Entrance Exam Guide

Czech Medical University Entrance Exams

Each Czech medical university runs its own examination. Biology and Chemistry are the core subjects. Charles University has three separate faculties in Prague — each with its own exam. Apply from November.

11 universitiesBiology + Chemistry focusApply from November

All Czech universities with entrance exams

University	City	Score	Tuition/year	Selectivity
UVS Brno (Veterinary)	Brno	4.460	~€5,800	Moderate-High
Palacký University Olomouc	Olomouc	3.865	~€10,000	Moderate
University of Ostrava	Ostrava	3.835	~€9,000	Accessible
CU Faculty Medicine Pilsen	Pilsen	3.790	~€13,000	Moderate
CU Faculty Medicine Hradec Králové	Hradec Králové	3.700	~€13,000	Moderate
CU Third Faculty Medicine Prague	Prague	3.685	~€14,000	High
Masaryk University Brno	Brno	3.600	~€12,000	Moderate
CU Second Faculty Medicine Prague	Prague	3.570	~€14,000	High
CU First Faculty Medicine Prague	Prague	3.460	~€15,000	High
CU Faculty Pharmacy Hradec Králové	Hradec Králové	3.200	~€11,000	Moderate

Charles University note: CU First Faculty Prague scores 3.460 — lower than Palacký (3.865) and Ostrava (3.835) — due to higher tuition, more limited places, and administrative complexity. This reflects practical student experience metrics, not academic quality. Charles University's institutional prestige is significant and relevant for postgraduate opportunities. Consider both factors when making your decision.

Exam format and what to expect

Palacký University Olomouc — recommended starting point

Highest-scoring human medicine option after UVS Brno. Written Biology and Chemistry exam in English. Multiple choice format. Well-documented past paper resources available. Olomouc is a beautiful, affordable university city — often recommended by students as an excellent balance of quality, cost, and lifestyle. Application opens November–January. Exams typically April–June.

Official website: lf.upol.cz — admissions section

University of Ostrava — accessible and underrated

Second-highest scoring human medicine option. More accessible admissions than Palacký or Charles University. Biology and Chemistry written exam. Ostrava is an industrial city in northeast Moravia — not the most glamorous location, but very affordable and with a growing international student community. Strong clinical hospital network. Application opens November–February. Exams typically May–June.

Official website: lf.osu.cz — admissions section

Charles University Faculties (Prague, Pilsen, Hradec Králové)

Five separate faculties — three in Prague, one in Pilsen, one in Hradec Králové. Each has its own entrance exam and admissions process. Prague faculties (First, Second, Third) are the most selective. Pilsen and Hradec Králové are more accessible while retaining the Charles University name. All exams cover Biology and Chemistry. The Prague faculties are competitive — equivalent difficulty to the more selective Polish and Hungarian universities. Apply to each faculty separately.

Official websites: lf1.cuni.cz, lf2.cuni.cz, lf3.cuni.cz, lfp.cuni.cz, lfhk.cuni.cz

Preparation

What to study

Biology: Cell biology, genetics, human anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, ecology, evolution

Chemistry: Atomic structure, chemical bonding, organic chemistry, chemical reactions, equilibrium

Past papers from your specific target universities — each has a different question style

UVS Brno (veterinary): additional animal biology and basic veterinary science content

Charles University Prague: Higher difficulty — treat as equivalent to competitive Polish university prep

Realistic timelines

Strong A-Level/IB Biology + Chemistry (Ostrava, Palacký)3–4 months

Strong science background (Masaryk, CU Pilsen/HK)4–5 months

Charles University Prague faculties5–7 months

UVS Brno veterinary4–6 months

Past papers: Each university publishes past papers and sample questions on its admissions page. Go directly to each faculty website — the admissions or international students section. These are free and the most important resource. There is no centralised repository for Czech medical entrance exam papers.

route.doctor has no financial relationship with any preparation provider.

Frequently asked questions

No. Each Czech medical university — including each of Charles University's separate faculties — runs its own entrance examination. There is no national centralised exam. Formats are broadly similar (Biology and Chemistry written exam) but questions, content emphasis, difficulty, and dates differ. You can apply to multiple universities and sit exams on different dates. Most international applicants apply to 2–4 Czech universities simultaneously.

Charles University's three Prague faculties (First, Second, Third) are the most prestigious — founded in 1348, they carry significant institutional weight. However, in our scoring they rank lower than Palacký Olomouc (3.865) and Ostrava (3.835) because of higher tuition (€14,000–15,000/year), more limited places for international students, and more competitive admissions. For students who prioritise prestige and research environment, Charles University Prague faculties are worth the extra difficulty. For students prioritising value-for-quality, Palacký and Ostrava score higher in our database.

Czech universities are generally more accessible than IMAT but more selective than most Romanian universities. Palacký Olomouc and Ostrava are particularly recommended for having competitive but achievable exams at strong universities. Charles University Prague faculties are the most selective in the Czech Republic. Masaryk University in Brno sits in the mid-range. Regional universities have more accessible admissions. With 3–5 months of focused Biology and Chemistry preparation, students with solid science backgrounds are competitive at most Czech universities.

Yes — all formal entrance examinations are held at the university in the Czech Republic. Some universities offer online preliminary assessments or application interviews, but the formal entrance exam must be sat in person. This is a logistical consideration — particularly if applying to multiple universities in different cities. Charles University's three Prague faculties are all close together; Palacký (Olomouc), Masaryk (Brno), and Ostrava are in separate cities requiring separate trips.

University of Veterinary Sciences Brno (score 4.460 — one of the highest in our entire database) is a specialist veterinary university with its own admissions process. It is not part of Charles University. The entrance exam tests Biology and Chemistry with some veterinary science knowledge. Competition is significant — UVS Brno has an excellent European reputation and limited English-programme places. For veterinary medicine specifically, UVS Brno is the top Czech option and worth focused preparation.

Czech universities typically open applications November–February for September intake. Entrance exams are held April–June. Offer letters are issued May–July. This is an earlier cycle than some other countries — do not delay. Some popular programmes (particularly Charles University Prague) fill quickly. Applying as early as possible within the application window is recommended, particularly for non-EU students who need visa processing time after receiving an offer.

Which Czech universities fit your profile?

Palacký vs Charles University vs Ostrava — the right choice depends on your grades, goals, and budget.

Czech Republic country guide →No-exam alternatives →