Higher education in the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is not only a country with beautiful architecture, rich culture and history, but also an excellent place to study.We invite you to learn more about the Czech education system, the admission process and opportunities for a future student.

The system of higher education

Higher education in the Czech Republic includes three stages of study: bachelor's, master's and doctoral studies.Educational institutions are divided into two types: university and non-university.University-type institutes offer prospective students all three degrees in different professional fields, and while studying at non-university-type institutes, only bachelor's degrees in business, finance, marketing and statistics can be obtained.

In addition to public universities, there are private universities that offer Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees.The core MBA courses cover a variety of business areas such as accounting, human resource management, cash transactions, marketing, and others.

Admission process

After you have selected a suitable program for training, the process of collecting documents and applying for an application follows:

1. Preparation of documents

The main condition for admission is the successful completion of the previous level of study.Also, the requirements most often include a completed and sent application, proof of payment of the fee and compliance with the conditions of a specific study program.For example, a resume, motivation and recommendation letters, a portfolio, a certificate that confirms the knowledge of the language.

1. Sending documents

You need to submit the necessary documents to the website of the university where youyou can later track the status of your candidacy.After completing the online application, you must print it, sign and send it by mail to the relevant university or faculty along with the necessary documents.You may be asked to pay a registration fee and include a receipt.

1. Additional exams

Some universities conduct their own language or creative admissions tests.If you meet all the requirements, you may be asked to take an interview online or in the Czech Republic, depending on the university.

1. Getting the result

The final results are usually announced before the end of June.If you are accepted, you must pay your first semester fees if applicable.After the university will send you an official invitation, contract and visa documents.

1. Applying for a visa

Proceed with your visa application as soon asreceive an official invitation from the university.For students who are not EU citizens, the procedure can take up to 60 days.

1. Preparing to move

Keep in touch with the academic department or program coordinator.The host university can advise on accommodation options and help with other arrival arrangements.

Tuition fees and fees

Regardless of your country of residence, education in the Czech Republic is free for foreign students.But there is one nuance that is worth paying attention to - the payment of fees for studying in a foreign language.Also, as in many other countries, you need to pay other fees: when applying for an application and when renewing your studies.The amount of contributions may differ in public and private universities, as the latter can set the amount of fees themselves.

Programs

The main language of instruction is Czech.But there are programs in other foreign languages, mainly in English.For those who want to study for free in the Czech Republic, there are scholarships and summer schools that will help you master or improve the language to the desired level, as well as scholarships for studying in a foreign language.

Language Scholarships

Summer schoolsof Slavonic studies

Several public universities in the Czech Republic organize summer schools that offer intensive Czech language courses.Courses take place during the summer months and last from 3 to 4 weeks depending on the content defined by each summer school.Both foreign students, teachers and translators, and everyone who is interested in the Czech language, literature, history and culture of the country can take part.The schools offer courses at various levels, include workshops on Czech culture and history, theater, music and dance performances, trips and other activities.Participants can receivea scholarshipfrom the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, which covers fees, travel costs and gives free access to school courses.

Preparatory courses

For those who want to enter the Czech Republic, universities offer preparatory language courses.They take place both in the country and abroad. With government scholarships, it is possible to take these courses free of charge.

University Scholarships

Visegrad Scholarship Program

Visegrad Scholarship Program provides scholarships to study in Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia or Poland for a period of one to four semesters.The program is organized by the Visegrad Foundation, which accepts applications from successfully graduated students from Albania, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia and Ukraine.The amount of the scholarship that a student receives is 2300 euros per semester.

Erasmus +

Erasmus Plusis an EU education support program.It provides funding opportunities for students from all over the world.Erasmus + offers exchange training and specialized programs through which you can study in several countries.Czech universities also participate in it.

Government scholarships - developing countries

The Czech government proposes scholarships for citizens from developing countries.They are provided for undergraduate, graduate or doctoral programs in Czech, and pay for a year of language study. Depending on the subject area, candidates take exams.Successful passing of the entrance examinations is a precondition for receiving funding.Also, future masters and doctors can receive a scholarship to study in an English-language program.

Scholarships of the South Moravian center

The non-profit organization South Moravian Center for International Mobility provides financial support to talented students from countries, non-EU members who are interested in master's or doctoral studies at Brno universities.Study programs in engineering and natural sciences are preferred.Good knowledge of Czech is required from candidates.

Scholarship for the study of the Czech language and culture

Masaryk University offers scholarships for the study of the Czech language, literature and culture.The scholarship is CZK 8,000 per month, and tuition lasts from October to December.Applicants should have a good knowledge of Czech.In some cases, applications for training in other areas are considered.

Work for students and graduates

In the Czech Republic, students often earn extra money while studying.Part-time or summer vacancies are common here, but you need to be prepared for difficulties in finding if you do not speak Czech, as this is a frequent requirement.In large cities, it is easier for a foreign student to find a job, because there are international companies that require knowledge of several languages.

Non-EU or Swiss students are allowed to work while studying, but remember that you were issued a visa for study purposes, so paid work should not interfere with your education.Long-term training does not require a special permit.The employer must notify the appropriate regional office of the State Employment Service of the start of your employment.An exchange student can only work without permission if he is over 26 years old.In other situations, permissionto work is necessary.

To stay in the Czech Republic to search for vacancies after training, a graduate needs to receive employee card , which enables long-term job search.The entrance to the labor market is open for graduates of Czech universities, so the card rather serves as a residence permit.

Related materials

• Czech language for admission

• How to prepare for the move