Masaryk University
- Study in Brno, a lively university town in the heart of Europe.
- Choose from a wide variety of classes taught in English.
- No foreign language proficiency required.
Founded in 1919, Masaryk University is the second largest university in the Czech Republic. It is a prestigious central European university considered the most selective in the country. Masaryk is internationally recognized for its quality research and teaching and its internationalization efforts.
University enrollment tops 32,000 and includes more than 600 international students from more than 60 countries. University buildings are divided between two campuses - one near Brno's historic city center and a modern campus on the outskirs of Brno. University facilities include multiple libraries and state-of-the-art laboratories as well as a wide range of sports facilities such as gyms, a rowing center, and tennis courts. Students also have the opportunity to participate in a variety of student clubs and extracurricular activities.
Masaryk University offers an extensive list of courses taught in English in a broad range of subjects. It continues to be an appealing study abroad destination because of its course selection, the student-friendly atmosphere of Brno, affordability, and its central location in Europe.
Brno is the second largest city in the Czech Republic and the historical capital of Moravia. Located in the southeastern part of the country, Brno combines a rich cultural legacy with the vibrancy of a university city. Brno is home to six higher educational institutions (of which Masaryk University is the largest) and more than 75,000 students. The city boasts many local museums, galleries, and places of architectural interest. The large student population and an abundance of cozy cafes, interesting restaurants, and nighttime hot spots give this city a lively feel where students will feel right at home.
Brno also offers many opportunities for outdoor sports activities such as hiking, bicycling, and skiing in the surrounding Moravian highlands. The city is conveniently located in the heart of Central Europe, with major European cities such as Prague, Bratislava, Vienna, Budapest, and Krakow within easy reach by train or bus.
To learn more, visit the Brno Tourism page.
Courses in English are available in more than 200 academic departments spanning the full range of humanities, social sciences, business and economics, and natural sciences. Students will enroll in courses with local Czech students as well as other international students. Exchange students can take courses in any of the following 9 Faculties (Schools):
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Economics and Administration
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Informatics
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Medicine
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Social Studies
- Faculty of Sports Studies
KU Business students should select courses primarily within the Faculty of Economics and Administration.
Course Information
Students typically earn 12 to 18 credits during one semester abroad. You are encouraged to use the following resources to research available courses and to determine if these courses will meet your academic requirements at KU:
Masaryk Course Catalog: Search among course options in English available at Masaryk University. The catalog is organized by faculty and term. Use the Masaryk Course Selection Guide (.docx) for additional guidance and information on credit and grade conversion.
KU Course Equivalency Database: This is a list of courses currently pre-approved for KU credit (approved equivalency) and courses that students have had approved for KU credit in the past (possible equivalencies). Use 'Masaryk' in the search field.
Czech Language Courses: All students participate in a Survival Czech course during Orientation Week. Additionally, students can elect to take a Czech language course for credit during the semester. Learn more about the options for studying Czech at this link.
Credit Approval Process
Visit the Credit Approval Process page for detailed information on the procedure for obtaining KU course equivalency approval for courses you plan to take abroad. All courses taken and grades earned while abroad must be posted as KU equivalents on a student’s KU transcript and grades will figure into a student’s KU GPA. The relevant KU academic department will make the final decision regarding posting of credit, and their application toward graduation.
Students stay in university student residence halls. Most residence halls have double rooms with a bathroom and mini kitchenette. All rooms are equipped with internet access via LAN cable (all other university buildings have wireless internet). The residence halls are dispersed throughout the city, but within walking or public transportation distance of the main campus. Each residence hall has amenities such as a cafeteria, canteen, gym, and laundry facilities.
Orientation Week
All students attend a week-long orientation at the start of the semester. Orientation Week includes help with course enrollment, registration, and other university requirements, plus a variety of cultural and social activities designed to introduce students to the university and life in Brno. Sample Orientation Week activities include:
- Tour of the university and its facilities
- Welcome party
- City tour
- Visits to museums, theatres, and other activities around Brno
- Survival Czech crash course
SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Study abroad is achievable for students of all identities such as BIPOC and LGBTQ+ students, students with disabilities, and students with religious/non-religious diversity. Before selecting a program, consider the way your identity may impact your experience abroad. Talk to your Program Coordinator to discuss program-specific concerns.
Check our Identity Abroad page and resources listed below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.
Open to KU students with sophomore standing by the beginning of the program who have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. There is no language requirement.