Are you considering joining the 37,000 international students who are doing their Bachelor’s, Master’s or Ph.D. in the Czech Republic?
You'd make a great decision because the Czech Republic has a rich culture and a long-standing academic tradition. If you add that living and studying there is affordable and super-fun, then very few things could stop you from studying in this European country.
To prepare you for this study adventure, we have created a simple guide about what you need to do to apply to a Czech university.
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1. Choosing a university in the Czech Republic
Whether your goal is doing an undergraduate or a graduate programme, you should know that there are 13 Czech universities in higher education rankings and a total of 67 higher education institutions you can choose from. Some top picks for English-language degrees include:
- Masaryk University
- Charles University
- Anglo-American University, Prague
- University of Economics, Prague
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2. Admission requirements at Czech universities
In order to be eligible for admission to a degree in the Czech Republic, you need to have a recognised diploma from your previous cycle of study:
- To apply for a Bachelor’s: you need a secondary school graduation certificate
- To apply for a Master’s: you need a Bachelor’s diploma
- To apply for a PhD: you need a Master’s diploma
What is important to note is that your diploma must be recognised by the Czech authorities, to which you have to submit an application for recognition of previous studies. You can read about the process here.
Apart from these basic admission requirements, you should expect a few specific ones, established by each university, such as:
- An entrance exam or interview (you might be able to have the interview on Skype)
- Language proficiency proof
- Letter of motivation
- Portfolio
- Statement of purpose
- Sample of writing
- A recently updated CV
- Transcript of records
Once you meet the admission requirements, it’s time to start putting together your application file, including all the necessary documents mentioned above. Normally, you will upload them online on the programme website. However, in order to apply to a university in the Czech Republic, it is also necessary to send the documents by post.
Note that some universities perceive an application tax or an entrance exam fee, which is typically around 20 EUR.
3. Tuition fees and living costs in the Czech Republic
Higher education in the Czech language is free of cost for all students, national and international. However, if you want to study in English or another foreign language, you will have to pay tuition fees. Luckily, these fees are generally much lower than in Western European countries. Life in the Czech Republic is also incredibly cheap as a student.
- Tuition fees for degrees taught in English or another foreign language: 0 - 21,110 EUR/year. The higher fees are at private universities.
- Living costs in the Czech Republic: 430 - 700 EUR/month
To reduce your costs, you should consider applying for study scholarships. You can also check out the Studyportals Scholarship to get some help on financing your studies abroad.
4. Application deadlines at Czech universities
Remember to take into account application deadlines, especially the printed version of your application, which is sent by post and needs to reach the university before the deadline.
- Application deadline for Czech public universities: February
- Application deadline for Czech Art Schools: November
- Application deadline for Czech Technical Faculties: March - April
Entrance exam date: May - July
The best way to make sure you don't miss the deadline is to check the information available on the official university websites.
5. Admission results and the acceptance letter
After you have sent in your application and attended the entrance exam (in case there was one), the hard part is over. You’ll just have to wait for the admission results, which normally arrive at the end of June.
If you have been accepted, you will get the confirmation via email and post, along with the next steps to enrol at the university.
6. Student visa in the Czech Republic
If you are from outside the EU/EEA, you will need a student visa to study a programme in the Czech Republic. So, that’s round two of paper-gathering. But it’s also the last one. Breath in and prepare the following:
- Visa form
- The acceptance letter from the university
- Passport and passport photos
- Proof you are able to support yourself financially during your studies: bank account statement or proof you benefit from a scholarship
- Proof of accommodation in the Czech Republic
- Proof of health insurance
- Criminal record
Some of these papers will have to be translated into Czech, so remember to check the exact visa requirements with the Czech embassy or consulate in your country.
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7. You’re an international student now!
You have your enrolment proof, you have your visa and you’re ready to pack a big suitcase and move to the Czech Republic. The best way to make sure you don’t forget anything is to stay in touch with your university, which can help you with info about student service and accommodation.
Remember that the currency in the Czech Republic is the Czech Koruna, so don’t exchange all your money into euros right way. Also, you can find out more info about what’s like being a student in the Czech Republic by reading about other’s experiences: