Palacký University Olomouc - UPOL (reviews)

I really enjoyed my time in this programme. The curriculum was well-structured and practical, with plenty of real-world applications. Professors were knowledgeable and always willing to help, which made a big difference. Campus life was vibrant, and there were many opportunities for networking. The only downside was that some elective courses filled up quickly, so planning ahead was important. Overall, I would definitely recommend this university to anyone looking for a balanced academic and social experience.

Palacký University in Olomouc is a place where history meets modernity, but what truly makes it special is the student culture that permeates the city. The student-run café-bar network, like the infamous Vertigo, offers spaces to socialize, study, or even catch a poetry slam. As a student of psychology, I appreciated the university’s emphasis on hands-on learning through partnerships with local clinics and NGOs. Olomouc is compact, meaning everything – from lecture halls to your favorite bakery – is within walking distance. What’s often overlooked is the university’s thriving tradition of volunteering. From environmental clean-ups to cultural festivals like Academia Film Olomouc, there’s always a way to contribute and connect. The Botanical Garden near the Faculty of Science became my go-to spot for peaceful reflection after a long day. Palacký University isn’t just an institution; it’s a community deeply embedded in one of the most charming cities in Europe.

Getting a degree Programeme in Upol was a dream come true. As a foreign student, I took my studies seriously and leveraged every opportunity to acquire more knowledge in and outside the school. I had always wanted to study abroad, I would say again that it was a dream come true. I loved that my school had students from various parts of the world. The education system was thorough and motivating. In UPOL Students are given the opportunity to study in their own pace and at the same time, the examination criteria must be met.
I didn’t not have a chance to engage in any internships during my study because of the covid situation. I am really excited about the opportunity

First of all I think evaluating the university as a whole is not relevant, as we all study at different faculties and departments and very often the environment and approach changes from one to another very much. I can only try to evaluate my department, which is the Department of Sociology, Andragogy and Cultural Anthropology and even within it several differences are observable. As an anthropology student, I am very content with the approach of my department. Lecturers are real professionals with a lot of research and academic experiences so it is always wonderful to learn from them. Most of them is also trying to take a more open and egalitarian approach towards teaching which I find more effective and which in my opinion helps students find their intrinsic motivation and therefore brings up anthropologists with a clear sense of their own responsibility.
However there are several things at the department in general which I am rather critical about. There is a very clear hierarchy among the individual fields of study and the dominance of some can be harmful to others – speaking not only about the variety of classes offered but also about financing and other opportunities connected to the topic. My biggest concern (but I believe this is rather a systemic problem than the department’s itself) is about the focus on publications from the lecturers – they are generally more important than the level of pedagogical dedication and this creates a high pressure environment for the lecturers who want to teach science, not only do it.
Overall however, I am very happy at my department and would like to continue all the way to doctoral studies here.