Studying medicine in the Czech Republic

Advantages of studying medicine in the Czech Republic

You've finished your A-levels and would now like to start your long-awaited medical studies. But perhaps you've now realised that it's not that easy to find a place to study medicine in Germany. Medizinstudienplatz to get. An above-average school leaving certificate or an outstanding TMS - Test für medizinische Studiengänge are a major hurdle for many future medical students. One solution could be to study medicine in the Czech Republic, for example.

You can find the advantages of choosing to study medicine in the Czech Republic here:

Numerus Clausus (NC)-free study programme and study programme with Fachabitur

If you don't want to give up your dream of a career in medicine even without a 1.0 A-level, you can consider starting your medical studies in the Czech Republic - because there is no NC required. The Abitur certificate is sufficient to start studying medicine!

Good news for all those who don't have A-levels: There are also opportunities in other European countries to Medizinstudium mit Fachabitur to make. The Czech Republic is one of them!

Study in English

Although the national language in the Czech Republic is Czech, the degree programmes with lectures and seminars are held in English at medical universities. Your knowledge of English from school will be sufficient to make your medical studies in the Czech Republic a complete success.

Medical studies in the Czech Republic: simple recognition in Germany

If you have completed your studies in the Czech Republic, you have exactly the same opportunities to practise medicine in Germany or other EU countries as German medical students. Even during your studies, you can do clinical traineeships or parts of your practical year in German hospitals without any problems.

Close to home despite studying medicine abroad

The Czech Republic is a neighbouring country of Germany and the capital Prague is only a 2-3 hour drive away from some East German cities. So if you don't want to be so far away from your family, you could find a solution by studying in the Czech Republic. Czech Republic is out of the question? Then take a look at neighbouring Poland: Medizinstudium Polen.

Studying medicine in the Czech Republic: At which universities?

Studying medicine in the Czech Republic is not only a good alternative to the German NC system - it is also a high-quality, internationally recognised education with modern campus life and affordable study conditions. Several renowned universities in the country offer English-language programmes in human medicine and dentistry. Below you will find the most important universities, their special features and relevant facts summarised in clear points.

Charles University in Prague - the best-known address for medicine in the Czech Republic

Charles University in Prague was founded in 1348 and is not only the oldest university in Central Europe, but also one of the most renowned medical universities in Europe. It has a total of five medical faculties, three of which are in Prag and one each in Pilsen and Hradec Králové (Königgrätz). All faculties offer an English-language degree programme in human medicine and, in some cases, dentistry.

First Faculty of Medicine - classic & strong in research

The 1st Faculty of Medicine is considered the most traditional and academically renowned. It offers over 150 study places for international students every year. In addition to a strong focus on research, it cooperates with Chemnitz Hospital so that you can complete parts of your practical training there - a huge advantage for your later career start in Germany.

Second Faculty of Medicine - modern & international

The 2nd Faculty of Medicine offers around 90 places for English-speaking medical students every year. Your clinical training will take place at Motol University Hospital, one of the largest and most modern hospitals in the Czech Republic. The faculty has a strong international focus and attracts applicants from all over the world.

Third Faculty of Medicine - familiar & innovative

The 3rd Faculty of Medicine is also particularly popular, with its innovative teaching concept, smaller groups and personalised support. Specialised courses such as high altitude medicine, psychotherapy or endoscopy await you here - content that goes beyond the standard curriculum and provides you with additional skills.

Studying medicine in Pilsen - modern campus & favourable cost of living

The Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen (4th faculty of Charles University) is located around 95 kilometres west of Prague. Here you can study human medicine or dentistry in English. Since 2022, there has been a modern new building with the latest equipment. The city is not only known for its famous beer, but also for its comparatively low rent and cost of living - a real plus point for students.

Pilsen also offers a lively student life with many cafés, bars, sports facilities and cultural events. There are also programmes available here for you to complete part of your practical training in Germany.

Hradec Králové - international research & practice in the USA

The 5th Faculty of Medicine of Charles University is located in Hradec Králové, a charming town to the east of Prague. In addition to state-of-the-art research facilities, it offers a co-operation with the Mayo Clinic in the USA - ranked the best clinic in the world. You can complete a three-month summer internship there and gain a unique insight into the US healthcare system.

Students particularly praise the informal atmosphere, the practice-orientated training and the high quality of teaching in English.

Masaryk University Brno - Simulation, Innovation & Campus Life

The Masaryk University (MUNI) in Brünn is the second largest university in the country with around 35,000 students. Here you have the opportunity to both Humanmedizin as well as study dentistry in English. Particularly noteworthy is the modern simulation centre, in which realistic practical scenarios are practised - ideal for preparing for clinical challenges.

Brno itself is a young, dynamic city with many students, international flair and a great quality of life. Thanks to co-operation with five different teaching hospitals, your clinical training is broadly diversified and practice-oriented.

University of Ostrava - young, practical & innovative

The University of Ostrava is home to the youngest medical faculty in the Czech Republic. It focuses on small learning groups, patient-centred teaching and innovative teaching methods. Right from the start, you will be closely involved in everyday clinical practice and learn in state-of-the-art laboratories and skills labs.

Practice-orientated students in particular feel at home here - the motto is: apply knowledge, don't just consume it.

Palacky University Olomouc - international & affordable living

The Palacký University in Olmütz (Olomouc) is one of the most traditional universities in the Czech Republic. Every year, 65 international study places are awarded in the field of human medicine - the language of instruction is English, the curriculum complies with the Bologna Process and is also recognised in the USA.

The city of Olomouc is located in the east of the country and offers everything a student's heart desires: a beautiful old town, many leisure activities, international students and - most importantly - favourable rents and a low cost of living.

What requirements do you need to study medicine in the Czech Republic?

Have you passed your A-levels or are you about to do so? Then you already have the most important prerequisite for applying to study medicine in the Czech Republic. Unlike in Germany, you don't have to worry about NC or waiting semesters. The application criteria of Czech universities are much more accessible - what counts is your commitment and your preparation for the entrance exam.

1. general higher education entrance qualification - Abitur or Fachabitur

• The general higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) is a prerequisite at all medical faculties in the Czech Republic.

• Some universities also accept the Fachabitur under certain conditions, especially in combination with a science background.

• Important: An NC is not required - your Abitur grade has no influence on admission.

2. entrance examination as a central selection criterion

Instead of relying on school grades, Czech universities require a standardised entrance test, usually consisting of multiple-choice questions in:

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Partial physics or maths

Some universities add a short interview or a letter of motivation to the exam, but this depends on the faculty.

Tip: The exam is very doable - with targeted preparation, e.g. through preparation courses such as futuredoctor, your chances increase considerably.

3. knowledge of English - certificate usually not necessary

The medical degree programme is taught entirely in English. In most cases, your school English is sufficient for the application.

• No TOEFL or IELTS required

• A short language test is only carried out in rare cases

4. further documents for the application

Depending on the university, you may also need

• Completed application form

• Copy of passport or identity card

• Translated and notarised school leaving certificate

• Medical certificate of fitness to study

• Optional: CV, letter of motivation, letter of recommendation