This paper outlines the history of Czech higher education, changes after the 1989 "Velvet Revolution," and possible future directions as the society as a whole adjusts to non-Soviet, democratic government. An early section describes the early development of higher education beginning with the founding of Charles University in 1348. The following section discusses Austrian-German influences on Czechoslovakia's education system which resulted in modeling the Czech university system of German universities. The next section describes the 40 years of Communist rule and attempts to remold education in the image of Soviet education. This section discusses access, curriculum, resource allocation, planning, staffing, and students. The next section covers the same topics in the period since 1989 and the experience of freedom, limited resources, and unlimited demand. A final discussion of the change since 1989 and future directions for higher education in the Czech Republic notes that legislation in 1990 gave a great deal of authority to institutions and their faculties. Some now feel that the legislation may have gone too far in delegating responsibilities. Although the system has undergone change, universities are also finding that faculties and other elements are resistant to change. (Contains 40 references.) (JB)