Charles University was founded in 1348, making it one of the oldest universities in the world. Yet it is a modern, dynamic, cosmopolitan and prestigious institution of higher education and the best Czech university according to international rankings. Nowadays, Charles University has 49,000 students, of which approximately 17,500 are studying in bachelor's programmes, 24,000 in master's programmes and 7,500 in doctoral programmes, 8,700 students are from abroad. Prospective students can choose from more than 300 degree programmes which cover wide range of disciplines from medical and health sciences, life sciences, natural sciences, social sciences and arts and humanities. True to the ideas embodied in its Foundation Charter, Charles University strives to be the centre of excellent research and education, the place where lasting values, knowledge and skills are maintained and transmitted to future generations, and to play a key role in the scholarly, scientific, cultural, social and economic development of the society. Charles University endeavors to be a leading, internationally recognized research university with a wide spectrum of outstanding scholars, teams, and disciplines. To achieve this aim, academics and researchers focus strongly on scientific activities and their interconnection with teaching and learning. In the area of educational activities, the university’s top priority is to be an attractive place to study in all types of degree programmes for both domestic and international students.