At VSB – Technical University of Ostrava, our educational mission extends far beyond lecture halls and enrolled students. Driven by our deep commitment to social responsibility, we open the world of science and technology to the entire community: supporting work-life harmony with an on-campus nursery school, bringing hands-on STEM workshops directly into regional primary and secondary classrooms, and empowering senior citizens through the University of the Third Age. Whether unlocking the mysteries of the universe at our Planetarium, welcoming visitors to the permanent exhibits of the Geological Pavilion, or advancing careers through professional training, we create accessible learning pathways for every stage of life—a promise of excellence anchored by an ISO 9001 quality certification held continuously since 2007.

LIFELONG LEARNING MEASURES

Opening our academic resources to the public

(4.3.1 Public resources - lifelong learning)

Central library facilities & accessibility

In accordance with the official Library and Circulation Rules of the VSB-TUO Central Library, external users can access library services by registering for a library card, while unregistered individuals may use reference services only. The library therefore provides access to educational and information resources for members of the public, subject to its registration requirements and applicable rules.

• Access for registered members: External members of the public can register to use VSB-TUO library services. Registered users can access borrowing services and other library resources and facilities in accordance with the Library and Circulation Rules.
• Access for non-registered visitors: Members of the public may use reference services at VSB-TUO’s Central Library without registration, in accordance with the Library and Circulation Rules. Registration and a library card are required to access the library’s wider range of services.
• Open digital repository (DSpace) & e-resources: Managed by the University Library, the University's institutional DSpace repository provides access to publications and other documents related to its research and educational activities. Depending on access permissions, users can consult available full texts online, while additional educational resources are provided through the University's digital learning platforms.

     

VSB-TUO Central Library Website | Library and Circulation Rules (PDF) | DSpace Institutional Digital Repository

Teacher upskilling & open mathematics courses (MODAM & Math4U)

Modern Applications of Mathematics Course (MODAM): Offered tuition-free by the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science since 2014, the Modern Applications of Mathematics (MODAM) course is tailored specifically for secondary school teachers. Accredited by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MEYS), the programme awards participants an official certificate upon completion. The sessions are conducted by experienced educators from the Department of Applied Mathematics who provide teaching materials and didactic resources provided to participants, lecture materials, collaborative project ideas, and coaching exercises for secondary students participating in mathematical olympiads.

Math4U: Developed by educators from the Department of Applied Mathematics at VSB-TUO’s Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Math4U is a free digital platform supporting mathematics education for students and teachers. It offers approximately 6,000 practice problems, 300 interactive training games, and exercises based on real-world applications. Core learning resources are freely accessible online without registration. Teachers can create customised worksheets and quizzes using the Math4Teacher application with a free account. The platform provides resources in five languages.

MODAM Seminar Series | Math4U

University podcast

Public science podcast – Science is Calling: VSB-TUO has produced the popular-science podcast series Science is Calling, featuring university researchers and educators discussing scientific discoveries, technological developments, and university activities. Published episodes remain available online, providing an additional resource for public engagement with science.

Science is Calling Podcast

Celebrating science together

(4.3.2 Public events - lifelong learning)

VSB – Technical University of Ostrava is dedicated to making science and research accessible to the general public through free, recurring educational events and lifelong learning initiatives. We organise public education under our regular "Improve Your Technology" (Zlepši si techniku) programme, which continuously engages regional residents, school pupils, and lifelong learners.

Our flagship public educational events, all of which are free of charge and open to the broad public, include:

• Art & Science Festival: Held annually on the Ostrava-Poruba campus, this festival brings science and art together. It offers attendees hands-on activities, interactive technical workshops, live experiment demonstrations, and science exhibitions led by our students and faculty to foster lifelong interest in technical disciplines across all age groups.
• Researcher's Night (Noc vědy): VSB-TUO regularly hosts this science popularisation evening, unlocking laboratories and lecture halls to the general public free of charge. Visitors of all generations engage directly with researchers, participate in guided scientific demonstrations, and attend lectures addressing global challenges and new technologies.
• Mineralogical Meeting: Hosted regularly by the Faculty of Mining and Geology, this event combines a sales exhibition with an extensive educational geoscience program run by university staff. Public educational activities include mineral polishing demonstrations, microscopic analysis, and fossil-identification workshops. The Geological Pavilion's extensive permanent collections are also open to the public free of charge during the event.

Art & Science Festival | Researcher’s Night 

Empowering careers and lifelong growth

(4.3.3 Vocational training events - lifelong learning)

VSB – Technical University of Ostrava offers a comprehensive portfolio of educational programs accessible to the general public, professionals, and corporate partners. These courses provide education beyond classical accredited degree programs and are structured to meet specific societal and industry needs.

Vocational training (job-specific qualifications & upskilling)

IT Retraining for the Unemployed: The University's Lifelong Learning Centre offers IT retraining courses for people registered with the Czech Labour Office. Eligible applicants may receive financial support through the Labour Office's retraining scheme, subject to approval and applicable funding conditions.

Mining Engineering Retraining: The Department of Mining Engineering and Safety organises specialised retraining studies in deep mining. This public program ensures professionals meet the strict professional competence requirements mandated by the Czech Mining Office for critical mining roles.

Property Assessment Study: VSB-TUO offers specialised four-semester courses in real estate assessment and business enterprise assessment, taught by university professors, forensic experts, and other experienced professionals.

Engineering Pedagogy Certification: Accredited by the Czech Ministry of Education and the International Society for Engineering Pedagogy (IGIP), this course provides public professionals with the pedagogical expertise needed to teach technical subjects at the secondary level. Graduates earn a formal certificate and the international "ING-PAED-IGIP" title.

Executive education (leadership & management)

Executive management and business academies: The University provides practically focused executive education for managers and professionals. Our flagship offerings include the comprehensive LEADERSHIP program and specialised Strategic Human Resources training, which focus on people management, change management.

General lifelong learning (community & personal development)

University of the Third Age (U3A): Implemented across multiple faculties, U3A provides non-degree educational opportunities specifically for senior citizens. This programme allows older generations to actively engage with contemporary developments in science, technology, and economics.

IT Retraining Courses | VSB-TUO Further Education | Lifelong Leraning Centre | Practical Courses at the Faculty of Economics

Taking science to the streets

(4.3.4 Education outreach activities beyond campus)

VSB – Technical University of Ostrava is deeply committed to educational outreach, actively deploying University resources, staff, and students into the Moravian-Silesian region to provide education beyond our campus borders. Our outreach strategy specifically targets primary schools, secondary schools, and the local community to foster early interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Key educational outreach initiatives include:

"Improve Your Technology" (Zlepši si techniku) outreach platform: This dedicated university platform is our primary vehicle for community education, successfully inspiring thousands of pupils and students. Through this initiative, our pedagogues and university students actively prepare and deliver lectures, interactive workshops, after school clubs, and competitions for the public. The outreach is strategically divided into three target groups:

• Junior University (Junior univerzita): As a specialised branch of the platform, the Junior University provides age-appropriate technical and scientific education for children and youth. Our academic staff offer extracurricular academic activities and hands-on learning experiences for young discoverers in the region, bridging the gap between basic education and university-level concepts.
• For schools: We provide tailored educational programmes, workshops, and support for primary and secondary school teachers and career advisors, bringing university-level expertise in fields like robotics, AI, ecology, and energy directly into regional classrooms.
• For the general public: We host accessible lectures and workshops designed for parents, grandparents, and community members to educate the broader public on topics ranging from technical engineering to financial literacy.

Science popularisation campaigns: University faculty and research centers frequently participate in regional educational fairs, municipal science days, and community exhibitions outside the University grounds, presenting applied research and sustainable technologies to the general public in accessible, public-square formats. We actively participate in major festivals such as Colours of Ostrava – Meltingpot, Days of Technology, and NATO Days, as well as the Open Days of the City of Ostrava and the Regional Office of the Moravian-Silesian Region.

Zlepši si techniku | Junior University 

Education for all: inclusive access policy

(4.3.5 Lifelong learning access policy)

VSB – Technical University of Ostrava is committed to the principles of equal treatment, non-discrimination, and equal opportunities across all university operations. We guarantee that all individuals, whether students, public participants, or employees, have the same opportunities to participate, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, religion, or health status.

In practice, VSB-TUO ensures that all educational and lifelong learning activities are inclusive and accessible to everyone. Our official Rules of Lifelong Learning at VSB-TUO explicitly guarantees this open access, stating in Section 3 that: "Lifelong learning is open to applicants of various ages, professional backgrounds, and previous education."

Equal Opportunities | Rules of Lifelong Learning at VSB-TUO