approx. 300–400 CZK)

Exact fees and payment methods will be communicated via SIS or at UK Point.

Why the Student ID Card is important

Your Student ID Card allows you to:

  • Prove your status as a student of Charles University
  • Access university buildings, libraries, and study facilities
  • Use university systems and services
  • Obtain student discounts (especially with ISIC)
  • Use dormitory and dining services (if applicable)

Important information

  • The mobile version of the CU ID card is not sufficient; students are still required to hold a physical card. 
  • We strongly recommend obtaining your Student ID Card as soon as possible after arrival
  • Keep your card with you at all times while on campus
  • Additional details (opening hours, exact procedure) will be provided via SIS or during orientation

What to do next

  • Complete any required pre-registration
  • Visit UK Point after your arrival
  • Obtain your Student ID Card
  • Proceed with the next steps (orientation, start of classes)

Before the start of your studies, you will be invited to attend an orientation meeting for new students.

The orientation is designed to help you prepare for the beginning of your studies and to ensure a smooth transition into university life.

What to expect

  • Orientation meetings are held both in person and online
  • They take place at the end of September, shortly before the start of the semester
  • You will receive important information about:
    • the organization of your studies
    • course registration and the academic calendar
    • university systems and student services
  • You will also have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss any practical matters

Important information

  • Participation in the orientation meeting is strongly recommended
  • You will receive detailed information (dates, format, access links) in due time via email or SIS

What to do next

  • Check your email and SIS regularly for orientation details
  • Attend the orientation meeting (online or in person)
  • Prepare for the start of classes

Tuition fees are paid at the beginning of each semester after your enrollment. The Faculty of Arts will issue an official decision, which will be delivered to you via the Student Information System (SIS).

Tuition fee amount for Bachelor’s Psychology

  • 250,000 CZK per academic year

How payment works

  • You will receive an invoice after the start of each academic year
  • The payment deadline is stated on the decision (typically 15 days)
  • All payments must be made in Czech crowns (CZK)

Payment methods

You can pay your tuition fee using one of the following options:

  • Online payment by credit/debit card (via SIS)
  • Bank transfer

Important conditions

  • It is your responsibility to pay the tuition fee within the deadline stated in the decision
  • If the fee is not paid on time, the procedure for interruption of your studies will be initiated

Tuition fee obligation

Please note that tuition fees are assessed for the entire academic year:

  • By enrolling in the academic year, you commit to paying the full annual tuition fee (both semesters)
  • This obligation remains valid even if:
    • you terminate your studies during the academic year
    • you graduate mid-year
    • you interrupt your studies for part of the academic year

What to do next

  • Monitor SIS for your decision after the semester begins
  • Complete your payment within the deadline
  • Keep confirmation of payment for your records

Start of studies

At the beginning of the semester, your classes (lectures, seminars, and tutorials) will start according to the official  academic calendar.

Where to find your schedule

  • Your personal timetable is available in the Student Information System (SIS)
  • It includes:
    • Course names and types (lecture/seminar)
    • Dates and times
    • Classroom locations

Make sure to check  SIS regularly, as schedules may be updated, especially at the beginning of the semester.

Where classes take place

Most courses in the Bachelor’s Psychology programme take place at:

  • Main building of the Faculty of Arts, Charles University
    nám. Jana Palacha 2, Prague 1
  • Celetná 20 (where the Department of Psychology is located)
    Prague 1

Specific room locations will be indicated in SIS.

How to attend your classes

  • Attend all classes according to your registered timetable
  • Arrive on time (ideally 5 mins before your class starts) and follow any instructions provided by your lecturers
  • For seminars, active participation may be required and attendance may be monitored
  • Some courses may provide additional materials or communication via SIS or email

Important information

  • Regular attendance is strongly recommended and may be mandatory for some courses
  • Make sure you are properly registered for your courses (Step 7), otherwise you may not be able to attend or receive credit
  • If you encounter scheduling issues, contact your course instructor or programme coordinator as soon as possible

What to do next

  • Check your timetable in SIS
  • Locate your classrooms in advance (especially during the first week)

Attend your first classes and begin your studies

At the beginning of your studies, you will be invited to attend the matriculation ceremony, a formal academic event during which new students are officially admitted into the academic community of Charles University.

What is the matriculation ceremony

The matriculation ceremony is a traditional university event marking the official start of your academic journey. During the ceremony:

  • you are formally welcomed as a member of the academic community
  • you take the matriculation oath, expressing your commitment to your studies and to the values of the University

What is the matriculation oath:
You pledge to fulfill your duties as a student, respect the traditions and reputation of Charles University, and study in a way that contributes positively to society.

When and where it takes place

  • Matriculation at the Faculty of Arts is organized for bachelor’s students only
  • It usually takes place at the beginning of the academic year, during the first weeks of the semester
  • The ceremony is typically held in a prestigious venue such as the Great Hall of the Karolinum (Ovocný trh 5, Prague 1)
  • You will receive an official invitation with the exact date and time via email

Important information

  • Participation is voluntary, but strongly recommended
  • The ceremony is not open to the public
  • Regular teaching is not automatically cancelled during the ceremony

Please note that all students (regardless of attendance) are required to complete the matriculation oath:

  • either in person during enrollment, or
  • electronically via the university system (Moodle)

Why it is important to attend

  • It is an important academic tradition marking your entry into the University
  • You formally become part of the academic community
  • It offers a unique opportunity to experience the historical and ceremonial aspects of studying at Charles University

What to do next

  • Check your email for your official invitation
  • Attend the matriculation ceremony (if you choose to participate)
  • Ensure that you have completed the matriculation oath (required for all students)
  • If you have any questions, contact promoce@ff.cuni.cz