Practical information
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Recognition of foreign academic qualifications
Recognition of the equivalence or validity of a foreign document
Contact person: Ing. Marek Gloser
Telephone No.: +420 221 005 208
E-mail: lawadmission@prf.cuni.czContact person: Lada Šafrová
Telephone No.: +420 221 005 591
E-mail: lada.safrova@prf.cuni.czThe process of recognition will commence at the Faculty of Law of Charles University only after an applicant has been recommended for admission by the examination board upon the results of the entrance examination.
The decision to admit or not to admit an applicant to study will be issued after the recognition process has been finished.
An applicant must upload his or her application for assessment of qualifications to the electronic admissions system; at the same time the applicant is obliged to pay the assessment fee CZK 1 500. The recognition procedure may commence only after the fee has been paid.
An applicant must, in person or by post, submit a duly authenticated copy of his or her diploma along with its supplement; the documents must be translated into Czech or English (see forms of authentication below)
The deadline for submission of the documents by applicant is 30th September 2027. The deadline for completing the process of verification of the fulfilment of requirements for admission to study including the assessment of foreign qualifications is 22nd October 2027.
As soon as the Faculty of Law receives the applicant´s documents the following requirements are checked:
1) whether the institution which issued the documents has been duly accredited;2) whether the submitted documents qualify the applicant for admission to study at a higher education institution in the country having issued the documents.
If such information cannot be identified the applicant will be requested to submit the certificate of “General Recognition”, which may be issued by the Rectorate of Charles University, some other universities, the Metropolitan Authority of the Capital City of Prague (“Magistrát hlavního města Prahy”), or by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports. In such case the content of the respective course of completed study is to be assessed and the fee is CZK 3 000 payable to the institution carrying out the recognition procedure.
Forms of authentication of foreign documents:
A) States which have entered into a legal aid agreement with the Czech Republic
– original documents are valid in the contracting states without any further authentication. If the applicant submits copies of such documents they must be copies authenticated by a Czech or foreign notary, at a Czech embassy abroad or by means of the Czech Point service.
B) States which are signatories of a multilateral convention to simplify the authentication of foreign official documents
– Convention of 5 October 1961 Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents (The Hague, 5 October 1961, published under no. 45/1999 Sb.m.s. (the Collection of International Agreements)), “The Hague Convention”.
For these states a uniform authentication of documents is stipulated, the so-called Apostille, issued by a competent authority of the state in which the diploma was issued (the so-called Apostille authorities).
The list of Apostille authorities is available from the website of the Hague Conference, direct link: HERE
In the case of documents from the member states of the European Union, Norway, the United States of America, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand it is possible to replace the Apostille (in the case of Canada with superlegalisation) with an authenticated copy of the documents (similarly to option (A) above), providing that at the same time at least one of the following conditions is met:
• The foreign secondary school or higher education institution, based on a request sent by the applicant, confirms by e-mail to the Faculty of Law that the applicant is a graduate of this foreign secondary school or higher education institution;
• The foreign higher education institution sends to Faculty of Law a transcript or diploma supplement of the applicant in a sealed envelope, or the applicant submits a transcript in a sealed envelope as part of the documents; or
• The official website of the foreign secondary school or higher education institution enables verification as to whether the applicant is one of its graduates (e.g., the possibility to download, after entering a password, the transcript of the applicant from the official website of the foreign higher education institution).
C) Other states – documents on the completion of study must be superlegalised.
– in the case of superlegalisation, the authenticity of signatures and stamps on the original documents is verified as follows:
• By the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the state where the secondary school or higher education institution which issued the document has a registered address, or by another competent foreign body;
• By the respective embassy of the Czech Republic.
The requirements for the submission of duly authenticated documents are considered fulfilled if the applicant submits authenticated copies of documents that were previously authenticated by the method listed above applicable to the documents submitted (e.g., in the case of a diploma from Kenya, the applicant submits authenticated copies of the superlegalised documents).
List of states according to the respective forms of authentication described above:
A) Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Austria, Belgium, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, France, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia/FYROM, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, North Korea, Poland, Romania, Russian Federation, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Syria, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen.
B) Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burundi, China – Hong Kong and Macao only (legalization required for other territories in China) Colombia, the Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic (apostille certification required since August 30, 2009), Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, French territories (i.e., French Polynesia, the French territories of Affars and Issas, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, the Comoros, Martinique, New Caledonia, Réunion, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Wallis and Futuna), Germany, Grenada (since April 7, 2002—previously listed under the United Kingdom), Guatemala, Honduras, Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Lesotho, Latvia, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Morocco, Namibia, the Netherlands and its territories (i.e., the Netherlands Antilles, Aruba), New Zealand, Niue, Norway, Oman, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, São Tomé and Príncipe (since July 15, 2008), Seychelles, South Africa, South Korea, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Tajikistan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, the United Kingdom and its territories (i.e., Jersey, the Bailiwick of Guernsey, the Isle of Man, Anguilla, Bermuda, the British Antarctic Territory, the British Virgin Islands, the British Solomon Islands, the Cayman Islands, the Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Saint Helena, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, the Turks and Caicos Islands), the United States and its territories (i.e., American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands), Uruguay, Vanuatu, and Venezuela.
C) States listed neither under A), nor B) above.
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TRANSPORT FROM AIRPORT
After you arrive at Václav Havel Airport Prague you have about two ways of getting to the city. The simpler yet more expensive way is to take a taxi. It usually takes approximately 30 minutes to reach the centre of Prague, and it should cost you about 30,00 €.
There are bus services available if you prefer the cheaper and more ecological way of getting from the airport. Personal transit from the airport is provided by (trolley)buses nr. 59, 100 and 191, which stop in front of both terminals. Both bus lines are going to take you to a metro (underground) station. Bus number 119 runs between Václav Havel Airport Prague and Nádraží Veleslavín metro station (metro line A). Bus numbr 100 runs between Václav Havel Airport Prague and Zličín metro station (metro line B). If you arrive at night, you can also take night buses number 907 and number 910. Just remember that the metro (underground) is closed between midnight and 5 am.
Prior to boarding the bus, you must buy your ticket. There is more about that in the “Tickets” section. Do not forget to validate your ticket upon boarding the bus!
If you are still a bit confused, do not worry, there is a video to help you!
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TRANSPORT AROUND PRAGUE
Public Transport
When it comes to transportation in Prague, the most student-friendly way of getting around is public transport. Prague has an extensive public transport network, which is affordable, efficient, and highly integrated. Once you are in the city, it is easy to travel around by tram, bus, or metro (the underground). Nevertheless, you have several other options, such as taxis, shared bikes, or even shared scooters.If you plan to use public transport on a regular basis, it is worth buying a long-term ticket. An annual student ticket costs just 1280,00 CZK (approx. 50 €), while a 90-day ticket costs 360,00 CZK. You can buy this ticket upon your arrival at the airport or in selected metro (underground) stations. You can also buy both short-term and long-term tickets through the official app called Lítačka. In this app, you are going to find all the necessary information concerning prices. You can also use this app to plan your trips around Prague.
If you prefer short-term paper tickets, you can buy them in the yellow vending machines at various metro (underground) stations or bus stops. To avoid trouble, make sure you validate your ticket when getting on a bus/tram or metro. You validate your ticket by inserting it into one of the yellow boxes located either directly in a bus/tram or at the entrance to the metro (underground) transport area. The fine for using public transport without a valid ticket is generally 1000,00 CZK.
The pricelist to be found HERE.
Taxis
It is recommended to ask the driver about the approximate price of the trip in advance and let him know that you are going to request a bill at the end, they may sometimes be overpriced.Shared bikes
If you would like to ride a shared bike, free bike path gps app “Prague on bike” is available for the city. Just remember that cycling in Prague can sometimes be quite dangerous. -
LANGUAGE AND PREPARATORY COURSES
Teaching Czech as a foreign language is our primary specialization, which we have pursued for more than 60 years. We offer courses for foreigners available with a variety of lengths, intensiveness and focus. The levels of our courses range from A1 to C1.
Based on placement tests, students are placed in appropriate groups. You can take the courses in person in the centre of Prague at our language centre in Voršilská Street or online.
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WHERE TO EAT IN PRAGUE
Student´s cafeteria ("menza") at the Faculty of Law
You can get lunch at any of the student cafeterias of the Charles University, luckily, there is one menza located at the Faculty of Law. All cafeterias offer at least one vegetarian option. You may use your student card to get a discount – to do so, charge your card with the cashier in the cafeteria prior ordering your meal. The meals in menza are cheaper than in the restaurants, with a price about 70 to 90 CZK. The only disadvantage is that during lunch time, it might get a little bit crowded, so be prepared to wait in a queue.
If you fancy something small and quick, there are two bistros in the faculty building – the Coffee Break or the bistro next to the menza. They offer coffee, soft drinks, snacks, baguette sandwiches, desserts, and cakes and even more.
Near the Faculty of Law
If you do not fancy the offer at the Faculty of Law, or you just simply need something to eat outside of the faculty, pay a visit to some of these restaurants or pubs, there are plenty of them within walking distance of the faculty as the faculty building is situated in the very centre of the city.
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CULTURE IN PRAGUE
Prague is a beautiful and enchanting city, loved both by history and/or culture lovers, as well as people who enjoy vibrant and lively events. The city houses innumerable number of museums, art galleries, theatres, concert halls, cinemas. There are many great things to do in Prague so be sure to spare some time for culture.
Museums and galleries
Apart from the fact that the Prague Castle and the whole historical centre with the Old Jewish Town are a piece of history by itself, Prague has much more to offer. If you need some escape from the weather, or if you thirst for some history, knowledge, and art there are plenty of museums and galleries at your disposal.The National Museum (Národní Muzeum) is the largest museum in the Czech Republic, and it houses several million items from the areas of natural history, history, arts, music, and social sciences, which are in dozens of museum buildings. The main building of the National Museum has been recently renovated and opened to public again.
The Czech National Gallery (Národní galerie) is one of the world’s oldest public galleries (precisely, the second oldest gallery in Europe after the Louvre in Paris!) and it manages the largest collection of art in the Czech Republic. It is in many buildings all over Prague.
The Jewish Museum (Židovské muzeum) includes six monuments altogether - the Spanish Synagogue, the Maisel Synagogue, the Pinkas Synagogue, the Klaus Synagogue, the Old Jewish Cemetery, and the Ceremonial Hall.
The National Technical Museum (Národní Technické Muzeum) is the largest museum related to the history of technology in the Czech Republic. The National Agricultural Museum is right next to it – and its roof garden offers a beautiful view of Prague.
Center for Contemporary Art DOX (Centrum současného umění DOX) is a multifunctional space which targets both international and Czech art, architecture, and design. It is in a renovated complex of industrial buildings and its dominant feature, the Gulliver Airship, which sits on the roof of the gallery, is a unique meeting place for various workshops.
The Prague City Gallery (Galerie hlavního města Prahy) focuses primarily on modern and contemporary art and is also responsible for the upkeep of Prague's monuments, statues, and fountains.
The Rudolfinum Gallery (Galerie Rudolfinum) does not have its own collections, but it operates on the principle of a Kunsthalle. Its activity consists mainly of large exhibition projects, which mainly present contemporary visual art. Many exhibitions are presented there as a result of a close cooperation with foreign institutions.
Kunsthalle Praha is a a non-governmental organisation and non-profit platform/gallery, which aim is to connect the Czech and international art scenes. Their mission is to contribute to a deeper understanding of Czech and international art from the 20th and 21st centuries. Through their art collection, research, and support for international artists via their artist-in-residence programme, they hope to bridge the gap between their art scene and the world’s.
Cinemas
Nowadays, you would find a multiplex cinema in most of the city’s shopping centres. What is more, you can see the latest hits and blockbusters, often with original dubbing with subtitles. Many of those offer special discounts, either for their members, students, or overall, on a certain day of the week. Prague multiplexes include CineStar and CinemaCity.If you fancy something cosier, and most of the time cheaper, apart from chain multiplexes, pay a visit to some of those, mostly independent arthouse cinemas. However, be sure to check if the movie of your choosing is English-friendly!
Aero, Lucerna, Kino Světozor, Bio Oko
Festivals and concerts
Prague hosts events all year round, including food and drink festivals, music festivals, exhibitions, classical music concerts, and even more.
Film festivals: Festival du Film Français, One World (Jeden svět)
Music festivals: Prague Spring Festival (Festival Pražské jaro)
Concerts: Municipal House (Obecní dům)Theatre, opera and ballet
Although most of the performances might be in Czech, some theatres offer English-friendly performances as well. On the other hand, paying a visit to an opera or a ballet performance might be easier. In addition to the event itself you can benefit from seeing the interiors of some beautiful historical buildings.The National Theatre (Národní divadlo), Opera, Ballet
The Estates Theatre (Stavovské divadlo)
Švanda Theatre (Švandovo divadlo)
Divadlo Na Zábradlí
The Czech Philharmonic Orchestra (Česká filharmonie)
The Prague Symphony Orchestra (Symfonický orchestr hl. m. Prahy)Other suggestions
The Prague ZOO was rated as the seventh best zoo in the world by Forbes Travel Guide in 2007! Right next to the area of the zoo is the Chateau of Troja (Trojský zámek) and the Botanical Garden .If you need a quiet place to study - National Library of Technology (Národní technická knihovna) - is the perfect place to go, thanks to its long opening hours and interesting interior design.
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SPORT ACTIVITIES IN PRAGUE
As any other major European city, Prague offers many ways to stay fit and enjoy physical activity. The two most popular professional sports are ice hockey and football, which draw large crowds of fans. Other popular sports include tennis, basketball and floorball.
The Faculty of law has a small gym situated in the basement of the faculty building. Cost of entry is 100 CZK. More information.
Sporting events
Prague offers many unique and fun sporting events. Including Prague marathon and half marathon and University ice hockey event (Hokejová bitva). Many professional sports teams call Prague home and have their own venue where you can cheer them on and watch them play. The most popular include Sparta, Slavia (football, hockey, track and field) and USK Praha (basketball).Gyms
Gyms in Prague are like any other gyms in bigger cities. You can find gym chains, local gyms, premium gyms, specialized gyms etc.Jogging
If you love a morning run to start your day, you will love Prague. There are dozens of parks and other places perfect for jogging. Each of them provides a different running experience.Great running spots: Stromovka, Ladronka, Divoká Šárka, Kunratický les, Cibulka, Parukářka, Letná
Rock climbing, bouldering
In recent years, bouldering in Czechia has had a massive boost in popularity because of Adam Ondra, a Czech professional rock climber. As a result, climbing venues may be packed so it is best to research availability in advance.
Boulder Bar
Ultraant
SmichOFFDisc golf
Prague has one of the fastest growing disc golf communities in Europe. With 9 courses in Prague and many more in close proximity you will never get bored.
Map of disc golf courses, blue are public, orange are private/paid
Discgolf guide with pictures and ratings of coursesGolf
Prague is situated in somewhat hilly terrain. This means beautiful golf courses with interesting layouts. Golf is not particularly popular in Czechia but it still has its’ dedicated fans and players.
List of golf coursesBowling
If you prefer a sport which is not as physically demanding, you might enjoy bowling. Most people in Czechia view this sport very causally and like to drink or have a party while bowling.Swimming
There are mainly two types of swimming venues in Prague. So called “Aquacentrum” that are more for entertainment with water slides and other attractions. And swimming pools with regular pools for normal swimming. Most places combine the two and offer both types of enjoyment.
Aqua parks and pools: Šutka, Letňany, Podolí, Pražačka, Jednáctka VS, HloubětínIce skating
Ice skating is very popular among Prague residents. There are a few stadiums which offer indoor skating all year. From December to early March, you can visit open air skating rings across Prague. Some are situated next to shopping malls, others are in the historical center. Most offer skates for rent.
Outdoor skating rings
Indoor skating rings: Výstaviště, Ice arena LetňanyOther sports
You can also enjoy and try different sports such as squash, curling, surfing and many others. -
HOUSING IN PRAGUE
Finding accommodation in Prague may not be easy and it is one of the least pleasant parts of the exchange experience. Exchange students can either look for university accommodation in one of the halls of residence of Charles University, or they look for an apartment / room in shared apartment for rent.
Charles University Halls of Residence
Charles University provides all Erasmus exchange students with a place in one of its halls of residence, so incoming students do not have to worry about ending up without a place to live. Living in the halls of residence is not only less complicated, but it is also less expensive. Dormitory place in a shared double room costs 3 500 – 5 000 CZK (cca 150 – 200 EUR) per month/person. However, the accommodation is simple, usually with shared bathroom and kitchenette. Several apartments are yet to be renovated and it is possible that you will get one of them.There are 5 Charles University halls of residence providing accommodation for exchange students: Hostivař, Větrník, Hvězda, Komenského and 17. listopadu. Most of them are located outside the city centre, but the centre is easily accessible by public transport. More details to be found on the official Charles University website.
Private accommodation
Finding private accommodation in Prague the more expensive option. For a room in a shared apartment, you should count approx. 6 000 – 12 000 CZK per month/person depending very much on the location.Bellow some suggestions of websites where to look for private accommodation:
Sreality.cz, ForStudents.cz, Expats.cz, Bezrealitky.cz
Facebook groups: Flatshare in Prague, Flatshare in Prague and Flat Rentals, Flatshare accommodation, Pronájem/podnájem pokojů a bytů v Praze bez realitky, Spolubydlení Praha
Halls of residence: The Fizz, DC Residence, Student Republic, Rooms 5