Václav Havel Bursary

The Václav Havel Bursary is intended for international students whose studies are hindered or prevented by repression under totalitarian, authoritarian, or other non-democratic regimes anywhere in the world. The financial support is provided directly by Charles University.



Students from countries where, according to humanitarian organisations, human rights and freedoms are being violated and where discriminatory measures restrict access to education are eligible to apply for the bursary. The bursary can only be awarded to a student who has been admitted and enrolled in a degree programme at one of the faculties of Charles University based on the standard admissions procedure.


A student wishing to apply for the bursary must fill out the Application Form. The application must be accompanied by all required documents in accordance with the valid Rector’s Directive (Article 2, point 3).


A complete bursary application, including all attachments must be submitted digitally via the Dean or a Vice‑Dean authorised by the Dean, in two submission periods: by 31 March and 31 October of each calendar year, to the Chair of the Board. These deadlines are final.


Documents proving persecution may be submitted in English. However, if the documents are in less commonly used foreign languages, a certified translation into Czech is required.


As part of the preparation for studies in the Czech language, it is possible to apply for a contribution towards living expenses.


The bursary is governed by Rector’s Directive No. 56/2025 (effective from 22 December 2025), where more detailed information can also be found.


Václav Havel Bursary Board

prof. MUDr. Michal Vrablík, Ph.D.

Vice-Rector for International Affairs, Chair of the Board

prof. PhDr. Lenka Rovná, CSc.

Rector’s Adviser for 4EU+

Mgr. Sylvie Boumová

Head of the International Relations Office of the Charles University Rectorate

doc. JUDr. Jakub Tomšej, Ph.D.

Secretary of the Department of Labour Law and Social Security Law, Faculty of Law



Contacts

Ing. Kamila Verfelová

International Relations Office

Charles University Rectorate

kamila.verfelova@ruk.cuni.cz