Czech Republic

1. Higher education in the Czech Republic

1.1 Czech higher education system

The higher education system in the Czech Republic is divided into public, state and private institutions. Public and private higher education institutions come under the authority of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, while state institutions are under the authority of the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of the Interior. In total there are 26 public higher education institutions, 2 state higher education institutions and 44 private higher education institutions.

In comparison to the UK, the academic year is 12 months long. Usually, the university/college can individually set the start date, which is around October and the structure of the academic year. Courses are normally divided into winter and summer semesters consisting of a teaching, an examination and a holiday period.

Bachelor´s degree programmes last 3 to 4 years. A final state examination finalises the completion of the study program, including the presentation and defence of a thesis. After a successful accomplishment of the Bachelor, graduates can decide either to start working or start a Master.

1.2 Entry Requirements for Czech Universities

To be eligible to undertake a Bachelor course in the Czech Republic, you must have proof of a successfully completed secondary general education (A’ levels) or vocational education. Institutions can individually decide, who to accept or not. Some course, in particular arts and medicine demand specific criteria. Hence it is important to check with each individual university/college, if they will accept your qualifications or not.

1.3 Application process for Czech universities

The application process is very straight forward. If you are interested in a college/university, you have to contact them individually. The Czech Republic does not have a system that is similar to UCAS. You can apply for several courses at various institutions. The application deadline is between the end of February and March. Date, Content and Form are set again by each faculty individually. Some may require a motivation letter and entrance exams, which normally take place in June and July.

For universities offering courses in medicine and dentistry, it is also usually possible to apply directly to the university. Some of them will offer you the chance to take the entrance examination in the United Kingdom.

2. How much does it cost to study in the Czech Republic?

2.1 Tuition fees for Czech universities

This depends on the course and university/college you have chosen. Any course taught in Czech at public and state institutions is normally free. If the course is taught in English, the faculty can set individually their prices. For example, English speaking courses in Medicine and Dentistry may charge up to £15,000 per year. However, some courses like in Business can be as low as £2,000.

Private Colleges/Universities have fees ranging between £3,300 and £15,000 per year depending on the course. Prices should be checked individually with each institution.

Tuition fees in the Czech Republic are determined by the language of tuition. For courses in English this means that all students pay the same no matter what their nationality might be.

2.2 Loans and grants

There are no tuition fee loans available for EU students at Czech universities. You will be expected to pay the tuition fees upfront.

3. Student life in the Czech Republic

3.1 How do I get a visa to study in the Czech Republic?

As the Czech Republic is part of the European Union this is not required for EU nationals. You will need to register with the local authorities once you are resident in the Czech Republic but this is not a step you need to undertake in advance. For British and other non-EU nationals you can find guidance here.

3.2 Can I work there as a student?

If you have an EU passport, you can work while you are studying. In Prague, there are a number of employment opportunities for students who cannot speak Czech. In other cities, such opportunities might be harder to come by. You will probably be paid a local wage which might be lower than you would get in the UK.

For further information:

http://www.studyin.cz/


Universities in Czech Republic

About A Star Future

A Star Future provides information and guidance to British students looking to pursue their undergraduate studies abroad.

Through our presentations in schools and our websites we aim to ensure that British-educated students are well informed about their choices.