Population: 10,553,843 (2019)
Capital: Prague
Geographical size: 78,867 km2
GDP: €174,412 billion (2019)
Official EU language(s): Czech
Currency: Czech koruna (CZK)
Higher education in the Czech Republic
Student visas and immigration
Scholarships and financial support
Number of higher education institutions: 68
Number of students in higher education: 311,000 (2019, Statistics of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports)
Number of international students in higher education: 43,000 (2019, Statistics of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports)
Language of instruction: Most higher education programmes in the Czech Republic are taught in Czech language but you will find many programmes taught in English, French, German and other languages too.
Typical tuition fees: By law, higher education at public and state institutions in the Czech Republic is free of charge for citizens of all nationalities, with the following exceptions:
fees for administration of admission proceedings
fees for extending the duration of study beyond a set limit
fees for study in a foreign language
Private institutions of higher education can fix their own fees.
Average length of a full-time higher education programme in the Czech Republic:
Bachelor’s degree programme: 3 – 4 years
Master’s degree programme: 1 – 3 years
Doctorate/PhD: 3 – 4 years
Overview
Quality assurance, diversity and accessibility, internationalisation and relevance are key priorities for the Czech Republic’s government in higher education.
In line with this strategy, Czech universities are expanding the opportunities for international students and academics to study and work here.
Today, over 43,000 international students study in the Czech Republic. It is an increasingly popular destination for international study: in 2014, EU statistics listed the Czech Republic as the 12th most popular destination for Erasmus students in Europe.
There are certainly many reasons for choosing the Czech Republic as a study destination:
Long tradition of quality education:
There’s a long tradition of high-quality education and research in the Czech Republic, especially in the Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. The Charles University in Prague was founded in 1348 and is the oldest university in Central Europe. Quality assurance of higher education institutions is a priority for the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports.
Diverse range of study programmes:
Czech universities offer internationally recognised qualifications and interesting specialisations. You can come for a short study visit or to complete your degree in a wide range of traditional and newly-emerging disciplines.
Offer for international students:
Over 43,000 international students are studying at Czech higher education institutions and interest is growing as the offer of study programmes in foreign languages (especially in English) increases. Czech universities are increasingly involved in a wide range of international cooperation activities and programmes in the European Union and other countries.
Study in the heart of Europe:
Studying in the Czech Republic puts you in the middle of Europe. Here, you will have a great chance to discover all European countries and places you might otherwise not have had the opportunity to visit.
Vibrant cultural experience and fascinating history:
Due to its geographic location, the Czech Republic is at the cross-roads of many cultures. The country’s culture was historically formed mainly by Slavonic, German (Austrian) and Jewish influence, resulting in a rich Central-European culture and lifestyle. The Czech Republic is sure to entertain you in between your studies!
Lower cost of living:
The cost of living in Czech Republic is generally not as high as the cost in many Western European countries, so life is more affordable here.