Masaryk University, Faculty of Medicine (Brno)

The Faculty of Medicine at Masaryk University in Brno is one of the oldest faculties of the university, founded in 1919, and today one of the largest medical faculties in the Czech Republic: around 4,400 students, over 1,200 staff, 16 theoretical and 50 clinical institutes. The English-language General Medicine programme lasts six years, comprises twelve semesters and ends with the degree MUDr. Unlike the faculties of Charles University, here you are dealing with an independent university, not one of several medical faculties within the same institution.

Campus Bohunice and the Simulation Centre

The university campus in Bohunice in the south of the city is one of the largest university development projects in Central Europe and is located directly next to the University Hospital Brno. Theory, labs and hospital are therefore within walking distance of each other. The faculty’s flagship is the SIMU simulation centre, which the university itself describes as the largest and most modern facility of its kind in Europe, and in which more than 5,000 students have already trained by their own account. In practical terms: you practise examinations, emergency scenarios and procedures in reconstructed treatment rooms before performing them on real patients. For a course of study abroad where the language barrier already complicates early patient contact, that is a genuine advantage. Several Brno university hospitals contribute to clinical training, meaning you get to know more than just one institution over the course of your studies.

Programme Structure

The first two years are theoretical in character, with biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology at the core. From the third year onwards the focus shifts towards clinical work, with the major disciplines, rotations and placements. In addition, there are four blocks of summer placements at healthcare institutions; parts of these can, with faculty approval, be completed abroad. The programme is explicitly aligned with the EU qualification standards under Directive 2005/36/EC, which is the decisive foundation for subsequent recognition in Germany.

Staying Realistic

Brno is popular, and the admissions procedure is correspondingly demanding: three separate multiple-choice tests in chemistry, biology and physics under time pressure. Applicants who only know the material from the German Abitur regularly underestimate this, as the questions are more fact-intensive and cover areas that are barely represented in German secondary school curricula. The first years of study also filter significantly; anatomy and biochemistry are the classic hurdles, and tuition fees are due each year. Medschool Experts advises on NC-free pathways into medicine in Germany and abroad, including the Czech admissions procedures.

The Entrance Examination

The written examination covers three subjects: chemistry, biology and physics. Each test consists of 40 multiple-choice questions with five answer options, of which exactly one is correct; you have 50 minutes per test. The faculty publishes syllabi and practice tests for all three subjects and offers paid e-learning preparatory courses as well as a Foundation programme for applicants who need more preparation time. At a minimum, use the freely available practice tests to make an honest assessment of your level.

Application and Deadlines

Applications are submitted electronically via the university system. The application window for the English-language programmes in medicine and dentistry has recently been comparatively broad, running from early January to late July. Examination dates and deadlines are set by the faculty each year — do not rely on information from the previous year.

Costs

The tuition fee for the English-language programme is 380,000 CZK per academic year, the lowest among the Czech faculties featured here. It falls due in each of the six years. Living costs and rent in Brno are below Prague levels; the university does not publish reliable flat-rate estimates, so calculate based on actual dormitory or rental offers.

Structure and Language of Instruction

The programme lasts six years or twelve semesters and is taught entirely in English. Years one and two form the theoretical foundation with biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology. From year three onwards, the clinical disciplines, rotations and practical placements take centre stage.

Clinical Placements and Hospital

Clinical training takes place at the Brno university hospitals, to which the Bohunice campus is directly connected. Preceding this is the SIMU simulation centre, where examination techniques and emergency procedures are practised under realistic conditions. In addition, there are four blocks of summer placements, which can with appropriate approval also be completed abroad. Czech is studied alongside the programme; without the language, ward work is not effectively manageable.

Degree and Recognition in Germany

The degree awarded is MUDr. The programme is explicitly aligned with the EU requirements of Directive 2005/36/EC, so the qualification is automatically recognised in Germany. You then apply for the Approbation from the competent state authority. Proof of your German language proficiency is required there — typically at C1 level and additionally in the form of a medical language examination.

Brno as a University City

Brno is the second-largest city in the Czech Republic and arguably the most student-shaped city in the country: several universities define its character, and cafés, bars, concerts and student initiatives are correspondingly plentiful. The city is nevertheless compact — tram and bicycle get you anywhere — and it is considerably cheaper than Prague.

Accommodation and Daily Life

Masaryk University runs its own dormitories; many international students also rent privately in shared flats, often near the Bohunice campus or centrally located with tram connections. The German-speaking group in the English-language cohort is stable, and there is also a large international community across the other faculties.

Getting There from Germany

Brno is well connected between Prague, Vienna and Bratislava, with train and long-distance bus links to all three. For travel to Germany the route usually goes via Prague or Vienna Airport, which is reachable by bus in a manageable amount of time.

What distinguishes Brno from the Charles University faculties?

Brno belongs to Masaryk University, an independent institution with its own admissions procedure and fee schedule. The Bohunice campus is located directly next to the university hospital, and the faculty places strong emphasis on simulation training. For recognition in Germany, it makes no difference which Czech faculty you choose.

How is the entrance examination structured?

There are three separate written tests in chemistry, biology and physics. Each test contains 40 multiple-choice questions with five answer options and one correct solution; the time allowed is 50 minutes per test. The faculty provides syllabi and practice tests and also offers paid preparatory courses.

What does the programme cost per year?

The tuition fee for the English-language medicine programme is 380,000 CZK per academic year. It falls due in each of the six study years. Accommodation, textbooks and living costs come on top, but are below Prague levels in Brno.

How much practical experience do I get during the programme?

From year three onwards the focus is on clinical subjects and rotations, supplemented by four blocks of summer placements at healthcare institutions. Preceding this is the SIMU simulation centre, where procedures are practised before patient contact. Parts of the placements can be completed abroad by arrangement.

Do I need Czech if the programme is taught in English?

All teaching takes place in English, so you do not need Czech for examinations. On the wards it is different — patients speak Czech. The language is therefore part of the programme throughout, and anyone who neglects it loses a great deal of learning value in the clinical years.