Academic Calendar

Intakes & Application Timelines in Czech Republic

Plan your application strategy with our guide to Czech Republic's university intake periods, application deadlines, and critical timelines for international students.

Czech Republic Academic Calendar

2027/2028

Annual Intake Periods

Winter semester (main intake) (Starts in September or October.)

Summer semester (Starts in February. Fewer programmes.)

Visa Students: Apply Early

Most deadlines for a September 2027 start fall between February and April 2027. Leave time for the visa.

An intake is the month a course starts. Czech universities start in September or October (winter semester) and in February (summer semester).

Intake Periods

The Two Intakes

An intake is the month a course starts. The Czech academic year has two semesters. A semester is half of the school year.

Main

Winter semester

September or October

Key Information

Most programmes start in this semester.
Semester exams (the exams for your courses) are often in January or early February.

Application Period

Usually February to April

Deadlines differ by faculty (the part of a university that teaches your subject).

Fewer programmes

Summer semester

February

Key Information

Some faculties accept new students in February.
Semester exams (the exams for your courses) are often in May and June.

Application Period

Usually October to November

For example, Charles University's Faculty of Mathematics and Physics: 30 November 2026.

Choose September if You Can

Most programmes start in September or October, so you have more choice.

Critical Timelines

Key Dates for a September 2027 Start

Examples of deadlines.

November to December 2026

Applications open

Prague University of Economics and Business (VŠE) round I opens on 1 November 2026. Charles University's Faculty of Mathematics and Physics opens in December 2026.

February to April 2027

Main deadlines

For example 28 February 2027 (VŠE round I) and 30 April 2027 (Charles University, Mathematics and Physics).

Key Tasks

• Get your transcripts and diplomas from every school you attended.
• Get a Czech translation from an official translator.
• Start nostrification (official recognition of a foreign diploma) early. It can take several months.
• Take an English test (for example IELTS or TOEFL) for English-taught programmes.

By the end of June 2027

Results

Then apply for your visa.

September or October 2027

Studies start

Enrolment and orientation, then classes.

Visa Time

After your embassy appointment, the Ministry of the Interior can take up to 60 days.

Academic Structure

The Academic Year

The academic year is usually divided into two semesters.

Two semesters

Teaching, then an exam period, in each semester.

Key Dates

Winter semester starts

September or October

Summer semester starts

February

Academic Structure

Winter semester and summer semester

Special Academic Periods & Considerations

Beyond the standard academic calendar, there are several special periods and features to be aware of

Winter exam period

Semester exams, often in January or early February.

Summer exam period

Semester exams, often in May and June.

Credits

Most universities use the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). One academic year is usually about 60 ECTS credits. A credit is a point that shows how much work a course is.

Application Planning

Timelines Compared

Bachelor's and master's applications follow the same yearly pattern.

Application Process	Undergraduate Students	Graduate Students	International Students
Length of study	Bachelor's: usually 3 to 4 years	Master's: usually 1 to 3 years	-
Apply	Usually February to April	Usually February to April	Apply in the earliest round
Results	By the end of June	By the end of June	Then ask the embassy for an appointment

Work Back from the Visa

India: booking days are 10 May 2027 (for June appointments) and 14 June 2027 (for July appointments). On those days you email the embassy to ask for an appointment.