Universities Launch Joint Computer Science Master's Program
Students in the joint programme earn degrees from both Charles University and the University of Passau in two years.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Distance Learning
Live Poll
Do you believe international joint degree programs provide a better educational experience than traditional local degrees?
Charles University and the University of Passau launched a joint master's degree programme in Computer Science during the 2025/2026 academic year. This collaboration allows students to earn two degrees by completing one academic year in Prague and one in Passau.
Why it matters
The partnership leverages the geographic proximity and research history of these two institutions to increase student mobility and academic collaboration. Following the success of this joint degree, leadership from both universities met in October 2026 to discuss expanding cooperation into additional fields of study.
The two-year joint programme grants degrees from both Charles University and the University of Passau, supported by the Bavarian-Czech Academic Agency and Erasmus+. Students are required to study one year in Prague and one year in Passau to meet the degree requirements.
The players
Charles University
A public research university based in Prague that serves as one of the oldest and largest academic institutions in Central Europe.
University of Passau
A German public university known for its specialized research and international focus.
Prof. Jan Hendrik Schumann
The current President of the University of Passau.
Prof. Jiří Zima
The current Rector of Charles University.
The details
The Software and Data Engineering curriculum is designed as a fully integrated double-degree program. By completing the coursework in both locations, students satisfy the academic requirements for both universities simultaneously. The partnership builds upon existing research ties that have been active since at least May 2023.
Timeline
May 2023: Academic cooperation between the institutions began.
2025/2026 academic year: The first students enrolled in the joint programme.
February 2026: Prof. Jiří Zima took office as Rector of Charles University.
April 2026: Prof. Jan Hendrik Schumann became President of the University of Passau.
October 7-8, 2026: Leadership met to discuss future academic expansion.
Education Landscape
This partnership follows the pattern of cross-border institutional cooperation encouraged by the Erasmus+ framework to deepen European academic integration. It reflects a broader trend of European universities using joint degree programs to align curricula and boost research output.
Prospective students interested in this joint degree should consult the admissions portals at both Charles University and the University of Passau for specific application deadlines and credit transfer requirements. Since the curriculum requires a year in each country, applicants should also review housing and visa policies relevant to students studying in both the Czech Republic and Germany.
The takeaway
Joint degree programs offer a way to earn credentials from multiple institutions, but they require careful coordination of credit requirements and residency. Always contact the financial-aid or international student office at both participating universities to understand how dual enrollment impacts your aid eligibility.
Further reading
For more information on how international degree partnerships work, visit our Distance Learning section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Science Business.
Live Poll
Do you believe international joint degree programs provide a better educational experience than traditional local degrees?
