Charles University was founded in 1348, making it one of the oldest universities in the world. It is the largest and most renowned Czech university, and is also the best-rated Czech university according to international rankings. There are currently 17 faculties at the University (14 in Prague, 2 in Hradec Králové and 1 in Plzeň), plus 4 institutes, 5 other centres of teaching, research, development and other creative activities, a centre providing information services, 4 facilities serving the whole University, and the Rectorate - which is the executive management body for the whole University.

The University focuses strongly on research activities. Charles University can boast a number of outstanding research teams which are involved in close collaboration with international research institutions. Students can also become involved in the University’s research work at each of the individual faculties. 

Charles University has almostr 50,000 students - roughly a sixth of all students in the Czech Republic – enrolled in more than 300 accredited degree programmes that offer over 642 different courses. More than 20,000 students are studying in Bachelor’s degree programmes, almost 25,000 in Master’s programmes, and 8,000 in PhD programmes. The University has about 8,000 students from other countries. Every year, just under 9,000 students complete their studies; Charles University graduates enjoy one of the highest employment rates in the Czech Republic. Every year a diverse range of lifelong learning courses are attended by more than 16,000 participants.