University Exam Period in the Czech Republic: How Does It Work?

Are you starting university in the Czech Republic? Congratulations! 🎓

Chances are that the exam period at Czech universities works a bit differently than in your home country. Let’s walk you through how it works, what to expect, and how to prepare — without unnecessary stress.

What Is the Exam Period in the Czech Republic and How Long Does It Last?

The exam period marks the end of each semester at Czech universities.

The academic year usually starts in September with the autumn semester, which runs until December. Most autumn semester exams take place between December and February.

Shortly after the autumn exam period ends, the spring semester begins. It typically lasts from February to May or June, depending on the university and field of study.

The spring exam period usually runs from May to June, but it can extend into the summer months — especially if you are studying a demanding programme such as medicine.

What Types of University Exams Will You Encounter in Czechia?

As an international student in the Czech Republic, you may come across several types of university exams:

• Written exams – These can include open-ended questions or multiple-choice tests.
• Oral exams – Taken individually or sometimes in small groups.
• Combined exams – A mix of written and oral parts. You usually need to pass the written section to proceed to the oral exam.
• Essays – Written assignments focused on a specific topic.
• Projects – These vary by subject. They may include practical work (such as an internship followed by a report) or presentations, often using PowerPoint.

What Is the ECTS System in the Czech Republic?

The ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) is used at Czech universities to measure study workload.

One ECTS credit represents approximately 30 hours of work, including lectures, seminars, self-study, and exam preparation.

• Bachelor’s degree programmes usually require 180 ECTS credits
• Master’s degree programmes usually require 120 ECTS credits

*The number of required ECTS credits applies to most public universities in the Czech Republic. However, specific credit requirements and study rules may vary depending on the university or faculty.

This means around 5,400 hours of study for a bachelor’s degree and 3,600 hours for a master’s degree in total.

What Happens If You Fail an Exam?

No need to panic — failing an exam is not the end of the world.

In most subjects and universities, you have three attempts to pass an exam during the exam period.

If you still don’t pass, you can usually enrol in the subject again when it is offered next time. In that case, you will typically have two attempts to complete the course successfully.

How Does the Grading System Work at Czech Universities?

Most Czech universities use a six-grade system:

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F

Grades A–E are considered a pass. If you receive an F, you will need to retake the exam at another date.

Some subjects use a simpler pass/fail system. The same rules apply — if you fail, you usually have two more attempts.

Studying in the Czech Republic: Exam Tips for International Students

Wondering how to prepare effectively for Czech university exams?

• Start early — ideally several weeks before the exam period begins.
• Collect all study materials in advance. If something is missing, ask your classmates.
• Use consultation hours — most lecturers are happy to answer questions during office hours.
• Form a study group — chances are one of your classmates can explain a topic in a way that clicks.
• Don’t be afraid of failure — exams can be retaken, and mistakes are part of the learning process.

Good luck with your studies in the Czech Republic! 🍀