Higher education in the Czech Republic

  The system of higher education in the Czech Republic

Higher education in the Czech Republic consists of three stages: bachelor's, master's and doctoral studies, which are called types in the Law on Higher Educational Institutions of the Czech Republic. Higher education in the Czech Republic also differs in terms of the forms of education: daytime ("attendance"), distance learning and their combination. The combined form of study usually consists in the fact that students spend one day off at the educational institution per month. The rest of the days are devoted to self-study.

The system of higher education in the Czech Republic includes more than 150 specializations. This division is traditionally based on the division of scientific specializations, for example, humanities and social sciences, natural and medical sciences, pedagogical sciences, mathematics and computer science, engineering sciences, economic sciences, agricultural sciences, military and police sciences, art and architecture, physical education. and sports.

Higher education in the Czech Republic is provided by universities (vysoká škola), which can be of a university or non-university type. Universities in the Czech Republic provide higher education in all types of study programs (bachelor's, master's and postgraduate studies), in non-university universities in the Czech Republic it is usually possible to obtain higher education only on bachelor's programs, only sometimes master's programs, and these educational institutions do not provide postgraduate study opportunities. Currently, there are 26 state universities in the Czech Republic, although officially most of them are called not "state" but "public".

Higher education in the Czech Republic - steps

As noted earlier, higher education in the Czech Republic is divided into three stages: bachelor's, master's and postgraduate studies. Bachelor's study programs are focused on preparation for professional activity and for training in master's programs. The training lasts 3-4 years and meets the international level ISCED 5A. This stage of higher education prevails in private universities and institutes in the Czech Republic.

Master's study programs are focused on obtaining theoretical knowledge based on the current state of science, on the ability to use it in practice and on the development of abilities for creative activity. Master's study programs are built on top of bachelor's programs. This stage of higher education in the Czech Republic lasts from 1 to 3 years. In some specialties, the master's program is not a continuation of the bachelor's program; in this case, training lasts from 4 to 6 years.

Obtaining a standard higher education in the Czech Republic, therefore, can last from three to seven years and in all cases meets the international level ISCED 5A.

The next stage of higher education, postgraduate studies, can follow after graduation from master's programs. Education on doctoral programs is carried out only by universities of a university type and lasts 3-4 years.

Education for bachelor's and master's study programs is based on two main methods - lectures and practical exercises. Teaching for doctoral programs is based on an individual curriculum. Usually, participation in lectures is optional, in practical classes it is mandatory.

Higher education in public and private universities in the Czech Republic in 2008/2009 academic year. year received 369.6 thousand students, 8% of whom were foreigners.

Higher education in the Czech Republic - advantages

In recent decades, under the influence of the globalization process, studying abroad has turned from a pipe dream into a reality and has become even more feasible than many might think at first glance. One of the countries for which this statement is true is the Czech Republic. So why is it worth studying in this country and what opportunities does higher education in the Czech Republic give young people from the CIS countries?

Higher education is still free at public universities in the Czech Republic. This distinguishes the Czech Republic from many other European countries. Thus, many students studying in the Czech Republic will be able to save even in comparison with studying in Russia.

Only 9% of the country's population (according to the Czech Statistical Office) have a university degree. Consequently, in the Czech Republic, people with higher education are valued and with a high degree of probability will find themselves a decently paid job in their specialty.

Students and graduates of institutes and universities in the Czech Republic, unlike other foreigners, do not need to obtain a work permit and can work in the Czech Republic without it (§98 points j, o of the Employment Act).

Czech institutes and universities are actively involved in numerous international exchange programs (Erasmus, CEEPUS, etc.), so students have a real opportunity to study a semester or a year in another country besides the Czech Republic and additionally practice a foreign language.

Having received a student visa to the Czech Republic and renewing it once, the student receives the status of a residence permit in the Czech Republic, which gives him the right to travel without visa across the territory of all Schengen countries. And given the geographic location of the Czech Republic and the large number of economy fares on air tickets, very inexpensive travel across Europe and the Euro Weekends are becoming real.

Cooperation between institutes and universities of the Czech Republic and employers is widely developed (usually these are large international firms that recruit graduates). Numerous events are held to help alumni, such as Career days, etc.

Higher education in the Czech Republic is carried out in accordance with the standards adopted in Europe, and Czech diplomas are recognized in all European countries.

Higher education in the Czech Republic - where to start?

Some universities in the Czech Republic are among the best in Europe, such as Charles University, or Prague University, founded in 1348 - the oldest university in Central Europe. The names of such famous people as Jan Hus, Karel Czapek, Bohumil Hrabal, Franz Kafka, Albert Einstein, Nikola Tesla are associated with the name of Charles University.

To obtain higher education in the Czech Republic, several conditions must be met. First of all, admission to Czech universities will require nostrification (recognition) of a general secondary education certificate or diploma (if the applicant wants to continue his education in a master's or graduate school), passing an exam in the Czech language and passing entrance exams. Nostrification of a certificate is carried out by the Ministry of Education of the Czech Republic, nostrification of a diploma is carried out by a university that has a similar specialty or by the Ministry of Education. The Czech language exam can be taken directly at the chosen university as part of the entrance examinations, but most long-term intensive Czech language courses also end with an exam, the certificate of which is recognized by the universities upon admission. As for the entrance exams,

In conclusion, we note that despite the fact that, at first glance, obtaining higher education in the Czech Republic, and especially preparing for it, may seem to someone a difficult and lengthy process that requires significant financial costs (for example, for Czech language courses), forget that this is an investment in your future life, and your career in Europe can begin with higher education in the Czech Republic!

Questions about studying in the Czech Republic

  

Frequently asked questions about studying in the Czech Republic

1. Student living expenses in the Czech Republic

Expenses before arriving in the Czech Republic

• Prepayment / registration fee - depends on the program
• When living in Brno - obtaining a certificate from the hostel for the embassy - 150 euros - payable immediately
• When living in Prague - depends on the choice of a particular hostel
• Embassy visa fee - 0 - 110 euros,
• Insurance - approx. 330 euros

Expenses after obtaining a visa

Payment for the rest of the program - depends on the program
Flight / travel by train or bus - depends on your place of residence

Living expenses after arriving in the Czech Republic

1. Accommodation - depends on the city and the chosen hostel (cost for 1 place in a double room)

• Prague - 230-345 euros per month
• Brno - 150 - 170 euros per month
• Accommodation in an apartment (rent) - from 560 euros per month (for the whole apartment)

2. Nutrition

• If you cook yourself - from 120-170 euros per month
• If you eat in a cafe - from 6-8 euros for lunch / dinner

3. Other expenses (travel, cell, etc.) from 50 euros per month

• Official translations of documents with a seal ("court translations") - from 10 euros / page
• Certification by a notary - from 1.5 euros / page
• State fee for nostrification of the certificate - 40 euros
• State fee for nostrification of a diploma - approximately 120 euros
• The state fee for extending a visa and obtaining a biometric card is 100 euros (the first extension is usually carried out at the beginning of summer)
• Moving Prague - Brno - 8 euros

2. Is it true that education in the Czech Republic is free?

Education in the Czech Republic is free in public universities in the Czech language. Education in public universities in English, as well as education in private universities in the Czech Republic is paid. Detailed information on the cost of education in the Czech Republic can be found here .

3. Which Czech language courses are right for me if I want to study at a university in the Czech Republic on a budgetary basis?

One of the requirements for foreign students wishing to study at public universities in the Czech Republic in the Czech language is knowledge of the Czech language at the B2 level (above average) according to the European system. Knowledge of the language at this level is given by annual or semester courses. All our courses are taught by Czech state universities and are accredited.

You can read more about our courses here:

Courses at the Technical University in Prague CTU
Courses at the Charles University in Prague
Courses at the Agricultural University in Prague CZU (Faculty of Economics)
Courses at the Prague University of Economics HSE
Courses at the Technical University in Brno

4. What are the conditions for admission to public universities of the Czech Republic for foreign applicants

The main requirements that Czech state universities place on foreign applicants are as follows:

• Successful passing of the entrance exams
• Knowledge of Czech at B2 level
• Provision of a document on nostrification (recognition on the territory of the Czech Republic) of a certificate or diploma

5. What is nostrification and how to do it?

Nostrification is the recognition of a certificate or diploma obtained in another country, equivalent to a certificate or diploma obtained in the Czech Republic. This document is required for admission to universities in the country. We will tell you more about nostrification in the corresponding video here .

6. What documents do I need to submit to enroll in Czech language courses and where should I start?

If you have decided to sign up for our Czech language courses, the first thing you need to do is fill out a form. To obtain a questionnaire form, please contact here , you can also fill out the form online on our website . In order for us to be able to register you for the courses, you will also need a valid passport. If at the moment it is not yet ready for you, you can already apply for courses and quickly start issuing a passport. In this case, when submitting an application, do not forget to inform that you do not have a passport at the moment. Our staff will discuss with you the order of further actions.

7. Can you guarantee the participants of your programs admission to state universities in the Czech Republic?

The admission process to state universities in the Czech Republic is objective and impartial, the requirements are the same for all applicants, therefore, despite the promises of some companies, no one can guarantee admission. However, we guarantee the quality of teaching in our courses, since all courses are organized on the basis of large and prestigious universities in the Czech Republic, and classes are taught by experienced teachers. In addition to the language, students effectively study specialized subjects, exams for which they will take upon admission. Therefore, with regular attendance of classes and the proper completion of all tasks, the children have very high chances of admission to the chosen specialty.

8. Which of your courses is the best? Which ones do you recommend?

All our courses are organized at universities in the Czech Republic and provide very good language training. Therefore, the choice of courses primarily depends on the individual preferences of the participant and his future plans. In order for us to recommend courses that are optimal for you, we need information from you about what you would like to do after graduation: do you plan to enter a Czech university, what specialty, in which city. If you have not yet decided on the answers to these questions, we will provide you with all sorts of information about existing opportunities, universities, specialties and entrance exams, thus, together with you we will decide which universities and specialties you should focus on and, accordingly, which courses to study.

We also offer several programs in different price categories, differing in the number of services included in them and the cost. And on the courses of the Technical University in Prague, the possibility of payment in installments is provided.

9. Are there universities in the Czech Republic where admission is carried out without entrance exams?

Yes, there are such universities, but there are not very many of them. For example, foreigners can enter the specialties Forestry and Woodworking at the Czech University of Agriculture without examinations, on the basis of only an interview in the Czech language. As part of the interview, candidates must show their interest and motivation for learning. There are some other programs at various universities that also provide admission without examinations.

Of particular note are the programs of the Faculty of Economics of the Czech Agricultural University, such as Management, Informatics and Business Administration with training in English. Admission to these programs is possible without entrance exams, without nostrification of a diploma or certificate and without the presence of a student in the Czech Republic. You can find detailed information about this program on our website.

10. Can a student earn extra money while studying?

Under the Employment Act, full-time students are allowed to work without restrictions and without the need to obtain a work permit. If you can successfully combine study and work and agree with an employer who will agree to let you go to study, you just need to change the purpose of your stay in the Czech Republic from study to work (the goal is changed in the Czech Ministry of Internal Affairs on the basis of the provided contract with the employer).

11. Where is student accommodation organized?

Students of public universities in the Czech Republic have the right to apply for a room in a public hostel. For students of our courses, we organize accommodation in private hostels. Accommodation of our students in Prague, Brno and other cities of the Czech Republic is organized in several hostels, depending on which program and in which city the student is studying. Students have the opportunity to choose from several accommodation options, differing in the level of comfort, location and cost. Details can be found below.

Accommodation in Prague

DC Residence

Address: Novodvorská 1061/10, 142 00 Praha 4 - Lhotka

http://www.dcrezidence.cz

Accommodations

Rooms are equipped with a bathroom, refrigerator, beds with a comfortable mattress, pillows, duvet and linens, desk, chair, wardrobe and mirror.  Free internet access. Each floor is equipped with a modern kitchen.

Apartman student

Address : Chemická 951, Praha 4 - Kunratice

http://www.apartmanstudent.cz

Accommodations

Rooms: private bathroom, refrigerator, plasma TV, table, wardrobe, bed, internet access and a common kitchen for the whole floor. Regular change of bed linen . The building has a student club, laundry facilities, security cameras throughout the property, 3 elevators, vending machines with snacks and drinks.

Rooms 5

Address: Blattného 2343/13 Praha 5 - Stodůlky 158 00

http://www.rooms5.com

Accommodations

The rooms are equipped with their own kitchen and bathroom. Rooms are equipped with new furniture. The surroundings have everything you need for life. Accessibility to the center - 20 minutes, metro - 5 minutes, night buses a few steps from the building.

Hostel of hotel type Globetin

Address: ul. Slévačská 744/1, 198 00 Praha 9

Accommodations

Accommodation and accommodation takes place in double rooms. Each room has its own separate bathroom, shower, kitchen with mini fridge, balcony . The kitchen is not equipped with kitchen utensils and utensils, stove, microwave. The room can be connected to the Internet via wi-fi. There are two beds, two tables, two chairs, two hanging shelves, a wardrobe.

Dormitory of the Agrarian University (CZU) - available only for CZU students

Address: ul. Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Praha 6 Suchdol

https://www.kam.czu.cz/cs/r-8586-ubytovani

Accommodations

Accommodation and accommodation takes place in 2-bed or 3-bed rooms of 2 types:

1. A bathroom and a bathroom are on the floor. The kitchen is shared, one for the whole floor. The kitchen has an electric stove and microwave for the common use of all students on the floor.
2. A bathroom and a shower are located in a block of two rooms. The room has a refrigerator and stove.

Each of the rooms can be connected to the Internet via wi-fi, there are also beds, tables, chairs, hanging shelves, a wardrobe, a refrigerator.

Crystal Hotel

Address : José Martího, Praha 6-Veleslavín

This hotel, or rather, in that part of the hotel, which has been converted into a student hostel, is home to students enrolled in the preparatory courses of Charles University, which are held at the Prague-Kristall training center.

Accommodations

Accommodation in double rooms with private facilities, basic furniture and internet. There is a kitchen on the floor. The kitchen is not equipped with kitchen utensils and utensils. For an additional fee, it is possible to use washing machines and dryers. In the immediate vicinity there is a large natural park-reserve, a lake with a beach, a sports complex.

Accommodation in Brno

Windpoint Dormitory (Youngspace)

Address : Cejl 97, Brno

https://www.youngspace.cz

Accommodations

This is a new, comfortable hostel with cozy rooms and a lot of additional services for students living in it. The hostel is equipped with video cameras, the reception is open around the clock, the entrance to the hostel is by electronic cards, which provides additional security for residents. There is a supermarket opposite the hostel. There is a coffee machine at the reception.

Dormitory VUT

Address : Kolejní 2, Královo pole, Brno

Accommodations

Accommodation in double rooms with private facilities (bathroom in the room), basic furniture and the Internet. There is a kitchen on the floor. The kitchen is not equipped with kitchen utensils and utensils. For an additional fee, it is possible to use washing machines and dryers. Free bed linen change once a week. The building houses a grocery store and 2 dining rooms. The hostel is a 10-minute walk from the university where Czech language classes are held.

12. Is it difficult to learn Czech from scratch?

The Czech language belongs to the Slavic group, which makes it a bit like Russian. Much depends on your abilities, but with sufficient diligence and desire to cope with this task it is quite possible. From the very first lessons, experienced teachers begin to communicate with you in Czech, thereby helping to immerse yourself in the language environment as soon as possible. Learning a language is also aided by using it in everyday situations, so the more you use the acquired knowledge, the better.

13. Are there any age restrictions when studying in the Czech Republic?

There are no age restrictions. Contrary to popular belief, students over 26 years old can also receive free education in Czech state universities in the Czech language. But after this age, student status no longer implies student discounts on the purchase of goods and services. This means that, for example, you will not be able to purchase a travel pass at a discount or go to the cinema at the student's rate. Also an important point is getting a student visa. The chances of getting it are higher for students of student age, i.e. people under 30 years old, but we had many examples of older clients who received visas without any problems. It is important to prepare well for an interview when applying for a visa, clearly know the answers to questions, and show good motivation for getting an education in the Czech Republic.

14. Can I apply to multiple universities at once?

Yes you can, we always recommend that students submit multiple applications to increase their chances of admission. Applications are paid, on average, the cost of one application is 20-25 euros. When submitting multiple applications, you should be careful not to overlap the dates of entrance exams to different universities.

Study in the Czech Republic

  Higher education in the Czech Republic - history and traditions

Higher education in the Czech Republic is rich in traditions. After all, it was here on April 7, 1348 that the Czech king and Roman emperor Charles IV founded the first university "north of the Alps and east of Paris". 

Charles University in Prague was modeled after the universities in Paris and Bologna and quickly gained worldwide fame. At the time of its foundation, the university consisted of 4 faculties: theological, liberal arts, law and medicine, teachers were both Czech and from neighboring states. The names of such scientists and historical figures as Jan Hus, Johannes Kepler, Albert Einstein and others are associated with Charles University. The second oldest university in the Czech Republic was founded in 1573 in the city of Olomouc. This university, named after the famous Czech historian and politician Palacky,

The system of higher education in the Czech Republic

The modern system of higher education in the Czech Republic includes 28 state and 44 non-state universities.

In the Czech Republic, study programs are characterized by the type of study (bachelor's, master's, continuing master's studies and doctoral studies) and the form of study (full-time, part-time and combined). Curricula are also subdivided into specializations, and the curriculum in universities in the Czech Republic can be designed both for one specialization and for training in two specializations at the same time, each of which is devoted to half of the academic hours.

Bachelor's degree in universities of the Czech Republic

Undergraduate studies at universities in the Czech Republic are aimed primarily at preparing for master's studies and work in their specialty. The standard term of study in the Czech Republic for an undergraduate program is three to four years. The study ends with the passing of the state final exam, an integral part of which is the writing and defense of a bachelor's work. Graduates of Bachelor's programs from universities in the Czech Republic are awarded the title "Bachelor" (Bc.).

Master in Czech Republic

A master's degree in the Czech Republic is a continuation of studies after the completion of a bachelor's degree (the so-called “continuing master's programs”), the standard duration of which is two to three years, or training “from scratch”, which does not require prior study at a bachelor's degree. The duration of such a master's program at Czech universities is four to six years. Master's studies in the Czech Republic come to the end with the passing of the state final exam, the integral part of which is the writing and defense of the thesis. Graduates are awarded the title “Master” (Mgr.) Or “Engineer” (Ing.) Depending on the university and the program of study. In the case of studying at the Faculty of Medicine in Czech universities, an integral part of the master's program is the passing of the so-called “state rigorous exam”.

Rigoristic exam in Czech universities

The state rigorous exam, which includes the defense of rigorous work, in Czech universities can also be taken by graduates of other faculties. In this case, they receive the following titles:

• In the field of law - Doctor of Laws (JUDr.)
• In the field of humanities, pedagogical and social sciences - Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.Dr.)
• In Natural Sciences - Doctor of Natural Sciences (RNDr.)
• In the field of pharmaceuticals - Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmDr.)

After completing their studies in the Czech Republic, graduates of master's degree programs of universities can continue their studies in doctoral programs.

Education in creative specialties

When entering creative universities, it is necessary to take into account some of the nuances. Applications to most of these universities are usually submitted in the fall (one year before the start of training), and creative exams take place in the winter. Many educational institutions require an extensive portfolio, so it is necessary to start preparing for admission well in advance. Upon graduation, graduates receive the BcA title. (Bachelor of Arts) or MgA. (Master of Arts).

The cost of studying in the Czech Republic

Studying in the Czech Republic at public universities is really free, even for foreign students, however, it should be borne in mind that this applies exclusively to studying in the Czech language. Upon admission to universities, students take entrance exams in the Czech language, as well as in specialized subjects.

Training is free for a limited amount of time, which is the standard duration of training + 1 year. Thus, for example, with a standard duration of study for a bachelor's degree of 3 years, a student has the right to extend his studies for another year, while not paying extra, however, if the training lasts longer, then it will be necessary to pay extra for it. Due to the fact that there are a lot of exchange programs in the Czech Republic, and students often leave for one or two semesters to study at partner universities abroad, this practice of extending the term of study by one year is quite common.

It is also interesting that if a student has already completed a bachelor's degree and has a diploma, then he or she has the right to study again for free on a bachelor's degree in another specialty, in this case nothing needs to be paid, the duration of training is reset to zero, and the free period is again the standard duration of training + 1 year ... The same applies when studying for a master's degree in the Czech Republic. From this we can conclude that any person has the right to receive education for free in several different specialties, which is a big plus.

In the Czech Republic, it is also possible to study on a paid basis in Czech or English. The minimum price for tuition on a paid basis is approximately 1000 euros per year.

Most often, paid education in the Czech language is provided by private universities, admission to which is usually an order of magnitude easier than admission to state universities, however, the diplomas of such universities are less valuable.

Paid tuition in English is provided by most state universities, however, the cost of studying in this case is quite high, therefore, a reasonable and profitable solution is to study in annual Czech language courses, which allow you to learn the language and study in the future for free.

It is worth noting that the level of knowledge of the Czech language when studying at a university must be quite high, therefore, studying in the Czech language requires thorough preparation. We offer semester and annual Czech language courses at several state universities, taught by qualified and experienced teachers. These courses will prepare you thoroughly for passing the Czech exam at the required level.

You can read more about our courses in the relevant sections:

• Charles University in Prague
• Czech Technical University in Prague - attention, discounts!
• Faculty of Economics CZU in Prague
• Prague University of Economics in Prague
• Technical University in Brno

The minimum price for tuition on a paid basis is approximately 1000 euros per year.

The advantages of studying in the Czech Republic

Studying in the Czech Republic gives graduates a number of advantages:

• The Czech language belongs to the group of Slavic languages, so learning Czech to the level required for studying in the Czech Republic will not take long.
• Czech education, which has a long tradition, is recognized in Europe.
• Almost all universities in the Czech Republic have numerous agreements with European universities, thanks to which students of Czech universities, including foreigners who have come to study in the Czech Republic, have ample opportunities to participate in numerous international programs, which, in turn, plays a positive role in further search work in the Czech Republic.
• Graduates of Czech universities have some advantages when applying for a job and obtaining permanent residence in the Czech Republic.
• According to numerous observations and taking into account the current situation in the field of higher education in Russia, it can be said that for many applicants, admission to state universities in the Czech Republic is much more successful than attempts to enter free of charge at home, even despite the language barrier.
• In the Czech Republic, in comparison with the countries of the former USSR, cooperation between large employers and universities is much more developed. Large student organizations such as, for example, AIESEC contribute to this to a large extent. Numerous activities are held to help students learn more about potential employers and their requirements for potential employees. For example, it is not the first year that the Career days event (http://www.careerdays.cz/en) has been held in Prague, where students from all over the Czech Republic meet with representatives of large international and Czech companies. Therefore, capable and motivated graduates of Czech universities, even without work experience (!), Have every chance of finding a well-paid and promising job in the Czech Republic.

Studying in the Czech Republic - disadvantages

The only visible drawback of studying in the Czech Republic (although this applies not only to study) is that some students arriving in the Czech Republic perceive a trip to the Czech Republic more as entertainment, therefore they are disappointed when faced with difficulties, some do not cope with problems, and are forced to return to homeland. Therefore, one should not forget that studying abroad is not only an exciting adventure (which is undoubtedly true), but also a lot of work, which, with sufficient diligence and dedication, brings excellent dividends.

Study in the Czech Republic

If you want to enroll in one of the Czech universities, we recommend that you start your studies in the Czech Republic with Czech language courses. We offer preparatory courses in cooperation with four leading universities: the Technical University in Prague , Charles University , Prague University of Economics and the Technical University in Brno . Language and preparatory courses at the largest universities, combined with your perseverance and hard work, guarantee excellent language training and give you a good start to your studies in the Czech Republic.