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-Knock! Knock!
-Who’s there?
-I’m here, pal! Remember your buddy? Earlier, I saw you searching for information about places where you could further your education. You must be so tired of asking and asking whether to post on groups, call seniors, or comment here and there to obtain helpful suggestions from reliable sources. To help you, I have collected useful information on studying in the Czech Republic. Be sure to listen carefully, it’s worth it!
“Czechs simply don’t say they’re going camping or spending time outdoors. They say, in Czech, that they are going “into the nature” as though nature, příroda, is beyond a place in the woods or other forms of terrain, that nature was a state of mind and had the ability to reverse the crippling, chaotic aspects of life.”
― M.B. Dallocchio, The Desert Warrior
Czech Republic
In the middle of Europe, the Czech Republic is dripping with charm and character, and its architecture is a work of art. It is no wonder that the Czech Republic has become one of the most popular study destinations for international students. Furthermore, the country's reputation as a top university and center for research is well-deserved. Several of the world's top 1000 universities are located in the Czech Republic. A wide range of courses is available in every subject area, from Science and Technology to Anthropology; from Literature and Arts to Law - the best experts in the field teach students in the fields they dream of.
-Ugh! Go to the 3Es part already, please!
-Hmmm... Look at how excited you are. Okie Dokie, let's get to it. So, the 3Es are Education, Environment & Eligibility
-Yes! They are the exact areas I am interested in.
-Here we go, let’s dive in.
Education
Programs
There are two types of higher education systems in the Czech Republic:
⦁ The 28 research and training universities offer all levels of higher education, from undergraduate through to Ph.D.
⦁ The 34 non-university-type institutions only offer Bachelor’s and Master’s programs. You won’t need to consider these for Ph.D. study abroad [5].
Bachelor: There are 31 Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), 47 Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), 4 Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) Bachelor's degrees in the Czech Republic [1].
Master’s: You can explore 35 Master of Science (M.Sc.), 38 Master of Arts (M.A.), 9 Master of Engineering (M.Eng.), 8 Postgraduate Certificate (Postgraduate Certificate) Master's degrees in the Czech Republic [4].
Ph.D.:
⦁ Take a look at different universities' Ph.D. offerings:
⦁ Center for Economic Research and Graduate Education - Economics Institute (1 Ph.D.)
⦁ Charles University (9 PhDs)
⦁ Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (4 PhDs)
⦁ Prague University of Economics and Business (5 PhDs)
⦁ The University of Arizona (3 PhDs)
⦁ University of Chemistry and Technology Prague (9 PhDs)
University
In the Czech Republic, there are 26 public, 2 states, and 34 private higher education institutions [2]. The following universities were present in the QS worlds rankings 2020 and the Times Higher Education Rankings 2020:
⦁ Charles University (not to forget that this university has five faculties in different cities of the Czech Republic, including faculties in the capital city, Prague)
⦁ Czech Technical University of Prague
⦁ Masaryk University
⦁ University of Chemistry and Technology Prague
⦁ Palacky University Olomouc
National performance: Czech Republic
Entry requirements
Here are some of the basic requirements you’ll need for every application:
⦁ A scan of your diploma (high school or Bachelor’s degree)
⦁ A transcript/record of your previous courses
⦁ A scan of your passport and/or birth certificate
⦁ Your CV
⦁ Testing scores
⦁ Evidence of scholarship or funding
⦁ Letters of recommendation (between 2-3)
⦁ Portfolio and/or writing samples
Skype Interview Questions
The following questions are from Skype interviews:
⦁ Can you share with us something about yourself?
⦁ What are you doing now?
⦁ Why do you want to study this program in social studies at X University?
⦁ Have you read any books in the last couple of months? If you have, can you share it with us?
⦁ What do you know about cultural sociology?
⦁ What is your future plan?
⦁ What is the name of your bachelor thesis paper or research project?
⦁ What are the findings of your research?
⦁ What is your research interest in the future?
⦁ Where do you want to see yourself after 7 years from now?
Language
If you’re attending a degree program in the Czech Republic, you’ll need to demonstrate that your language skills allow you to participate in classes and understand lectures. Czech proficiency will be required at some universities, whereas strong English skills will be required at others. In addition, these courses will prepare you for any English-language test that universities may require.
Fees & Funding
All citizens of all nationalities are entitled to free higher education at public and state institutions.
However, some fees may be required, such as fees for the administration of admissions. Fees for extending study beyond a set limit and fees for foreign language study are also possible. Private institutions of higher education can set their own fees. There is a wide range of tuition fees: from 0 to 22,350 USD. The amount varies from institution to institution and program to program. There is a huge selection of English-taught and foreign-taught courses! [2].
Scholarship
There are several other specific partnerships and exchange programs between the Czech Republic and other countries. These include the Erasmus Programme, the Central European Exchange Programme for University Studies (CEEPUS), and the Fulbright Scholarship program for US citizens.
In the Czech Republic, international students can apply for a wide range of scholarships and funding packages:
⦁ Scholarship Awards Under Bilateral Agreements
⦁ Visegrad Fund Scholarships
⦁ Government Scholarships
⦁ The South Moravian Centre for International Mobility
Program length
The Czech academic year runs from September to June and is made up of two teaching semesters, and two examination periods:
⦁ Winter semester - teaching: September - January, examinations: January - February
⦁ Spring semester - teaching: February - April, examinations: Mid May - June
As a full-time student in the Czech Republic, you will typically study for 3-years, however, some programs do last 4-years.
Bachelor: Most Bachelor’s programs require three to four years of full-time study. Students from abroad, particularly those who don't speak Czech, may enroll in many of our programs in English. Bachelor's degree recipients may pursue a master's degree or doctorate in the future.
Master’s: The Czech system for granting Master's degrees is based on a three-tiered cycle; however, it differs from some other countries in a few ways. A Master's degree in the Czech Republic can be obtained in two ways. There are generally one to three years of study for follow-up Master’s programs in a traditional three-cycle study structure (typically two years).
Ph.D.: The Czech Republic has adopted the three-cycle degree system established by the Bologna Process. The Ph.D. is a third-cycle qualification.
Grading System
For your Bachelor's degree, you'll need 180 credits. For your Master's degree, you'll need 120 credits. Since you need roughly 30 credits to pass a semester, your 5-year Master's degree is, therefore, equal to 300 credits altogether. If you go for a 6-year Master's degree, it's going to be 360 credits and so on.
A Ph.D. is normally worth at least 180 ECTS credits. You will carry out your research under the guidance of at least one academic supervisor.
Popular Disciplines
There were no established universities in central Europe before 1348 when the Czech Republic became a steadfast alumnus of higher education. Traditional educational subjects popular with Czech students include:
⦁ Science
⦁ Philosophy
⦁ Medicine
⦁ Engineering
⦁ Law
Popular Subjects
Studying these subjects in the Czech Republic will be an amazing experience:
⦁ Computer Science degrees in the Czech Republic
⦁ Engineering degrees in the Czech Republic
⦁ International Relations Degrees in the Czech Republic
⦁ Finance degrees in the Czech Republic
⦁ Politics degrees in the Czech Republic
⦁ International Development degrees in the Czech Republic [1]
Environment
Accommodation
Take a look at some interesting cities to live in while you study in the Czech Republic:
⦁ Study in Prague
Prague University’s study programs cover a wide range of subjects, including law, medicine, arts, education, social science, humanities, and mathematics. At all degree levels, students have the option of specializing: undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral. Prague is a wonderful, bohemian city that you will fall in love with. Winters are relatively cold, with average temperatures reaching the freezing point and little sunlight. The summers are mainly sunny and the average high temperature is about 24°C (75°F) [1].
The public transportation system in Prague is one of the best in Europe. You must have a valid ticket before you can ride the bus/tram/metro. You can buy transfer tickets for 30 minutes (24 CZK), 90 minutes (32 CZK), 24 hours (110 CZK), or 72 hours (310 CZK). The Prague public transport card is called Lítačka and eligibility for a student discount: until reaching the age of 26 [6].
⦁ Study in Brno
A great place to live in is Brno. In Brno, the students are a big part of life and everything counts to them - from public transportation frequency to student discounts at pizza places. This is why Brno was rated the 6th most popular student city worldwide by QS [7].
There are trams, city buses, and trolleybuses in the public transport system. Buses run 24 hours a day. The best way to travel around Brno on a regular basis is to purchase a monthly or quarterly travel pass. Students under 26, are entitled to a reduced student-rate pass for two zones (100 and 101) which is the most practical (cost: 275 CZK per month and 685 CZK quarterly). If you are 26 or over, you will need a regular pass (550 CZK per month, 1370 CZK quarterly. For the Brno City Transport Pass, you have to purchase it online since this is the only option [8].
⦁ Study in Olomouc
Olomouc is the fifth-largest city in the Czech Republic and has a history dating back over a thousand years. Currently, Olomouc is a significant industrial town, crossroads for transportation, and center for education.
According to law no. 111/1998 Coll., all students must have an identification card. University ID cards serve as student identification. After arriving in the city, you should set up your UP ID card as soon as possible - it will allow you access to printing services, discounts at the cafeteria, and transportation [9].
Despite being in the European Union, the low cost of living makes the Czech Republic an attractive option for students. Average monthly living costs range from 7,570 CZK to 16,248 CZK, including meals, accommodations, public transportation, and cultural activities. Pricing varies depending on location, accommodation, lifestyle, and other factors [3].
Health & Safety
All foreign students staying longer than 90 days in the Czech Republic must obtain comprehensive health insurance. An application for a Czech visa will require proof of Czech health insurance. During the entire period of stay, the coverage limit is EUR 60,000.
For citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cuba, Japan, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Turkey, Serbia, and the United States, medical travel insurance is not required. EC Youth in Action, Erasmus Mundus, and Fulbright programs also qualify for the exception [2].
Transport & Travel
A vast rail network and an elaborate bus network make traveling in the Czech Republic convenient. It is easy to travel by bus or train. In large cities, public transportation is provided by tram, bus, or trolleybus. There is also a subway in Prague. The most cost-effective tickets are day tickets, two-day tickets, week tickets, or even a long-term travel pass if you plan to stay for a while. Ticket machines at stop locations, drivers, or text messages may be used to buy tickets in some cities. Student cards from Charles University (CU) can be used independently on Prague's public transport system (PID in Czech) [5].
The Czech Republic is home to numerous beautiful castles, mesmerizing architecture, and some amazing spa resorts. There is a perfect blend of fairy tale atmosphere and modernity here in this country. Weekends are filled with fun activities. Your friends and you can plan trips to different cities since they are so close. Alternatively, you could go strawberry picking, hiking, mountain biking, or just hang out at a café with a delicious cup of coffee.
It does not matter whether you study in Prague, Brno, Hradec Kralove, or any other city in the Czech Republic, this country is always welcoming to international students and will give you unforgettable memories.
Budget
The Czech Republic has a low cost of living compared to most countries. You will however need to consider your lifestyle and location when deciding on prices. A monthly budget of €290–620 should cover meals, transport, housing, and other living expenses for students.
Although the Czech Republic is part of the European Union, the national currency is the Czech koruna (CZK). At the time of writing this article, 26 CZK equal around 1 EUR.
The following are the main accommodation options for students:
⦁ Student dormitories: around 125 EUR/month
⦁ Private room in a flat: starts at 205 EUR/month
⦁ Private flat: starts at 370 EUR/month
⦁ The private options do not include monthly utilities, which will add another 120–170 EUR to your expenses [3].
Eligibility
Student jobs
There are specific regulations that apply to international students working in the Czech Republic. There are different regulations for other international students:
⦁ Students studying for a degree program do not need an employment permit, but your employer must notify the Public Employment Service. The hours are unrestricted but must not exceed your study hours.
⦁ As you are staying with visas for study paid work cannot be your primary occupation and must not affect your studies [5].
Communication
Officially, the language of the Czech Republic is Czech. Nearly 11 million people speak Czech, which is classified as part of the Slavic family of Indo-European languages. Although most people in the Czech Republic know the basics of English, being able to speak a few key phrases in Czech will go a long way.
Visas and Permits
Students from other countries must go to their local Czech Embassy or Consulate and apply for a student visa. There are two types of visa: short-term (up to 90 days) and long-term (over 90 days), for higher studies you will need to apply for a long-term visa.
There are several documents you must take with you for your application:
⦁ A completed study-visa application form
⦁ A letter of acceptance for your study from your chosen institution
⦁ Proof of finances for your stay: bank account statement, confirmation of beneficiary, scholarship acceptance. This is typically €3,245 per year.
⦁ Confirmation of guaranteed accommodation
⦁ Valid international health insurance
⦁ An abstract from the Register of Criminal Records
⦁ Several documents, including the Register of Criminal Records, need to be translated into Czech by a translator with an official stamp. It is advisable to register your presence with the Czech Foreign Police within 3 days of arrival.
Permanent Settlement
Employee Cards are required for foreigners with university degrees who wish to stay in the Czech Republic on a working permit. You must show proof that you’ve secured accommodation during your stay in order to apply for an Employee Card. Qualification documents have to be translated into Czech, and a contract for employment must be provided. Foreign nationals with a Czech university education are free to work in the Czech Republic and the Employee Card is equivalent to a long-term residence permit. During your employment, the Employee Card will remain valid.
-That sounds awesome. I’ve now mastered the drills.
-That’s right, Buddy!
-Is there more?
That’s right. Here are some interesting facts about the Czech Republic:
⦁ The diverse offer of study programs
⦁ Great place to live
⦁ Top-notch education and research
⦁ Long tradition and rich culture
⦁ Affordable living costs
-Thanks, buddy. Now is the time to prepare.
-Buckle up
Selecting a country for a study abroad program is not an easy decision. The world we live in today makes it so easy to earn a degree that there are many options and we have a hard time choosing. My purpose for taking a day off was to convince you that the Czech Republic may be an ideal country for your studies. It must have been worth it, right?
Feel the buzz, buddy.