Want to Study in the Czech Republic?
The Czech Republic’s central European landscape is dominated by the Bohemian Massif, which rises to heights of 3,000 ft (900 m) above sea level. This ring of mountains encircles a large elevated basin, the Bohemian Plateau. The principal rivers are the Elbe and the Vltava. The country has the highest human development in Central and Eastern Europe, ranking as a “Very High Human Development” nation. It is also ranked as the third most peaceful country in Europe and most democratic and healthy country in the region.
The Czech Republic is located in Central Europe and has a rich cultural history and lifestyle. The country is landlocked and has borders with Austria, Germany, Poland, and Slovakia. Although the Czech Republic is an EU member, the currency is the Czech Crown (CZK). The country is also a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The Czech Republic is particularly well known for a long history of producing high-quality musical instruments including wind instruments, pianos, pipe organs, and string instruments; famous brands include Amati, Petrof, Reiger-Kloss, and Strunal.
The Czech Republic has a rich culture of the arts, including opera, films, dance, and theater. Students will also find many fascinating museums and beautiful gardens and parks to visit during their leisure time. Famous Czech cuisine specialties include noodle soup with liver dumplings, roast sirloin with cream sauce, goulash, and fried cheese.
Climate
The overall climate is moderate and all four seasons occur in the Czech Republic. Average temperatures run from a low of -4 degrees C in January to a high of 24 degrees C in July. Locations near the border mountain ranges are much colder.
Why Study in the Czech Republic?
The Czech Republic has a long tradition of high-quality education and research, particularly in the fields of science, engineering, and medicine. International students will find a welcoming environment; currently, more than 37,000 foreign students are studying at Czech schools.
Many programs are now offered in English and other languages besides Czech. In addition, Mater of Business Administration (MBA) degrees are growing in popularity; most MBA programs use a case-study approach.
Tuition and Program Duration
By law, tuition is free for all nationalities at all public institutions of higher learning in the Czech Republic. Some fees do apply, such as admissions, an extension of studies beyond the original date, studies undertaken in addition to a student’s original plan, and fees for studying in a language other than Czech.
Private institutions set their own tuition and fees, and these typically range from $US 2,000 to $US 15,000 each year.
Master’s degree programs can last anywhere from one to three years. Master’s programs are very theoretical and students are required to take a final state exam and defend a thesis in a public forum.
Academic Year
Exact start dates are established by individual institutions, but most begin the academic year in October. In addition, most institutions divide the academic year into two 20-week winter and summer semesters, each including a 15-week instructional period, five weeks of exams, and a holiday. A two month holiday is usually taken in July and August.
Post-Graduate Opportunities
There are many opportunities for employment in the Czech Republic after obtaining a master’s degree for all students, regardless of nationality. One-third of company directors in the Czech Republic are foreigners. Although business is increasingly conducted in English, students who have undertaken studies in Czech or are already proficient in Czech will find an advantage in obtaining employment.
Visa Requirements
All international students require long-term visas for studying in the Czech Republic. Additional information is available on the website for the Ministry of the Interior. Long-term student visas can take 3-4 months to obtain, so students should plan accordingly. Health Insurance
Students from EU-member countries, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland may use the European Health Insurance Card provided by their home country to obtain medical services.
Students from other countries are not entitled to public health insurance and must purchase commercial health insurance that covers at least €30,000 worth of care. Students on long-term stays are required to present proof of premium payment. In addition to health insurance, all major hospitals accept major credit cards or cash as payment for treatment.
Living in the Czech Republic
Czech universities and institutions are known for having small classroom sizes. This means that, as a student, you don’t need to feel intimidated to ask questions or participate in a discussion. Plus, your instructors will be able to give you extra, individual assistance if you need it.
While you attend university in France, you’ll also be able to enjoy a thriving social life outside of your classes. With plenty of museums to visit and wonderful restaurants to try, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in plenty of Czech cultures, while also getting your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.
Tuition fees for universities in the Czech Republic
Universities in the Czech Republic are separated between public and private institutions. Typically, private universities are more expensive, because they’re free to set their own tuition costs. Public universities are cheaper; however, the cost can vary depending on the language of instruction. If you decide to enroll in an English language program, your fees are likely to be much higher. But if you are willing and able to study in Czech, tuition is free.
Private universities: 1,600 – 12,500 EUR per year
Public universities (for the English language): 3800 EUR per year
Living costs in the Czech Republic
Compared to the rest of Europe, the Czech Republic is relatively inexpensive. But, living costs can also be different depending on where you go. For example, going to a city like Prague is likely to be more expensive than some of the smaller, lesser-known cities. The average living costs are estimated at 450-650 EUR/month.
Here is a breakdown of living costs in the Czech Republic:
- Rent (for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city center: 850 EUR per month
- Monthly transportation pass (metro, bus, train, etc.): 20 EUR
- Three-course meal for 2 people at a mid-range restaurant: 22 EUR
- Milk: 0,7 EUR
- Bread: 0,82 EUR
- Cappuccino: 1,7 EUR
English-language tests
To apply to study in the Czech Republic, you’ll need to provide proof you have a diploma for your English proficiency.
The certificates generally accepted by the universities in the Czech Republic are :
- TOEFL
- IELTS
- C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency
Czech Republic – The Facts & Figures
- Capital: Prague
- Area Size: 78,865 km²
- Currency: Koruna (CZK)
- Language: Czech
- Students: 311,000 (43,000 international)
- Calling Code: +420
- Population: 10.5million
- Academic Year
- September – June
- Time Zone: CET (UTC+1)
