How to prepare for MUNI entrance exams
Are entrance exams coming up and you’re not sure when to start studying or what all you need to think about? Entrance exams can feel like one big stress fest, but with good preparation, you can handle them calmly and boost your chances of success. In this article, you’ll find a practical overview of what to expect and what to focus on — from choosing your field of study to managing stress on exam day.
Choosing your field of study
When picking your field of study, we recommend checking out the Masaryk University website with its overview of study programmes. You’ll find programme descriptions, sample study plans, courses, and career paths for graduates. The descriptions, especially the course lists, will help you build a basic idea of what to expect from a specific programme. You can also take advantage of open days, where you can talk directly to current students, or visit university fairs such as Gaudeamus.
✨TIP: If you have no idea which programme to choose, try exploring the Career Wayfinder. Got specific questions you couldn’t find answers to? Reach out to the programme consultant. You’ll find their contact details at the bottom of the programme’s webpage.
Entrance exam formats and requirements
Entrance exams at MUNI vary across faculties and programmes, and requirements can change from year to year. That’s why it’s important to check which test applies to your specific study plan. At MUNI, you may encounter TSP, SCIO, OSP, subject specific (e.g. social sciences), or practical exams. TSP is MUNI’s internal aptitude test focused on logic, critical thinking, and English. SCIO tests are national standardized exams. OSP is a standardized SCIO test focused on general abilities and serves as an alternative to TSP. Subject specific tests are tailored to particular programmes and are often part of SCIO testing.
Check out sample tests from previous years: TSP, SCIO. This will help you get a feel for what’s coming and how the questions are structured.
✨PRO TIP: See if you qualify for admission without entrance exams. Nothing hurts more than grinding through exam prep only to find out you didn’t need to take them at all. 🫠
Your study plan
Start by writing down the programmes you’re applying for and list the individual exams for each one — that way you can easily come back to it. Another key factor is timing. Add exam dates to your list and think about how far apart they are so you can prepare properly. Some exams can be taken more than once, which increases your chances; the second time around, you’ll already know roughly what to expect and can manage your time better. Just keep in mind that SCIO tests are paid, while TSP can be taken twice for the price of one application, under specific rules.
In general, don’t underestimate exam prep. Think about how studying has worked for you in the past and adjust your plan accordingly. If studying usually takes you longer, ideally start a few months ahead (e.g. 2–3 months) so you have enough time to go through everything. Set aside a few hours a day for studying and don’t forget breaks and rest. On weekdays, shorter study blocks of 30–60 minutes work well; on weekends, you can go for longer sessions. Set smaller goals and write them down so you can track your progress.
Tips for effective studying
Just reading notes isn’t enough. To store information in long term memory, it’s better to repeat the material out loud; and even better to explain it in your own words. Mind maps are great for understanding connections, and the Pomodoro technique 🍅 helps you manage focused study time (25 minutes) with built in breaks (5 minutes).
Motivation and stress management
Sticking to a regular routine can boost your motivation, since habits make it easier to get started. Track your progress and reward yourself for small milestones (for example, after finishing a chapter). Taking breaks really pays off, too. Studying tends to be easier afterwards. Sleep is just as important, so don’t neglect it. While you sleep, your brain stores what you learned during the day. Try to fit at least a few minutes of movement and activities you enjoy into your busy schedule. They help reduce stress, give you a break from worries, and recharge your energy. Rest is key to being ready for another day of studying.
Exam day
D day is naturally the biggest scare — and that’s totally normal. But you can reduce stress by focusing on what you can control. The day before the exam, prepare everything you’ll need: pens, water, a snack, clothes, how you’ll get there, and what time you’ll wake up. Carefully reread the instructions you received. Arrive early so you have a buffer in case you get lost or delayed. We don’t really recommend coffee — it might make you more nervous — but it depends on what you’re used to. During the test, remember to breathe and focus on one question at a time. If you don’t know an answer, skip it and come back later. Keep an eye on the time so you don’t get stuck on a single question.