If you decide to study in the Czech Republic, you will not only benefit from its perfect location in central Europe, but also from its membership to the European Union and the Schengen Area. You may enjoy visiting other parts of beautiful Europe without the need of visas while earning a degree.

The Czech Republic boasts the oldest academic institution in Central Europe – the Charles University in Prague, founded in 1348 – and it was Czech students and intellectuals who in 1989 led the Velvet Revolution, which wrested control of government from the socialist regime. As a result, higher education holds a special place in the history of the Czech Republic. Students who choose to study in the Czech Republic have the chance to experience a rich cultural heritage as well as one of the most exciting capital cities in modern Europe.

High quality education and research, especially in Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, has a long tradition in the Czech Republic. The Charles University in Prague was founded in 1348 and is the oldest university in the Central Europe. Quality assurance of various activities of higher education institutions belongs to the main priorities of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports.

Czech universities offer long-standing reputations, unique conception and interesting specializations. Students can come for a short study visit or to complete their degree in a wide range of traditional as well as newly-emerging disciplines.

Over 37.000 foreign students are studying at Czech higher education institutions and their interest is growing as the offer of study programmes in foreign language (especially in English) is increasing. Czech universities are more and more involved in a wide range of international cooperation activities and programmes taking place in the European Union and other countries.

Studying in the Czech Republic puts you in the middle of Europe and you have a great chance to discover all European countries and places you might otherwise not have had the opportunity to visit.

Due to its geographic location the Czech Republic is situated in the intersection of many cultures. The country’s culture was historically formed mainly by Slavonic, German (Austrian) and Jewish influence, which resulted in a rich Central-European culture heritage and lifestyle. The Czech Republic is sure to entertain you in between your studies!

The costs of living in Czech Republic are not as high as the cost in Western Europe and the life is thus more affordable.

According to Cedefop’s skills supply and demand forecasts (see scenario assumptions), economic growth will have positive effects on job growth in the Czech Republic, however employment is not expected to reach its 2008 pre-crisis level by 2025 (Figure 1). This is slower than employment growth forecast for the EU as a whole, where average employment is expected to reach its pre-crisis level in 2020.

Cedefop’s forecasts give insights on job opportunities between now and 2025. Total job opportunities are the sum of newly created jobs (expansion demand) and job opportunities arising because of the need to replace people who either go on to other jobs or leave the labour market, for example due to retirement (replacement demand). Often, replacement demand provides more job opportunities than expansion demand, which means that there will still be job opportunities even if the overall level of employment falls. Relatively slow job growth and an ageing labour force mean that between now and 2025 replacement demand in the Czech Republic is forecast to provide almost all job opportunities.

In the Czech Republic, most job opportunities, around 22%, will be for professionals (high level occupations in science, engineering healthcare, business and teaching), followed by around 17% for technicians and associate professionals (occupations applying scientific or artistic concepts, operational methods and regulations in engineering, healthcare, business and the public sector) (Figure 3). Job opportunities forecast for clerical support workers (workers who record, organise, store, compute and retrieve information, and perform several clerical duties in connection with money-handling operations, travel arrangements, requests for information, and appointments) in the Czech Republic, around 11%, is higher than the EU average of 9% for this occupational group.

The economic crisis reduced employment in almost all sectors, notably in manufacturing and construction between 2008 and 2013 (Figure 2). However, employment in business and other services increased over the same period. Future employment growth in the Czech Republic up to 2025 will be in business and other services, non-marketed (largely public sector) services, and distribution and transport. The employment share of the manufacturing, construction and primary sectors is forecast to continue to fall, but at a much slower rate.

What documents will be required?

General information on the scholarship programme:

The Government of the Czech Republic offers scholarships within the framework of its Foreign Development Assistance in support of the study of foreign nationals from developing countries at public institutions of higher education in the Czech Republic.

These so called Government Scholarships are designed to cover the standard length of study:

1) in Bachelor/Master/Doctoral study programmes plus one-year preparatory course of the Czech language(which is combined with other field-specific training). Government scholarships of this category are awarded to graduates from upper secondary schools, or Bachelor’s/Master’s degree courses, as applicable, who can enrol only in study programmes in which instruction is given in the Czech language. Depending on the subject area, applicants are normally required to sit entrance examinations at the higher education institution concerned. Successful passing of entrance examinations constitutes a precondition for the scholarship award;

or

2) in follow-up Master study programmes or Doctoral study programmes. Government scholarships of this category are awarded to graduates of Bachelor or Master study programmes, respectively, who enrol in study programmes with instruction in the English language.

Field(s) of Study and Host Institutions:

Scholarships are provided in the field of Economics, Agriculture, Informatics, Environment and Energetics at public institutions of higher universities in the Czech Republic. See the scholarship guidelines (link found below) for the full list of programmes covered by the government scholarship program.

Target group:

The scholarships are dedicated solely to promoting the studies of adults who are foreign nationals from developing third countries in need. Neither a citizen of the Czech Republic, nor a citizen of the European Union, nor any other foreign national with a permanent residence permit on the territory of the Czech Republic may therefore apply for the scholarship. Furthermore, the scholarships may not be granted to persons younger than 18. (The applicant has to turn 18 as of 1 September of the year when s/he commences studies in the Czech Republic at the latest.)

Application instructions:

Prospective applicants are advised to address their inquiries concerning, among others, their eligibility and closing date for applications to the Czech Embassies in their countries.

Scholarship applications can only be filed on-line. The scholarship application form is available at the official website. The deadline for applications is by 30 September of the year prior to the given academic year at the latest. Some students can file their applications with the respective National UNESCO Commissions. For contact information on individual local offices see http://www.unesco.org/ (and search under the heading Communities, National Commissions).

It is important to read the scholarship guidelines and visit the official website (link found below) for detailed information on how to apply for this scholarship.

With living costs in the Czech Republic substantially cheaper than anywhere in Western Europe, this Bohemian paradise is offered at a discount. Government estimates place total food, housing, and transportation costs for students in the Czech Republic at only 350-750 USD per month.

Additionally, students are encouraged to acquire an International Student Identity Card (ISIC), which provides discounts for restaurants, cinemas, museums, concerts, and more.

Foreign students are eligible for a number of scholarships, including those offered by specific institutions and the European Union. The Czech government offers financial aid scholarships to foreign students through the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, and within the framework of the Foreign Development Aid.

You have several options for arranging accommodation while studying in the Czech Republic. Some universities provide student dormitories or you can arrange your own housing in a private flat. The costs will depend on the location and quality of the accommodation.

Most universities in the Czech Republic offer students the possibility of being accommodated in dormitories. Single rooms are rare, so you will probably share the room with a room-mate. The accommodation is usually apartment-type, consisting of two twin rooms with a shared kitchenette, shower and toilet. Rooms are usually equipped with all basic furniture items (bed, desk, chair and shelves). Kitchens are equipped with a cooker, refrigerator, running water and basic kitchen furniture. The rest, like curtains, carpets, blankets, pillows, cleaning equipment, dishes, water boilers, toasters etc., is up to the student.

Prices vary but an average monthly fee is around 120 EUR per month in the room with roommates (usually two people living in one room). Prices include bedding and bed linen, access to a shared kitchenette or kitchen and bathroom facilities, and utility costs.

Students can also find their own private accommodation, usually either a room in a shared flat, or a flat. It is common for international students to share bigger flats especially in the city centre. This is a good option to take after you have settled in and know your way around. Own housing has the advantage of choosing your flat mates and the area.

Prices depend on size, location and the equipment of the flat. The rent is about 500-800 EUR per month for a 2–3 bedroom flat. A room in a private flat will cost cca 250 EUR per month. Be prepared to pay a deposit as well. It will be returned to you upon your departure, provided that the accommodation is left in acceptable condition.