Palacký University Olomouc is the oldest university in Moravia and the second oldest in the Czech Republic. Its history goes back to 1573. The development of Olomouc's university throughout four centuries has reflected the milestones in European and Czech history.
In 2020, 21,824 students studied in 840 accredited study programmes at eight faculties that offer 840 Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral study programmes. Applicants may choose from a broad variety of programmes, ranging from theology, education, physical culture and sports, through humanities, social sciences and arts, to natural, medical, and health sciences. The credit system at UP is fully compatible with ECTS – The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System. The prestigious status of the university in Olomouc is confirmed each year by the vast numbers of young applicants, as well as mature students such as seniors and other interested persons.
The doctoral study programmes are organized by the Olomouc University Social Health Institute (OUSHI) and the Faculty of Theology. Some of the research areas are as follows: qualitative research in the field of health, certified DIPEx methodology, cultural psychology and ethnic minority research, spirituality, public health, health and personality, Church history and applied ethics, Christian philosophy and others.
OUSHI is currently a partner in a Horizon 2020 project called SHAPES, researching age friendliness and the use of technology to improve the life of senior citizens.
The aim of the social and spiritual determinants of the health programme is to prepare graduates for independent research in selected specializations with the use of the bio-psycho-socio-spiritual model of health, who should be able to critically examine, develop and place the information into the current and international specialized context. Prospective employers include academia, public health organizations, governmental bodies, NGOs.
Students of the theology programmes will find employment in academic, research, administrative or pastoral positions within the entire Catholic Church.
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Based on 23 reviews
The university provides high standard education with several options for internships as a practical tool for students to gain experience within their fields of studies. I enjoy the activities for students throughout the year.
Palack� University in Olomouc is a place where history meets modernity, but what truly makes it special is the student culture that permeates the city. The student-run caf�-bar network, like the infamous Vertigo, offers spaces to socialize, study, or even catch a poetry slam. As a student of psychology, I appreciated the university's emphasis on hands-on learning through partnerships with local clinics and NGOs. Olomouc is compact, meaning everything � from lecture halls to your favorite bakery � is within walking distance. What�s often overlooked is the university�s thriving tradition of volunteering. From environmental clean-ups to cultural festivals like Academia Film Olomouc, there�s always a way to contribute and connect. The Botanical Garden near the Faculty of Science became my go-to spot for peaceful reflection after a long day. Palack� University isn�t just an institution; it�s a community deeply embedded in one of the most charming cities in Europe.
First of all I think evaluating the university as a whole is not relevant, as we all study at different faculties and departments and very often the environment and approach changes from one to another very much. I can only try to evaluate my department, which is the Department of Sociology, Andragogy and Cultural Anthropology and even within it several differences are observable. As an anthropology student, I am very content with the approach of my department. Lecturers are real professionals with a lot of research and academic experiences so it is always wonderful to learn from them. Most of them is also trying to take a more open and egalitarian approach towards teaching which I find more effective and which in my opinion helps students find their intrinsic motivation and therefore brings up anthropologists with a clear sense of their own responsibility. However there are several things at the department in general which I am rather critical about. There is a very clear hierarchy among the individual fields of study and the dominance of some can be harmful to others - speaking not only about the variety of classes offered but also about financing and other opportunities connected to the topic. My biggest concern (but I believe this is rather a systemic problem than the department's itself) is about the focus on publications from the lecturers - they are generally more important than the level of pedagogical dedication and this creates a high pressure environment for the lecturers who want to teach science, not only do it. Overall however, I am very happy at my department and would like to continue all the way to doctoral studies here.
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Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
By TopUniversities
Dropped 43 places compared to 2026
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 651 | 668 | 711 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
By U.S. News & World Report
Climbed 10 places compared to 2026
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 671 | 737 | 727 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
By Times Higher Education
This university doesn’t have a ranking for 2027 yet. Rankings are updated yearly, so check back later for the latest info.
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| - | 1001 | - |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
By Shanghai Jiao Tong University
This university doesn’t have a ranking for 2026 yet. Rankings are updated yearly, so check back later for the latest info.
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 601 | 701 | - |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Students are supported by the student office at the Faculty of Theology as well as the international relations office. Thanks to their extensive experience with the Erasmus programme our staff is happy to address any issues and challenges that may arise during your stay and study in the Czech Republic. In addition, the Institute of Social Health has established a dedicated position of a Foreign PhD Coordinator, assisting the applicants and students during the entire application, acceptance and studying process.
The university provides accommodation to students if required. The dormitories are situated either a 10-minute walk or a 15-minute tram ride from the main building of the university. There are several single-rooms available, however, most students share rooms with another student.
The university library provides in-house use for studying in the library and also loan services for studying outside of the library. Charge out services are limited to students and employees of the university. Students are free to use the internet connections for their notebooks, Wi-Fi, computer rooms and clubrooms.
Wi-Fi access is provided free of charge at all university areas. Computers are available to use in the university library. All information and services are accessible via a university app called UP Portal.
The university has its own contracted GP who provides medical care to foreign students. Students coming to the Czech Republic to stay are advised to take out a temporary medical insurance offered by the General Health Insurance Company of the Czech Republic (VZP). In urgent cases, students are advised to go to the Accidents and Emergencies Department of the Olomouc University Hospital.
Just like other European universities with a long history, Palacký University does not have a “university campus” as known from overseas. However, all the university buildings accommodating classrooms, library, dormitories, sports facilities are located in or around the historical centre of Olomouc, most of them within walking distance. Olomouc is a beautiful, vibrant university city compared to British Oxford, loved by many and praised by Lonely Planet. The downtown offers all necessary shops, restaurants, cafes, cinemas, theatres, clubs and everything else a student needs.
Sport activities are organized by the UP Academic Sport Centre. Palacký University students and employees can choose from a wide range of sport activities. You can use playing fields located in close proximity to the dormitories or take part in various contests in the UP Sports Hall. In addition, facilities such as tennis courts, a minigolf course, a laser arena, a go-cart track, and a paintball field are available.
There are about thirty student organisations and associations at Palacký University, uniting hundreds of active students, such as ESN, Christian Fellowship, film club, Japanese club, association of psychology students, choir, etc. In February 2018, the UP Student Club was opened for these organisations, in a space housed within the UP Central Library. The Club room is primarily intended for organising meetings and training sessions for members, screenings, workshops and thematic lectures. The Student Club is constantly accessible, based on a shared calendar of room use.
All Palacký University programmes are accredited by the National Accreditation Bureau for Higher Education. The offered PhD programmes are credited in line with the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation system.
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