About Czech Republic
If you’re looking for a unique European study abroad experience, look no further than the Czech Republic. Known for its impressive castles, vast selection of native beers, medieval old towns, and beautiful landscapes, the Czech Republic combines the best of East and West Europe to create its own hybrid flair. Popular study abroad cities in the Czech Republic include the capital, Prague, Liberec, Brno, and Olomouc. However, there are many other fascinating locations to choose from as well.
Students are particularly attracted to the Czech Republic for its rich cultural heritage, intriguing history, and exceptional foods and beers. Imagine yourself cozying up with a Staropramen after class with your new, international friends enjoying such Czech delicacies as kulajda or svickova. Afterwards, peruse old, cobblestone streets and visit ancient castles and cathedrals to get a feel of what the Czech Republic used to be like in days passed.
The Czech Republic was also once home to artistic geniuses such as Alphonse Mucha, Franz Kafka, Jaroslav Seifert, and Antonín Dvořák. Once you’ve touched down in the Czech Republic, you’ll see why! A magical and mysterious air will instantly inspire your creative side. Surrounded by sophisticated architecture and lively people, it’ll be hard not to be inspired. Don’t believe us? See for yourself! Read through our Study Abroad in the Czech Republic Guide and begin looking for a program that fits your interests today!
Education System
Students from around the globe are drawn to the Czech Republic for its excellent education system. With approximately 311,000 students, 43,000 of which are international students, Czech universities are among some of the most popular in the world. The Czech University system also boasts some of the best education on offer in Europe with an emphasis on quality, diversity, accessibility, and relevance.
Depending on their educational background, students can choose from a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree. On average, a bachelor’s degree program in the Czech Republic lasts from three to four years, while a master’s or a doctorate can vary between one and four years. With a diverse range of study programs, students are also offered the flexibility to choose from a long list of internationally recognized qualifications and specializations depending on their particular interests.
Considering the Czech Republic’s long tradition of quality education, it’s no surprise that universities in the Czech Republic draw amazing minds from around the world. The country is especially known for its programs in the sciences, engineering, and medicine. So, if you’re up for the challenge, study textile engineering at the Technical University of Liberec, environmental development at the Palacký University Olomouc, or general medicine at Masaryk University. No matter which program you pursue, quality is guaranteed.
Student Visas in the Czech Republic
Depending on your country of origin, requirements may change, but typically citizens from countries outside of the EU are required to apply for a visa to study at a university in the Czech Republic. In most cases, students will have to apply for a long-term visa for stays lasting longer than ninety days. If you are studying abroad for longer than one year, however, you should apply for a long-term residence permit for study purposes.
Check to see what paperwork is required before submitting your application. The Czech embassy or consulate in your country should have the most up-to-date information regarding what is required. Here’s a list of what you should expect:
- Application form
- Proof of acceptance to studies at a university in the Czech Republic
- Valid passport
- Proof of financial resources for the stay (i.e. bank statements or scholarship information)
- Confirmation of accommodation
- Valid international health insurance
- Copy of a criminal record report
Note that most documents must be translated into Czech by a translator with an official rubber stamp. Due to time restrictions, you should apply for a study visa well in advance. The entire process can take up to sixty days. So, don’t leave it to the last minute!
Living Costs in the Czech Republic
The popular budget option for students to live is in dormitories. Most universities in the Czech Republic offer international students the opportunity to live on campus in student accommodations owned by the universities themselves.
If you prefer a little more space, you can also rent a private flat or single room in a shared flat for a reasonable price. Expect to pay the following per month:
- Student Dormitory – around 150 USD
- Private Room – from 250 USD
- Private Apartment – from 450 USD
These prices are most likely to vary depending on location. If you are living in a more populous city like Prague, you can expect to pay more.
Cost of Living in the Czech Republic
Whether you’re studying in your home country or abroad, the choice to study can be an expensive one. Not only are there tuition fees to think of, but also the general cost of living, including the price of accommodation, food, and leisurely activities. Before moving abroad to study, it’s important that you have a budget in mind. Consider whether you will live in student accommodations, share a room, or be able to work on a student permit.
Fortunately, the Czech Republic has a considerably lower average cost of living compared to other popular European study abroad destinations. Therefore, it’s an affordable option for international students! Prices vary based upon your location, but on average, you should plan to spend between 350 to 750 USD per month (300-660 Euros/7900-16950 Czech Crowns). This amount should easily cover meals, accommodation, public transport, and extracurricular activities.
Food and Drinks
In the Czech Republic, it is easy to find quality food at an affordable price. On average, students can expect to pay the following:
Student Lunch in Cafeteria – 50 CZK / 2.3 USD
Meal in Restaurant – 130 CZK / 5.9 USD
Beer at a Bar – 30 CZK / 1.4 USD
Groceries tend to be cheaper as well. So, if you’re a student on a tight budget, consider limiting the number of meals you eat out, and go grocery shopping instead.
Entertainment
After a long week of classes and studying, the weekends are a chance to relax and explore the Czech Republic. As a student, there are plenty of discounts available to participate in leisurely activities such as museum exhibitions and art galleries. However, you should still have some money set aside for going out with friends and enjoying the local life. Expect to pay the following for some common entertainment:
Movie Ticket – 100–200 CZK / 4.5–9 USD
Museum Admission – from 40 CZK / 1.8 USD
Gym Pass – from 100 CZK / 4.5 USD
Bike Rental – 200–500 CZK / 9–23 USD per day
Once you have arrived in the Czech Republic, check to see if you are eligible for an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) which entitles students to steep discounts for transport, restaurants, cinemas, museums, exhibitions and concerts.
Tuition Fees
The tuition fee structure in the Czech Republic is broken down into Czech language program fees and non-Czech language program fees. If you are fluent in Czech and would like to study in the Czech language, university education at public institutions is free of charge! By law, Czech language programs are free for all students no matter what their nationality.
If you would like to study in English or another language other than Czech, universities have the right to charge tuition fees. The cost varies based on the university and the program, but students can expect to pay anywhere from 0-22,350 USD per year.
Fortunately, there are plenty of scholarship options available to students from either the university where they plan to study, the Czech Republic, or their home country.
Whether you study in Czech or another language, private institutions of higher education can charge fees and tend to be more expensive.
Admission Process
Interested in studying abroad in the Czech Republic? We’re here to help make the process a little simpler. The admission process may be different from what you’re used to, so make sure you consult the university at which you are applying if you have specific questions. In the meantime, take the following steps to get started:
- Choose a Program
- Prepare the Paperwork
- Check Specific Admission Requirements
- Submit Your Application
- Take the Entrance Exam
- Wait to Be Admitted
- Apply for a Visa
- Arrive in the Czech Republic
- Choose a Program
There are over 1,000 English-language programs available in the Czech Republic, and even more taught in Czech. Start by choosing the degree program that is right for you. Whether you’re an undergraduate or graduate student, there are degrees in a multitude of fields across disciplines. The Czech Republic is internationally renowned for its science, math, and medical programs; however, there are plenty of reputable programs in the humanities as well.
- Prepare the Paperwork
Among the basic paperwork that is commonly required by all universities is a letter of motivation, recommendation letter, and a portfolio of previous work if applicable. Universities will also require proof of completion of previous studies. To satisfy this requirement, send the university an official transcript from your secondary school if you’re beginning a bachelor’s or your previous university if you’re pursuing a master’s degree or higher. If you plan on studying in English, you will also need to successfully pass an English proficiency test.
- Check Specific Admission Requirements
Each individual university is responsible for their own admission process in the Czech Republic. Therefore, entry requirements and deadlines may vary depending on the university and program. Always consult the university website for specific admission requirements and contact the appropriate university office if you have any questions.
In the Czech Republic, prospective students can apply for several different programs and universities at a time.
- Submit Your Application
Most applications to universities in the Czech Republic are done through an online application system. Application forms are available through specific university websites, and often require an application fee to be paid. After you’ve completed the application form, attach the necessary documents or prepare to mail them in to the university.
- Take the Entrance Exam
Some programs in the Czech Republic require that students sit an entrance exam to be granted admittance to the university. The entrance exam is comprised of a written test and an oral interview. Typically, the exam is held in the Czech Republic, but some exceptions are made for international students.
- Wait to Be Admitted
Admission results are often announced by the end of June. If you are studying in a language other than Czech, you will usually be asked to pay the tuition fees for the first semester. Upon completed payment, the university where you will pursue your studies will send you an official letter of admission, admission confirmation for visa purposes, a study contract, and accommodation information.
- Apply for a Visa
If necessary, upon acceptance into a Czech university, begin the visa application process as soon as possible. Because the process can take up to sixty days and requires several important documents, do not wait. Students from countries outside the EU will not be allowed to enter and stay in the Czech Republic if they are not in possession of the proper visa.
- Arrive in the Czech Republic
After you’ve been admitted to a university and have received the necessary visa, it’s time to begin your adventures in the Czech Republic! Think about the cost of living in the Czech Republic and what your budget will be. Once you have that, you can begin looking for accommodation. Finally, it’s time to purchase your transportation to the Czech Republic and arrive in your new home city! Depending on where you’re staying, there are plenty of sights and attractions to be enjoyed.