Study in the Czech Republic

Requirements vary by university and programme.

Bachelor's and long-cycle programmes

Applicants normally need:

• Recognised secondary-school certificate
• Academic transcripts
• Valid passport
• Proof of English or Czech proficiency
• Completed online application
• Application-fee payment
• Motivation letter or references, if required
• Entrance examination, interview or portfolio for certain courses

Master's programmes

Applicants normally need:

• Relevant bachelor's degree
• Academic transcript
• Recognition of the previous qualification
• Proof of language proficiency
• CV and motivation letter
• References, portfolio or entrance examination where applicable

Medicine, Dentistry and selected science programmes generally require relevant secondary-school subjects and may include examinations in Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics.

Applications are submitted directly to individual universities. Deadlines commonly fall between February and April for autumn entry, but every faculty sets its own dates and requirements.

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens do not require a student visa, although registration requirements may apply for longer stays.

Students from outside the EU normally require either:

• A long-stay visa for studies; or
• A long-term residence permit for study purposes

Common supporting documents include:

• Valid passport
• University admission confirmation
• Proof of accommodation
• Evidence of sufficient funds
• Comprehensive health insurance
• Passport photographs
• Criminal-record certificate, if requested
• Educational documents
• Czech translations and legalisation of foreign documents

Visa and residence applications are generally submitted through the appropriate Czech embassy. Official guidance indicates that processing can take up to 60 days, so early application is strongly recommended.

Well-known universities among international applicants include:

• Charles University, Prague
• Czech Technical University in Prague
• University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague
• Prague University of Economics and Business
• Czech University of Life Sciences Prague
• Masaryk University, Brno
• Brno University of Technology
• Mendel University in Brno
• Palacký University Olomouc
• University of Economics and Business in Prague
• University of Ostrava
• VSB - Technical University of Ostrava
• University of West Bohemia
• Technical University of Liberec

Medical applicants frequently consider Charles University, Masaryk University, Palacký University and the University of Ostrava. Each faculty may operate its own admission procedure.

Students must normally demonstrate that their previous education is equivalent to the required level in Czechia. Depending on the institution and qualification, this may involve:

• Recognition by the admitting university
• General recognition or "nostrification"
• Certified copies of certificates and transcripts
• Official Czech translations
• Apostille or superlegalisation
• Additional examinations if substantial educational differences are identified

Recognition can take time, so students should begin the process early.

International students should generally budget around €500 – €750 per month. Prague and Brno are usually more expensive, especially for private accommodation. Typical expenses include:

• University dormitory or private accommodation
• Food and household costs
• Public transport
• Health insurance
• Telephone and internet
• Books and personal expenses

University dormitories are usually the most economical accommodation option.

Eligible non-EU graduates may apply for a long-term residence permit for the purpose of seeking employment or starting a business. This post-study permission may be granted for up to nine months.

Graduates must apply before their existing student residence permission expires. Securing employment may subsequently allow them to change to an appropriate employment residence status.

Edu Consultancy can support applicants with:

• Eligibility and academic-profile assessment
• University and programme selection
• Application preparation and submission
• Qualification recognition guidance
• Document translation and legalisation planning
• Motivation letter and CV preparation
• Scholarship guidance
• Student-visa documentation
• Accommodation and pre-departure support

The Czech Republic is particularly suitable for students seeking a recognised European qualification, affordable living costs and strong opportunities in medicine, science, engineering and technology. Applicants should begin early because entrance examinations, qualification recognition and visa processing can make the application process lengthy.