Around 37,000 international students are studying in the Czech Republic. We will present some of the requirements to apply to university studies in the Czech Republic.
Studying in Czech is a great decision, as the country enjoys a rich culture and long-standing academic traditions. Additionally, the cost of studying and living in Czech is affordable. These are some of the required steps to apply to university in the Czech Republic for international students.
Check our article about the top universities in the Czech Republic.
Table of Contents
Prepare the Documents
To be qualified for admission and to apply to university in Czech Republic, you should have completed a previous level of study.
To start a bachelor’s degree, you need a secondary school certificate. Besides, to study masters in the Czech Republic, you need to complete a bachelor’s degree. Similarly, to start a PhD degree, you have to submit a master certificate.
It is important for your previous level of study to be recognized by the Czech authorities. Aside from these basic requirements, there are other different requirements determined by each university.
It is important also to note that although the main teaching language in the country is the Czech, universities provide over 1,000 study programs in English at all levels and across all fields. Moreover, at Charles University, students have programs in German, Russian or French in addition to the English language.
The institution also offers medical studies in English. All programs in foreign languages are tuition fee-paying, while study in Czech is free of charge.
However, even if you have to pay tuition fees, these are usually much lower than what you will pay in other European countries. This is especially the case if you apply to one of the public universities. Furthermore, you can always check the scholarship options for international students to study in any university in the Czech Republic.
Learn about these scholarship programs available in Czech Republic
Admission Requirements in Czech Universities
In addition to certified copies of your educational qualifications, the minimum level of requirements normally includes a completed and submitted application. This is in addition to submitting a proof of admission procedures’ fees payment and compliance with the conditions of a specific study program. The admission requirements in Czech universities such as Charles University or Czech Technical University in Prague include the following:
- Entrance exam or interview (could be via Skype)
- Proof of language proficiency
- Motivation letter
- Portfolio
- Statement of purpose
- Writing sample
- Letter of recommendation
- C.V.
- Transcript of records
Once you fulfill all the requirements, it is time to submit your application together with all the aforementioned documents.
Submit Your Application
The application forms are available on the universities’ websites. Universities use the electronic application system, to simply guide the students and allow them to track their applications throughout the entire process.
After filling your application, it is important to print, sign and send it via post to the relevant university or college, together with the required documents.
You might be asked to pay application fees and attach the receipt of payment, if required by your university. Some universities require the payment of entrance exam fees, which usually cost around 20 Euros. The university will contact you through the online application system, or by a letter or an email, to inform you of the next steps.
Apply Before the Deadline
Take into consideration the application deadline, not only that of your online application, but also of the printed copy that you will send by post.
- Application deadline for Czech public universities is in February
- Deadline to apply for Czech art schools is in November
- Application deadline for Czech technical faculties is in March/April
- Entrance exam date is in May – July
After sending your application and attending the entrance exam (if required), you will only have to wait for the admission results, which usually appear by the end of June. If you have fulfilled the requirements and got accepted, you will receive the confirmation via email or post.
Apply for a Study Visa to enter the Czech Republic
Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a visa or residence permit to enter the Czech Republic. You should start applying for the visa as soon as you receive the official admission letter. The procedures may take up to 60 days.
Learn about the application procedures to get a student visa to the Czech Republic
Arrange the Practical Aspects
You have to be in contact with the study department at the university or the coordinator of the study program. The host university can offer you the best advice regarding the arrangement of the practical aspects of your arrival in the Czech Republic, including local student accommodation options and available student services.
Now that you know how to apply to Czech universities, discover our advice for international students who want to study in the Czech Republic