Exchange Students

Studying abroad is an exciting adventure, and we want to make your transition to Palacký University Olomouc as smooth as possible. This guide is designed to help you quickly find the most relevant and useful information on our university website. Whether you're looking for details on course registration, housing, student services, or campus life, you'll find direct links to key resources here. Instead of searching through multiple pages, use this guide as your starting point to access everything you need. We hope this makes your experience at Palacký University Olomouc enjoyable and stress-free!

As an exchange student, you have access to various academic and professional opportunities. Whether you're here for a study program or an internship, both options provide valuable international experience and help you build new skills. Study programs allow you to take courses at Palacký University Olomouc, earn credits, and immerse yourself in a new academic environment. Traineeships offer hands-on work experience, helping you gain practical skills while exploring a different professional culture. Below, you'll find links to detailed information about each option, including eligibility requirements, application processes, and available opportunities.

Before starting your exchange at Palacký University Olomouc, it is important to understand the academic structure, course options, and requirements. This section provides key information on:

• Academic calendar
• Language requirements
• English courses for exchange students
• Class structure
• Evaluation criteria
• Czech Language Course
• Important documents

The central Office for Mobility as well as the Faculty IROs are ready to assist you during your stay at Palacký University Olomouc. During the Orientation Week (OW), which is regularly organized a week before the official beginning of the semester (classes) by the Office for Mobility RUP in cooperation with Erasmus Student Network (ESN) UP Olomouc, you will be introduced to how things work at Palacký University, the faculties and the departments.

On-line Pre- Arrival Orientation Day will take place on 27 January 2025 - registered students will receive an invitation to join the Zoom meeting. You will learn basic facts about Palacký University Olomouc and your mobility before your arrival.

Orientation Week will take place from Monday 3 February 2025 to Friday 7 February 2025. We will send the programme to your e-mail. Please, follow the schedule of the group you belong to!

Please note that the Office for Mobility UP will not provide information individually to students who arrive in Olomouc earlier than the official start of the OW. 

Further details may be obtained from:

• zuzana.hamdanieh@upol.cz (Erasmus+)
• anna.prilucikova@upol.cz (Exchange students - Cooperation Agreements)
• iva.kokinopulosova@upol.cz (Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility)

Why is it recommended to attend the Orientation Week?

1. You will receive a lot of practical information and instructions, which will help you during your stay.
2. You will meet your coordinators, university representatives, ESN guides and other international students.
3. You will learn how to register for your classes and how to make your class schedule.
4. You will be assisted with administration issues as ID card application, tram pass application, etc.
5. You will have time to discover the beautiful city of Olomouc and get ready for the new semester :)

How do I register for the OW?

• ERASMUS+ & COOPERATION AGREEMENTS:

You need to register via the online application form. The access is in the automatic email that we sent you from noreply_mobility@upol.cz (never reply or send emails to this address, it is an automatic email) when you were officially nominated.

Go to the section APPLICATION at the bottom. Update your information and save changes if necessary. See the picture below.)

• OTHER SHORT-TERM STUDENTS (CEEPUS, Government Scholarships, etc. - those who are not nominated through our Erasmus+ online nomination and application system):

Erasmus Student Network is a volunteer student organization in international higher education in Europe. The organisation offers opportunities for cultural understanding and self-development under the principle of SHS - "Students Helping Students."

The section working in Olomouc is called ESN UP Olomouc.

One of the main activities of ESN UP Olomouc is a "buddy system". After your arrival, you can feel lost, you may not know how to get to Olomouc or how to get to the dormitories. Maybe you have some doubts about what the Orientation week is.

That's why there is your Czech buddy – a friend who will make your arrival and first days in Olomouc easier and less stressful. 

If you are interested in having a buddy, please, as soon as you receive the Letter of Acceptance, register in the buddy system Papaya here. If you experience problems with Papaya, please contact the Buddy Coordinator at buddy@esn.upol.cz.

During your exchange, various coordinators are available to support you. Each coordinator has a specific role, so it’s important to know who to contact for different types of questions.

Office for Mobility Coordinator – For questions about general and practical issues regarding your stay, application, Orientation Week, Arrival/Departure Certificate etc.

Faculty coordinators – For inquiries about STAG, registration of courses, timetable, final Transcript of Records (ToR) etc.

Finding the right place to stay is an important part of your exchange experience. At Palacký University Olomouc, you can choose between university dormitories and private accommodation.

Whichever option you choose, be sure to arrange your accommodation as early as possible, as availability can be limited.

University Dormitories

Staying in a dormitory allows you to live on campus or nearby, making it easy to connect with other students.

Students coming under the Erasmus+ program or Cooperation Agreement can apply for accommodation at the UP dormitories in their Mobility application. The accommodation will be booked by their coordinator from the Office for Mobility. Students coming on a traineeship under the Erasmus+ program discuss the accommodation options with Mrs. Kateřina Sladká (katerina.sladka@upol.cz).

Students coming to Palacký University under other exchange programs should contact the respective faculty coordinator.

On the Accommodation Office website, you'll find available dormitory options and important information for international students.

Private Accommodation

Exchange students from non-EU countries who will stay at the territory of the Czech Republic for more than 90 days are required to apply for a long-term visa for study purpose of study before their arrival.

You should always discuss the visa process with the UP coordinator responsible for administration of your mobility and for issuing the Letter of Acceptance and Preliminary Accommodation Contract (if staying at Palacký University dormitories). This person is either coordinator at the Office for Mobility (Erasmus+ and Cooperation Agreement students) or faculty coordinator (other exchange programs).

Bear in mind that the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic has 2 months to issue their decision, so it is important to apply as soon as possible.

It is also important to remember that the visa requirements and the visa process might slightly differ from country to country. To receive the most relevant information, follow the instructions of the Czech Embassy in your country!

All exchange students must have valid health insurance for the entire duration of their stay. The specific requirements vary depending on whether you are from an EU or a non-EU country.

EU Students

If you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), it generally covers necessary medical care during your stay. To validate your EHIC in the Czech Republic, it is necessary to register it at the VZP (General Health Insurance Company) office located at Jeremenkova 1142, 779 00 Olomouc.

Non-EU Students

You are required to obtain private Comprehensive Health Insurance that meets the local regulations. Make sure to check the specific requirements and arrange your insurance before your arrival. We highly recommend purchasing your Comprehensive Health Insurance PLUS with the VZP Company, which has the widest range of contracted doctors.

Liability (indemnity insurance)

Your well-being is a priority during your exchange at Palacký University Olomouc. Whether you need medical care, psychological support, spiritual guidance, or advice on staying safe online, various services are available to help you.

The Support Centre for Students with Special Needs of Palacký University Olomouc provides comprehensive expert counselling, technical and therapeutic services to special needs students enrolled in one of the eight faculties of Palacký University.

The Centre provides its services free of charge and it is entirely at your discretion whether you use any of the support options provided throughout your studies.

Who does the centre support?

• Students with visual impairment where the defect enables visual work (with texts) with common document formats, including visual documents.
• Students with visual impairments who work either with documents printed in a tactile writing system or with screen readers (in combination with a tactile display or voice output).
• Hearing-impaired students – spoken language users.
• Hearing-impaired students – sign language users.
• Students with reduced mobility – lower extremity impairment.
• Students with reduced mobility – upper extremity impairment.
• Students with chronic somatic illness – a persistent disease (e.g. metabolic, oncologic, cardiovascular disease) associated with functional impacts on the everyday life of the student.
• Students with neuro-developmental/autism spectrum disorder, including Asperger syndrome.
• Students with developmental learning disabilities (dyslexia, dysgraphia, dysortography, dyscalculia) and students with acquired reading and writing disorders.
• Students with another mental disorder or illness,
• Students with impaired communication skills.

You can contact the centre directly or through your coordinator at the Office for Mobility or the faculty coordinator.

To make the most of your studies at Palacký University, you’ll need access to various IT services. From connecting to the university network to using online study platforms, this section provides key information on essential digital tools and resources.

On the Welcome Office website, you will find detailed guides and support services to help you navigate the university’s digital resources with ease. These include information about:

• ID Cards
• University e-mail
• UP Portal
• Stag
• Internet connection
• Canteens
• Computer Centre
• HelpDesk

Beyond academics, there are many aspects of university life that can enhance your exchange experience at Palacký University. This website provides useful details on the university’s structure, facilities, student organizations, and key terms you might come across.

Living in Olomouc as an exchange student is both affordable and convenient. This section provides practical information to help you settle in and make the most of your stay.

Whether you are looking for information about housing, canteens and dining options, bank account services, living costs, etc., this website provides you with information and useful resources to help you navigate daily life in Olomouc with ease.

Your exchange experience isn’t just about studying—it’s also a great opportunity to explore Olomouc and the rest of the Czech Republic. Whether you enjoy culture, sports, travel, or nightlife, there are plenty of activities to make your stay memorable.

Below, you'll find links to useful guides and recommendations to help you make the most of your free time. Enjoy your stay in Olomouc!

Culture & Sightseeing – Museums, theaters, cinemas, historical landmarks, and local traditions.

Sports & Outdoor Activities – Gyms, sports clubs, parks, and hiking trails.

Travel – Explore the most beautiful Czech cities.

Shopping & Markets – Where to find groceries, clothes, and local specialties.

Nightlife & Social Life – Bars, clubs, cafés, and student-friendly events.