Charles University Prague

Charles University Prague Overview

Charles University ''Univerzita Karlova'', also known as Charles University in Prague or historically as the University of Prague, is the oldest and largest university in the Czech Republic. Established in 1349 under the inspiration of Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV and modeled after the University of Paris, it is one of the oldest continuously operating universities in Europe. Today, the university comprises 17 faculties located in Prague, Hradec Králové, and Plzeň. Charles University is recognized as one of the top three universities in Central and Eastern Europe and is ranked around 200–300 in the world.

Its rich history dates back to its founding in 1349 when it was divided into different "nations" based on students' ethnicity. The university played a significant role in the Hussite movement and underwent several transformations, including becoming the German University in Prague and the Czech Charles-Ferdinand University. In 1882, it was officially divided into the German and Czech universities. However, in 1945, after World War II, the Czech university regained its original name as Charles University.

Presently, Charles University does not have a single campus but is distributed across various locations in Prague and other cities. Its historic center is the Carolinum, the main building from the 14th century, situated in the Old Town of Prague.

According to the QS World University Rankings 2024, Charles University is the only Czech university among the top 250 universities globally, placing it in the top 1.5% of educational institutions worldwide. Its ranking has significantly improved, rising to the 248th position out of 1,500 universities evaluated. The university's success can be attributed to its high academic reputation, international research collaboration, and emphasis on sustainability. Additionally, its commitment to the employability of graduates and continuous efforts in internationalization have contributed to its positive image in the academic community and among employers. Charles University's dedication to sustainability is highlighted in its recently published Sustainable Development Strategy, setting the university on a path towards sustainability by 2030.

As the best-rated Czech university, Charles University continues to strive for excellence and positive social change, fostering a reputation that extends beyond academics and resonates with global recognition.