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 applying. Below is a practical map: format, risks, and preparation strategy.
Short answer: admission to 1. lékařská fakulta Univerzity Karlovy
The First Faculty of Medicine of Charles University is a classic, broad option for anyone who wants 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, clinical base in major Prague hospitals. |
|---|---|
| Program | Všeobecné lékařství, 6 years, full-time, title MUDr. |
| 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 a correct answer, incorrect and unanswered questions are not scored. Maximum 150 points, with possible bonifikace of up to 15 points. |
| Feature | If a student applies for both general medicine and dentistry at the same time, they take one joint test. |
| Documents | For graduates of foreign schools, recognition of secondary education and proof of Czech language are especially important if they do not have a Czech or Slovak maturita. |
How admission works
- The faculty does not test a narrow school topic, but the broad gymnasium-level range across three subjects. That is why preparation strategy must be long-term: first the foundations, then typical wording, then speed and mock tests.
- Physics at 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 sections. The student needs to know reactions and quickly recognize the type of question in Czech.
- Biology is extensive: the cell, genetics, anatomy, physiology, ecology, and evolution. A system of repetition and your own Czech terminology glossary works well here.
- Bonifikace can help, but it cannot be the main strategy for an international applicant. The subject test delivers the main result.
How to prepare
- Break the year into three blocks: subject foundations, faculty format, then mock exams with error analysis.
- From the very beginning, learn terms in Czech: on the exam, the problem is often not the topic itself, but the speed at which you understand the wording.
- Every week, write short subject tests and record mistakes by category: knowledge, carelessness, language, calculation, lack of time.
- Train 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 should not compete with final preparation.
Who this faculty is for
- The student wants classic Prague medicine and is ready for a high level of competition.
- A strong foundation in all three subjects already exists, or there is time to build it over the academic year.
- The student values a large university environment, clinical base, and the recognition of Charles University.
- There is readiness for systematic preparation, not just solving individual tests.
Risks for an international applicant
- Relying only on 1. LF without backup faculties increases the risk: the format is demanding, and the competition is high.
- Starting Czech late means the student may know the material but read the tasks slowly.
- Focusing only on biology is risky: physics and chemistry account for a large number of points and often determine 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 admission 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 the broad gymnasium-level range across three subjects. That is why preparation strategy must be long-term: first the foundations, then typical wording, then speed and mock tests.
- Prepare recognition of foreign education, translations, proof of Czech language, and personal documents in advance.
- Take a mock exam with the number of questions, a timer, and the grading rules of the chosen faculty.
- Check your backup plan: 2-3 more faculties that fit the format, deadlines, and the student’s actual level.
How NaMED helps here
During preparation for 1. LF, the student studies biology, chemistry, and physics in Czech, writes a short test every week, and closer to the exam takes full mock tests with 150 questions. A separate calendar keeps the application, recognition of education, and proof of language under control.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a C1 certificate?
For study in Czech, a foreign applicant almost always needs to prove a high level of Czech. The exact way to prove it should be checked according to the current conditions of the faculty and Charles University.
Can I be admitted without an exam?
The faculty allows certain bonifikace scenarios or admission without an exam for some candidates, but for an international student the main practical path is to prepare for the written test while also completing the documents.
What is the main mistake in preparation?
Studying the subjects separately from Czech. In the exam, you need to quickly understand Czech wording, terms, and answer options.
Official sources
We relied on the official pages and documents of the faculties. Before submitting your application, check the current academic year specifically.