Our mission.
The European Research University is a non-governmental, non-profit institution whose primary mission is to provide education through accredited undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes, alongside non-degree and lifelong learning provision, while pursuing closely related scientific research activities. Founded on the principles of openness, inclusivity, equality, and respect for individual needs, ERUNI is committed to delivering education within a non-profit framework.
The educational experience at ERUNI is highly personalised, with students actively engaged in research from the undergraduate level onwards. Student numbers are intentionally limited, reflecting a rigorous multi-round admissions process that places particular emphasis on assessing applicants’ research aptitude. The integration of research and teaching within accredited study programmes remains a defining feature of the University.
ERUNI is further characterised by a strong international orientation, which permeates both its teaching and its wider academic activities. The University maintains partnerships with institutions worldwide, and its researchers are regularly involved in international research collaborations.
To widen access to higher education, ERUNI operates a comprehensive scholarship scheme which, under certain conditions, may cover up to 100% of the costs associated with study. This approach reflects the University’s commitment to ensuring that access to education is not determined by a student’s financial or social background.
Our history.
The European Research University was founded in 1999. In its early years, the institution delivered a range of government-accredited educational programmes and participated in educational, development, and investment projects, including those with an international dimension. In 2008, it was granted state approval by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports to operate as a private higher education institution. Since then, the University has progressively secured accreditations for Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes, alongside a broad portfolio of lifelong learning provision.
The transformation into a university-type higher education institution was completed in 2023, following a rigorous two-year evaluation process conducted by the National Accreditation Bureau for Tertiary Education. This process involved a comprehensive assessment of all key areas, in particular teaching, research, and international activities. Today, ERUNI offers a full range of degree programmes, including doctoral studies. The year 2023 marked a significant milestone in the University’s development, not only with the attainment of university status, but also with the gradual establishment of its organisational structure across multiple locations, including Prague, Ostrava, and other cities in the Czech Republic, as well as an expanding presence abroad.
Since 2024, ERUNI has been progressively establishing a network of international research hubs under the European Research College, operating within British and EU legal frameworks. These include hubs in London, Amsterdam, and Rome, with further expansion underway, including the planned opening of a new hub in Paris.
Our structure.
The European Research University comprises faculties delivering accredited academic degree programmes, alongside colleges providing professional education, vocational training, and lifelong learning provision. In total, ERUNI offers more than 30 accredited study and educational programmes, including 14 degree programmes accredited under the Higher Education Act of the Czech Republic at bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, delivered in both Czech and English.
In addition, the University provides a range of lifelong learning programmes accredited by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, including those leading to qualifications for teaching staff in accordance with Czech legislation. Colleges within the ERUNI Group offer further professionally oriented programmes, also accredited by the Ministry, designed to prepare graduates for regulated professions such as nursing, early childhood education, and social work.
ERUNI also operates a Recognised Teaching Centre of the University of London, through which it delivers undergraduate study support within the Business Administration programme, with degrees awarded directly by the University of London.
The ERUNI Group, comprising both its directly managed and associated organisational units, currently enrols approximately 4,600 students. Degrees awarded within accredited higher education programmes are conferred by the European Research University in accordance with Czech legislation. In the case of programmes delivered in collaboration with the University of London, degrees are awarded by the University of London. Qualifications awarded by other entities within the ERUNI Group are issued in accordance with the relevant national regulatory frameworks.
Our students.
ERUNI’s non-profit character, together with the values it upholds, underpins a comprehensive scholarship scheme designed to make a high-quality university education accessible to talented students, regardless of their financial background. In addition to need-based support, the University offers merit- and research-based scholarships to recognise academic excellence and intellectual potential.
The University admits students who demonstrate a genuine commitment to their academic development, active engagement in learning, and a willingness to participate in research and broader academic life from the outset of their studies. Admission is selective and takes the form of a multi-stage process designed to assess both aptitude and motivation.
As part of the admissions procedure, applicants submit a motivation letter or video outlining their achievements, academic interests, and reasons for applying. This is followed by a face-to-face interview, during which these aspects are explored in greater depth. Applicants are also required to submit a short written essay on a contemporary social or economic issue, which serves as a key element in assessing their analytical and writing abilities in place of standardised entrance tests.
Our vision.
In its vision, the European Research University aspires to be an internationally respected institution, recognised for the quality of its accredited study programmes and for the close integration of teaching and research. It seeks to strengthen its position within global university rankings, particularly in areas reflecting academic quality and research-informed education.
ERUNI graduates are expected to succeed in their professional and academic lives, while contributing meaningfully to society. The University places strong emphasis on cultivating a sense of social responsibility, as well as the ability to navigate the challenges of an increasingly interconnected and multicultural world.
The achievement of these ambitions rests on a stable and committed academic community, composed of scholars from across the world who bring a high level of expertise and share the University’s core values. ERUNI further develops its mission through collaboration with partners in the public and private sectors, as well as with non-profit organisations and wider civil society.
And little bit more.
The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports has granted ERUNI the official status of a research organisation, confirming that the University meets the criteria for organisations engaged in research and the dissemination of knowledge as defined by European Union regulations. This status supports the further development of its scientific, research, and other creative activities. The University conducts high-quality research and is a holder of the HR Excellence in Research Award, reflecting its commitment to supporting researchers and maintaining strong research environments.
The European Research University is an international higher education institution, with students from across the world and a significant proportion of international academic staff. The University is actively engaged in the Erasmus+ mobility programme and maintains partnerships with universities across Europe and beyond. Its research and publication activities have a strong international dimension. Through its educational provision, including lifelong learning programmes, ERUNI supports students in progressing to master’s and doctoral studies at leading universities worldwide and facilitates engagement with international academic communities.
ERUNI also contributes to the self-governance of the higher education sector in the Czech Republic. It is a member of the Council of Higher Education Institutions, and the Rector of the University is a member of the Czech Rectors Conference.