Exchange students should familiarize themselves with the general study principles at UCT Prague to ensure a smooth academic experience. Always check specific regulations and course guidelines for details. The information below applies to exchange students who have been officially accepted and enrolled at the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague.

1. Academic Year & Class Times
📅 Semester Structure
  • Winter Semester: Sept – Feb (Classes, practical sessions, projects).
  • Summer Semester: Feb – June (Lectures and academic activities).
  • Exam Periods: Held at the end of each semester (several weeks to demonstrate your knowledge).
  • Holidays: National holidays and public vacations are observed throughout the year.
Study at UCT Prague aligns with the ECTS system, making credit transfers easy across Europe.
⏰ Daily Schedule & Breaks

Classes are scheduled between 8:00 – 19:50. Since breaks between classes can be long, we recommend staying on campus.

You can relax, study, or eat in our "Respirium" (relaxation rooms) located in Building B.

💡 Important: Check the Academic Calendar regularly for specific deadlines. Any prolongation of your exchange must be discussed with the IRO beforehand!

2. Digital Tools & SIS
🖥️ Study Information System (SIS)

Access SIS at student.vscht.cz or via the EMIL app. It is your primary hub for:

  • Personal schedule & Syllabuses
  • Enrollment in exams & Grades
  • Managing personal details
📧 Official Communication

Official school email (login@vscht.cz) is accessible at outlook.office.com/mail/. Check it daily all official university matters are communicated ONLY through this address. 
Tip: You can set up forwarding to your personal email.

🌐 Network & Password Rules

Your UCT account allows you to use Wi-Fi "vscht", access study room computers, and use E-Learning (presentations, recordings, assignments).

🔑 Password: You will receive your initial credentials on Enrollment Day. You MUST change your initial password before first use! Download Password Guide →
⚖️ Academic Integrity

UCT Prague has zero tolerance for plagiarism and cheating. Academic misconduct during exams or assignments results in severe consequences and immediate investigation.

📄 Review the Code of Discipline →

3. Study Plan, Exams & ECTS
📅 Study Plan & Schedule Changes

The International Office will register your courses in SIS based on your Learning Agreement. However, courses may overlap. During Enrollment Day, you will receive a list of open classes to check for conflicts.

Changes to LA: If you need to change courses, you must submit the "Learning Agreement during the mobility" by the predetermined deadline. After this deadline, no further changes to your study plan are possible!
Types of Examination
Cr+ZK Course-credit + Exam. Two-level assessment. You must pass the credit (Cr) during the semester to be allowed to take the final Exam (ZK).
ZK Exam. Final evaluation (written or oral) during the exam period.
KZ Marked course-credit. No final exam; you are graded based on semester assignments/tests.
Cr Course-credit. Requirements met during the semester (often just attendance). No grade, just "Pass".
ECTS Grading System

1 ECTS ≈ 25–30 hours of work. UCT requires min. 20 ECTS/semester from exchange students.

A Excellent 100 – 90%
B Very good 89 – 80%
C Good 79 – 70%
D Satisfactory 69 – 60%
E Sufficient 59 – 50%
F Fail < 50%
📝 How it works with Exams
  • Self-Registration: You register for exam dates via SIS (tab Examination Terms -> Register).
  • Attempts: You have 3 attempts (1 regular + 2 re-sits) per subject. Re-sits must be done within the exam period.
  • Deadlines: You can unregister from an exam in SIS before the deadline. If you miss the exam without a serious excuse, you get an "F" (Fail).
  • Responsibility: It is your duty to know the requirements of each subject. Lack of knowledge regarding dates or rules is not an excuse.

After completing all exams, request your Transcript of Records from the International Relations office.


4. Advice from Fellow Students

Don’t waste your time! The exam period is usually 5 weeks long (spring is slightly longer), which means you have roughly one week per exam. Plan wisely!

💪 Don’t Postpone!
Tackle the most challenging exams first. You need to be done with them as quickly as possible to avoid a "deadlock" at the end of the semester.
🧠 The 3-Attempt Reality
Professors know you have 3 attempts, so exams can be very tough. Many students fail the first time just to see the test format. Don't stress if you fail—it's part of the experience here and it makes you stronger!
🧘 Plan for Failures
Not everything goes as planned. When scheduling, always build in a buffer for potential re-sits. Having a backup plan will keep you calm during the hectic weeks.
🏁 End of Exam Period?

Once you’ve passed your exams (or used all attempts) and gained your credits, inform the Department of International Relations to request your Transcript of Records. Check our Before Departure page for next steps.

🤝 Student Support Services

ESN volunteers are here to help you succeed academically and personally. They organize informative events and manage online groups where you can connect with other international students. Remember, they are volunteers—so don't hesitate to reach out if you encounter any problems!