Which university fits my grades and budget?

Is the preparatory year mandatory for studying medicine?

No, it's not mandatory at all. If you already know Czech and have studied the admission subjects yourself, you can take the entrance exam directly. But be realistic: learning the language well enough typically takes about two years of dedicated study, and language courses cost roughly €5,000/year.

What language level is required for medicine and dentistry?

B2 for Charles University's Plzeň branch and Ostrava University's medicine program; C1 for Charles University's Prague and Hradec Králové branches. Masaryk University (Brno) and Palacký University don't require a language certificate for medicine: you just need the high school equivalency certificate and to pass the entrance exam. Pharmacy doesn't require a language certificate at all, only the entrance exam.

What subjects are on the medicine entrance exam?

Biology, Physics, and Chemistry for human medicine or dentistry across the Czech Republic. For pharmacy, it's just Chemistry and Biology. Admission is based purely on the entrance exam result plus your equivalency certificate, not your high school GPA.

How does student dormitory priority work?

Each faculty has its own set of dormitory buildings. Priority goes first to students of that same faculty, then to students from other faculties, then to students from institutes. If your faculty's building is full, you'll need to apply to another university's dormitories. VŠE's dormitories in Prague are the most popular fallback and are consistently well-rated.

How do I apply for student housing?

Applications are made online through the ISKAM system, or in person at the Central Accommodation Office. If your faculty has no space available, look into other dormitory buildings or check apartment rental groups on Facebook and sites like Sreality.

How many hours can I legally work while studying, and how much will I earn?

Students with a residence permit for the purpose of "study" have free access to the Czech labour market, no work permit needed and no fixed hour limit. Verify your specific visa type, as other residence purposes may carry restrictions. Entry-level wages (e.g. restaurant work) start around 120–180 CZK/hour. Work in your field pays according to industry, so check sites like Indeed or Salary Explorer. English alone can get you work, but Czech usually unlocks better pay and more options.