In the Czech Republic, there are 26 state and 32 non-state higher education institutions. Free education is only available in Czech at state universities (students pay only so-called non-tuition fees, not exceeding €300 per year). All major universities offer English-language programs, the cost of which varies from €2,800 (Faculty of Economics at Czech Technical University) to €9,000 (Faculty of Medicine at Charles University). At private universities, tuition is always paid – €1,500-2,500.
Getting into a free department at Czech state universities is not easy – there are too many applicants. Only 60% of applicants successfully pass the entrance exams. The highest competition is in humanities and economics faculties (up to eight people per place), as well as art faculties at Prague universities (up to nine people per place). It is easier to get into technical specialties – here the competition rarely exceeds three people per place. The easiest is to enter a private university – the competition is one and a half to two times lower.
Levels
Since 2001, Czech universities have fully transitioned to the pan-European three-tier system. Bachelor's students study for at least three years. However, obtaining a bachelor's degree does not always guarantee admission to a master's program: some programs are focused exclusively on industry, others on continuing education. Therefore, when choosing a university, be careful.
Master's studies last at least two years. To enter this level, you need to pass two or three transfer exams. Note that when moving to the next level, you can radically change your specialization – for example, from historian to political scientist and vice versa. After successfully completing their studies, graduates receive a master's degree (Mgr) or engineer's degree (Ing).
The last level – doctoral studies – lasts at least two years and ends with obtaining a doctoral degree (PhD), which allows you to work in universities and research institutions in the Czech Republic and Europe (mainly, graduates of Czech doctoral programs go to Germany and France).
There is no fixed period of study in the Czech Republic, but those who do not meet the standards must pay for their studies at a special rate. There is no "mandatory" curriculum at Czech universities; students form their own study plans.
Admission
Czech universities accept graduates of domestic secondary schools on an equal footing with Czechs. The only requirement is that foreigners must pass an exam in the Czech language, which is quite difficult. It assumes excellent knowledge of grammar and vocabulary, including scientific language. Without serious prior preparation, it is impossible to pass.
Many educational agencies promise that their clients will receive significant concessions on the language exam. How true this is, it is hard to say. However, all serious companies organize Czech language courses or individual lessons for their clients shortly before admission. They should not be neglected, because in two to four weeks you will be coached specifically on the topics that will be covered on the exam.
In addition to the language, you will have to pass two or three exams depending on the chosen specialty. When applying to humanities faculties, you always take one foreign language (not your native one). There are no age restrictions for admission. The admissions committee announces the results within two weeks.
If you disagree with the results of the entrance exams, you can file an appeal. This only helps if you and your more successful competitor scored the same number of points on the exams, but your high school transcript has higher grades.
Documents
The main document required for admission is the application (Zadost). It can only be filled out in Czech. The application must be accompanied by a receipt for payment of the entrance exams ($25-50), as well as:
* a copy of the secondary school diploma, translated into Czech and notarized;
* a copy of the secondary school transcript, translated into Czech and notarized;
* two color photographs;
* a document of nostrification (recognition) of the secondary school diploma (to obtain this document, you need to get an apostille from the Ministry of Education, have the diploma translated into Czech, and have it notarized by a state notary).
All documents must be sent only by mail. State universities in the Czech Republic stop accepting applications in February, and send invitations for exams in April-May. Entrance exams begin in June-July. If you pass them successfully, you need to enroll for studies within July-September.
Studies
The Czech academic year, like everywhere else, consists of two semesters: winter (October to January) and summer (February to July). During the remaining vacation time, students prepare written works and intern abroad. Students in the Czech Republic decide for themselves how many hours per week they will attend lectures. A relatively strict limit is set only for seminars – you must attend at least 50% of them. The study of each subject ends with an exam, which can be retaken no more than three times.
Lecture classes differ little from ours: the teacher explains the material and answers students' questions. But seminars may seem not entirely ordinary. In humanities specialties, students listen to one or two reports (projects) from classmates, and then discuss them. In technical and natural science specialties, laboratory work is conducted each time.
There is also a distance learning form in Czech universities (always paid – €1,000-2,000). Classes are held in blocks twice a week. Distance learning, as well as studying at a non-state university, is beneficial because after studying for one or two years, you can transfer to full-time study at state universities.
In "creative" universities (fine arts, architecture, design, sculpture, cinema, theater, music), entrance exams begin six months earlier than in other universities. This is done so that rejected applicants have time to find another university. Applications must be submitted before the end of November of the year preceding admission. Exams run from the end of January through February. Studies begin, as usual, in October.
Student life
A Czech student needs €200-400 per month. Universities almost never allocate scholarships to foreigners. So, whether you want to or not, you will have to work part-time. Finding a job is not difficult – as in other tourist countries, there are always vacancies in the service sector. Many work in supermarkets and gas stations. Average salary is €1-2 per hour. More serious salaries and work in one's specialty are possible only in senior years. By the way, according to Czech law, a student can work no more than 100 hours per year for one employer. But this norm is easy to circumvent.
The price range for dormitory rooms is from €30 to €80 per month. However, not everyone manages to get a bed – Czech universities are overcrowded, including with foreign students. So many are forced to rent housing. A room in Prague costs from €150 per month (they say there are cheaper options), in the provinces – from €100 per month.