Charles University Exchange | Global Education Oregon

Charles University Exchange

Language Requirement: None

Academic Standing by Program Start: Sophomore or Above

Location: Europe, Czech Republic

GPA: 3.0

Program Overview

Study abroad as an exchange student in Prague! In this exchange program, you will enroll directly in classes at Charles University. Charles is the oldest, largest and most prestigious university in the Czech Republic. The University has 17 Faculties and 53,000 students enrolled in more than 270 accredited academic programs and 600 departments. The University provides unique opportunities for exchange students to take full advantage of the culture and lifestyle that is uniquely Prague with easy access to the City Center. Charles does not have a central campus. Faculties and departments are scattered around Central Prague. UO students can enroll for classes at the Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Humanities, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, and Faculty of Social Sciences.

Charles has a Psychological Counselling Centre that provides services to help students deal with challenges in emotional, interpersonal, and academic/career–choice situations. Charles provides ongoing support for students with special needs including special aids, assistants and specialist guides for students with disabilities. LGBT students are supported by Charlie, a support and advocacy group that offers ongoing activities and organize events to integrate LGBT students into the larger community. The Charles University International Club schedules a variety of social, cultural and sporting events for both international and Czech students, and helps international students through their stay in Prague.

The City of Prague is considered by many to be the most picturesque in Europe. Nicknamed the "City of 100 hundred spires," some of the buildings in the Prague's Old Town date back as far as the Ninth Century. "New Town", situated adjacent to the Old Town, was constructed by Charles IV in the 14th Century. Located next to the River Vlatva in Central Bohemia, modern Prague is home to more than 1.2 million people and ranks among the cultural gems of the continent. Listed as a UNESCO's World Heritage Site, the city is full of life with magnificent museums, festivals, and a vibrant and globally renowned film industry.

Dates and Deadlines


Term	Year	Deadline	Arrival Date	Departure Date
Fall/Winter Semester	2025-26	2/1/2025	Late September	Mid-February
Academic Year	2025-26	2/1/2025	Late September	Early July
Spring Semester	2026	2/1/2025	Mid February	Early July

The application process for this program is competitive: GEO staff will review your application materials, and a decision about your enrollment will not be made until after the application deadline. In some cases, an interview is required. If your program requires an interview, you will be contacted with further details about this process after the application deadline. Early applications are encouraged.

Successful applicants will receive an exchange nomination from GEO. Selection will be based on a holistic review of your application. This includes a review of your GPA, transcripts (including courses taken and in-progress), any additional requirements or prerequisites (see section "Additional Requirements"), and written statements.

Applying for an exchange program involves 2 steps. If you receive a nomination from GEO, you will also need to complete the host university's application, which is administered and reviewed by your host university directly. Instructions will be provided after acceptance by GEO. The host university makes the final decision regarding acceptance into the program.

Academic Details

The academic year at Charles is divided in two semesters. The winter semester starts at the end of September and finishes before Christmas with an exam period in January of the following year. The summer semester starts at the end of February and finishes at the end of May with an exam period in June.

Exchange students at Charles University have access to a large variety of coursework available in English, which are attended mainly by international students. Please note that Charles does not finalize their course offerings until the beginning of the semester. We recommend viewing the course lists for previous terms to see what might be offered in future terms, but plan to be flexible and have a list of back-up course options in case your first choices are not available.

UO students can apply for courses at the following faculties:
Faculty of Mathematics and Physics
Faculty of Physical Education and Sport
Faculty of Social Sciences
Faculty of Arts
Faculty of Humanities

Important: Most of the courses should be chosen at one faculty, possibly from the offerings of the faculty corresponding to your UO major. This faculty will then be considered your host faculty at Charles. After admission by your host faculty, you may apply to one or two courses at one other faculty as well. Most courses are small at Charles University and require a lot of interactive learning (presentations, participation, etc.), It is highly advisable to do your weekly reading as Charles places emphasis on out of classroom learning. Students usually get three opportunities to take final exams for each class.

Charles University uses the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) which is a workload-based system for measuring and comparing study results. Courses are usually valued at 4-6 ECTS credits. ECTS credits are transferred to the UO at the rate of 1 ECTS credit = .75 quarter credits.

Undergraduate exchange students are asked to apply to at least four courses, graduate students to at least three ones. Students attending Charles must register for 30 ECTS in the fall semester and in 30 ECTS in the spring semester.

Note: You should consult with your UO academic advisor before submitting your course enrollment to Charles University.

Course Equivalencies

UO students: please refer to the UO Course Equivalency Process and the UO Office of the Registrar Course Equivalency Database.

Non-UO students: Actual credit awarded is determined by the relevant department at your university in consultation with the study abroad office. Check with your study abroad advisor for more information.

Housing Description

Accommodation of exchange students in student dormitories is arranged by the receiving faculties. They are mostly lodged in the Vetrnik and the Hvezda dormitories, which are not within walking distance to certain faculties. Students typically live in double-occupancy rooms with a shared kitchen and bathroom. Single rooms are not available. Bed linens are provided but cooking utensils and towels are not.

If Charles University arranges accommodations, the accommodation agreement will be included as part of the acceptance letter. If you would like to find accommodations on your own, it is important to note that an accommodation agreement is necessary when applying for a visa. Talk to your GEO advisor if you want to pursue independent housing.