Reviewed by the NaMED editorial team: 24 August 2026. Admissions conditions change every year, so always check the dates and documents on the faculty’s official page before submitting. Below is a practical map: format, risks, and preparation strategy.
Short answer: admission to the 1. lékařská fakulta Univerzity Karlovy
The First Faculty of Medicine of Charles University is a classic, broad option for those who want to study medicine in the center of Prague. Admission is based on a strong written test in biology, chemistry, and physics, documents prepared in advance, and Czech at a level sufficient for study.
1. lékařská fakulta Univerzity Karlovy: key facts
| City | Prague, city center, with clinical training at major Prague hospitals. |
|---|---|
| Program | Všeobecné lékařství, 6 years, full-time, title MUDr. |
| Chance of admission | 18% - 631 of 3,412 applicants were admitted (UK data from last academic year). |
| Exam 2026/2027 | 12 June 2026, written test. |
| Subjects | Biology, chemistry, physics. |
| Test format | 150 questions: 50 from each subject. Each question has one correct answer. |
| Scoring | 1 point for each correct answer; incorrect and unanswered questions are not scored. Maximum 150 points, with a possible bonifikace of up to 15 points. |
| Feature | If a student applies to general medicine and dentistry at the same time, they take one shared test. |
| Documents | For graduates of foreign schools, recognition of secondary education and proof of Czech language proficiency are especially important if there is no Czech/Slovak maturita. |
How admission works
- The faculty does not test a narrow school topic, but a broad gymnázium-level range across three subjects. That is why the preparation strategy should be long: first the basics, then standard question wording, then speed and mock tests.
- Physics at the 1. LF often becomes a filter for students who know biology and chemistry well but have not practiced calculation problems enough. It cannot be left until the last months.
- Chemistry covers general, inorganic, and organic chemistry. Students need to know reactions and quickly recognize the type of question in Czech.
- Biology is extensive: cell biology, genetics, anatomy, physiology, ecology, and evolution. A system of repetition and a personal Czech glossary of terms work well here.
- Bonifikace can help, but it cannot be the main strategy for an international applicant. The subject test is what makes the difference.
How to prepare
- Break the year into three blocks: fundamentals by subject, faculty-specific format, then mock exams with error analysis.
- Start learning terms in Czech from the beginning: on the exam, the problem is often not the topic itself, but how quickly you understand the wording.
- Each week, write short subject tests and record mistakes by category: knowledge, carelessness, language, calculation, lack of time.
- Practice physics and chemistry separately with a timer, because that is where students most often lose points due to pace.
- Check documents in advance: recognition of education, translations, application submission, deadlines, and proof of Czech language proficiency should not compete with final preparation.
Who the faculty is a good fit for
- The student wants classic Prague medicine and is ready for high competition.
- They already have a strong foundation in all three subjects, or they have time to build it over the academic year.
- The student values a large university environment, clinical training, and the recognition of Charles University.
- They are ready for systematic preparation, not just solving individual tests.
Risks for an international applicant
- Putting all the weight on the 1. LF without backup faculties increases the risk: the format is demanding, and competition is high.
- Starting Czech too late means the student may know the material but read the tasks slowly.
- Focusing only on biology is risky: physics and chemistry make up a large share of points and often decide the final place.
- Documents and recognition of education cannot be left until spring, especially if the student is outside Czechia.
Mini checklist before applying
- Check the current admissions year on the faculty’s official page: deadlines, application fee, exam date, and test format.
- Verify which subjects are included in the exam at this faculty: The faculty does not test a narrow school topic, but a broad gymnázium-level range across three subjects. That is why the preparation strategy should be long: first the basics, then standard question wording, then speed and mock tests.
- Prepare foreign education recognition, translations, proof of Czech language proficiency, and personal documents in advance.
- Take a mock exam with the number of questions, timer, and scoring rules of the chosen faculty.
- Check your backup plan: 2-3 more faculties that match the format, deadlines, and the student’s actual level.
How NaMED helps here
In preparation for the 1. LF, the student studies biology, chemistry, and physics in Czech, writes a short test every week, and closer to the exam completes full mock tests with 150 questions. A separate calendar keeps the application, recognition of education, and language confirmation under control.
Frequently asked questions
Is a C1 certificate required?
International applicants to Czech-language study almost always have to prove an advanced level of Czech. Check the current faculty and Charles University rules for the accepted form of proof.
Can you be admitted without an entrance exam?
The faculty allows bonus-point or exam-free routes for some applicants. For an international student, however, the main working scenario is to prepare for the written test while completing the required documents.
What is the biggest preparation mistake?
Studying the subjects separately from Czech. In the exam, you need to understand Czech wording, terminology and answer choices quickly.
Official sources
We relied on the official pages and documents of the faculties. Before applying, check the current academic year specifically.