Palacky University, Olomouc

Palacký University Olomouc (UP) is a public university located in Olomouc, Czech Republic. It is the oldest university in Moravia and the second-oldest in the Czech Republic.

The history of Palacký University Olomouc (UP) can be traced back to 1573, when it was founded by the Jesuit order as a Catholic university. The university's first faculties were theology, philosophy, and law. In 1622, UP was reorganized by the Habsburgs and became a state university.

In the 19th century, UP expanded its offerings to include the natural sciences, medicine, and education. During this time, UP also became a center of Czech nationalism. In 1860, the university was renamed Palacký University in honor of the Czech historian and politician František Palacký.

After the First World War, UP became part of the newly created Czechoslovakia. During this time, UP continued to grow and develop. In the 1930s, UP was ranked among the top universities in Central Europe.

However, UP's development was interrupted by the Second World War. During the war, UP was closed by the Nazi occupation forces. After the war, UP was reopened, but it was subject to the control of the communist government.

In 1989, after the Velvet Revolution, UP regained its academic autonomy. Since then, UP has undergone a period of rapid development. The university has expanded its offerings, increased its research output, and attracted international students and faculty.

Today, UP is a leading university in the Czech Republic.

UP has a rich history and a strong reputation for academic excellence. The university is committed to providing its students with a high-quality education and to conducting cutting-edge research.

Palacky University, Olomouc is ranked as the #6 top university in Czech Republic during 2025.