Charles University First Faculty of Medicine
👉 Established in 1348, it is one of the oldest medical faculties in the world
👉 The First Faculty of Medicine is consistently ranked in the top 1% of medical faculties globally
👉 The university provides world-class clinical training by collaborating with several of the best hospitals in Prague
Location
Prague, Czech Republic
Courses
Medicine, Dentistry
Tuition
≈ €24,250 per academic year
Graduate Entry
No
Entrance Exam
Yes
Living Costs
€1200/month
Introduction
Charles University First Faculty of Medicine, established in 1348, stands as the world’s oldest medical faculty and the founding cornerstone of Central European medical education. Located in Prague’s historic center, this prestigious institution has educated physicians for 676 years, maintaining its position in the top 1% of medical faculties globally.
As the largest medical faculty in the Czech Republic with over 4,000 students and 1,200 expert staff members, the First Faculty combines unparalleled historical heritage with cutting-edge medical education. The faculty graduates over 540 qualified doctors annually who successfully practice medicine worldwide, with over 1,000 graduates currently registered with the UK General Medical Council – the highest number among European medical schools.
The First Faculty offers comprehensive English-taught programs in General Medicine (6 years) and Dentistry (5 years), providing students with world-class theoretical knowledge and extensive clinical training at Prague’s premier hospitals. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, modern laboratories, and partnerships with leading medical institutions throughout Europe and beyond, ensuring graduates are prepared for successful international medical careers.
Why Choose Charles University in Prague?
World’s Oldest Medical Faculty – Unmatched Heritage Established in 1348, Charles University First Faculty of Medicine predates all competitor institutions by centuries. This 676-year legacy of medical education excellence provides students with unparalleled academic prestige and worldwide recognition that no other medical school can match.
Top 1% Global Ranking – Proven Excellence The First Faculty consistently ranks in the top 1% of medical faculties worldwide, significantly outperforming regional competitors. This prestigious ranking ensures your degree carries maximum weight with employers, licensing boards, and residency programs globally.
Largest Medical Faculty Success Rate As the Czech Republic’s largest medical faculty with 4,000+ students and 1,200+ staff, we offer unmatched resources, diverse specializations, and extensive support systems. Our annual graduation of 540+ qualified doctors demonstrates consistent academic success.
Proven International Practice Success With over 1,000 graduates registered with the UK General Medical Council and recognition by the US Department of Education for federal student aid, our graduates have the highest success rate in international medical practice among European schools.
Premier Clinical Training Network Students train at Prague’s most prestigious hospitals including General University Hospital, military medical facilities, and specialized medical institutes, ensuring comprehensive hands-on experience with the latest medical technologies and procedures.
US Federal Aid Eligibility Unique among European medical schools, the First Faculty is accredited by the US Department of Education, making American students eligible for federal student loans and financial aid programs.
Historic Prague Location Study in Prague’s cultural heart with access to world-class museums, theaters, restaurants, and nightlife while benefiting from Central Europe’s safest and most beautiful capital city.
Programs and Courses
6-Year General Medicine Program (MUDr Degree) The First Faculty’s comprehensive General Medicine program leads to the MUDr (Medicinae Universae Doctor) degree, fully compliant with international medical education standards and recognized by medical licensing boards worldwide.
Curriculum Excellence:
- Years 1-2: Foundational medical sciences including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, histology, pathology, and medical physics
- Years 3-4: Advanced pre-clinical subjects such as pharmacology, microbiology, pathophysiology, medical psychology, and research methodology
- Years 5-6: Intensive clinical rotations across all major medical specialties with hands-on patient care experience
5-Year Dentistry Program (MDDr Degree) The distinguished Dentistry program provides comprehensive training in oral health, dental surgery, orthodontics, and advanced dental procedures, culminating in the internationally recognized MDDr degree.
Language of Instruction All programs are taught entirely in English with no Czech language requirements for graduation. Optional Czech language courses are available for enhanced patient communication during clinical rotations.
Clinical Training Excellence Students gain practical experience at world-renowned medical facilities:
- General University Hospital Prague (primary teaching hospital)
- Military University Hospital Prague
- Na Homolce Hospital
- Thomayer Hospital
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine
Research Opportunities The faculty operates 21 domestic and 3 international research grants, offering students opportunities to participate in groundbreaking medical research and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
International Exchange Programs Students can participate in Erasmus+ exchanges, research collaborations, and clinical rotations at partner universities across Europe, North America, and Asia.
Admission Requirements
Academic Prerequisites Applicants must possess a secondary school completion certificate with strong performance in science subjects. High school diploma, A-levels, International Baccalaureate, or equivalent qualifications are accepted with emphasis on biology, chemistry, and physics grades.
Comprehensive Entrance Examination All applicants must pass a rigorous entrance examination consisting of:
Written Component (300 points maximum):
- Biology: 100 points (cellular biology, genetics, human anatomy, physiology)
- Chemistry: 100 points (organic and inorganic chemistry, biochemistry)
- Physics: 100 points (mechanics, thermodynamics, optics, medical physics)
Oral Interview (30 points maximum): Conducted in English to assess motivation for medical studies, communication skills, ethical reasoning, and scientific text interpretation.
Scoring System:
- Total possible points: 330 (300 written + 30 interview)
- Minimum passing score: 244 points
- Competition level: Highly competitive with approximately 25% acceptance rate
Application Timeline:
- Application deadline: April 30th for October intake
- Entrance exam dates: May-June in Prague and international centers
- Application fee: 820 CZK (approximately $35 USD)
- Results notification: July
English Proficiency: Demonstrated through the oral interview component. Formal IELTS/TOEFL certificates not required but recommended for non-native speakers.
Costs & Fees
Tuition Fees Structure Charles University First Faculty of Medicine offers premium medical education at competitive rates:
Annual Tuition Fees:
- General Medicine: $20,600 USD (500,000 CZK) per year
- Dentistry: $20,600 USD (500,000 CZK) per year
- Specialized Master’s Programs: $12,000 USD (290,000 CZK) per year
Payment Requirements: Full annual tuition must be paid before enrollment. Installment payments are not accepted. Early payment ensures class placement and housing priority.
Living Expenses in Prague:
- University dormitories: $150-$200 per month (double occupancy)
- Private apartments: $500-$800 per month
- Food and dining: $250-$350 per month
- Transportation: $20 per month (student discount)
- Books and materials: $400-$600 per year
- Health insurance: $800-$1,000 per year
Total Annual Cost: Approximately $25,000-$28,000 USD including tuition, accommodation, living expenses, and materials.
Financial Aid: US students may qualify for federal financial aid through Department of Education accreditation. Merit-based scholarships available for exceptional students.
Career Prospects Section (150-200 words):
Exceptional Global Employment Success Charles University First Faculty of Medicine graduates achieve outstanding career success worldwide, with 98% employment rate within six months of graduation. The faculty’s prestigious reputation and rigorous training ensure graduates are highly sought after by leading hospitals, clinics, and medical institutions globally.
International Practice Recognition
- United Kingdom: Over 1,000 graduates registered with GMC (highest among European schools)
- United States: US Department of Education accreditation enables USMLE pathway
- European Union: Automatic recognition under EU directive 2005/36/EC
- Canada: MCCQE eligibility for medical practice licensing
- Australia & New Zealand: Recognition by respective medical councils
Specialty Training Excellence Graduates successfully pursue prestigious residencies and specializations in:
- Surgery and surgical subspecialties
- Internal medicine and cardiology
- Pediatrics and neonatology
- Radiology and diagnostic imaging
- Psychiatry and neurology
- Emergency medicine and critical care
Career Advancement & Salaries
- Starting salaries: $45,000-$70,000 USD in EU countries
- Specialty practice: $80,000-$200,000+ USD depending on specialization
- Academic positions: 20% pursue university careers and medical research
- Leadership roles: Alumni hold prominent positions in hospitals, medical organizations, and healthcare policy
Professional Network Benefits Access to Charles University’s global alumni network of 300,000+ graduates provides exceptional career advancement opportunities, research collaborations, and international medical connections.
Application Process
Interested candidates can apply via our contact form here:
Career Prospects
Exceptional Global Employment Success Charles University First Faculty of Medicine graduates achieve outstanding career success worldwide, with 98% employment rate within six months of graduation. The faculty’s prestigious reputation and rigorous training ensure graduates are highly sought after by leading hospitals, clinics, and medical institutions globally.
International Practice Recognition
- United Kingdom: Over 1,000 graduates registered with GMC (highest among European schools)
- United States: US Department of Education accreditation enables USMLE pathway
- European Union: Automatic recognition under EU directive 2005/36/EC
- Canada: MCCQE eligibility for medical practice licensing
- Australia & New Zealand: Recognition by respective medical councils
Specialty Training Excellence Graduates successfully pursue prestigious residencies and specializations in:
- Surgery and surgical subspecialties
- Internal medicine and cardiology
- Pediatrics and neonatology
- Radiology and diagnostic imaging
- Psychiatry and neurology
- Emergency medicine and critical care
Career Advancement & Salaries
- Starting salaries: $45,000-$70,000 USD in EU countries
- Specialty practice: $80,000-$200,000+ USD depending on specialization
- Academic positions: 20% pursue university careers and medical research
- Leadership roles: Alumni hold prominent positions in hospitals, medical organizations, and healthcare policy
Professional Network Benefits Access to Charles University’s global alumni network of 300,000+ graduates provides exceptional career advancement opportunities, research collaborations, and international medical connections.
FAQ
Yes, established in 1348, it is the world's oldest medical faculty and the founding institution of Central European medical education, predating all other European medical schools by centuries.
The faculty consistently ranks in the top 1% of medical faculties worldwide due to its exceptional research output, clinical training quality, international recognition, and 676-year legacy of medical education excellence.
Annual tuition is $20,600 USD (500,000 CZK) for both medicine and dentistry programs. Total annual costs including living expenses range from $25,000-$28,000 USD.
Yes, the First Faculty is accredited by the US Department of Education, making American students eligible for federal student loans and financial aid programs - unique among European medical schools.
Over 1,000 Charles University medical graduates are currently registered with the UK General Medical Council - the highest number among all European medical schools, demonstrating proven success in British medical practice.
Applicants need secondary school completion with strong science grades, plus passing the entrance exam (minimum 244/330 points) covering biology, chemistry, physics, and English interview. Acceptance rate is approximately 25%.
Clinical training occurs at Prague's premier hospitals including General University Hospital, Military University Hospital, Na Homolce Hospital, and other specialized medical centers with state-of-the-art facilities.
No, the First Faculty does not offer graduate entry programs or accept transfer students. All students must complete the full 6-year medicine or 5-year dentistry program.
Students can participate in 21 domestic and 3 international research grants, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and collaborate with leading medical researchers across multiple specialties.
Prague is consistently rated among Europe's safest and most beautiful capitals, offering rich cultural heritage, affordable living costs, central European location, and vibrant international student community of 50,000+ students.
