Czech Republic : Postgraduate study

How does the higher education system work?

The Czech Republic has 26 public higher education institutions, two state higher education institutions and 46 private institutions. The Czech Republic has a high level of general education with an emphasis on vocational education and training.

Undergraduate degrees are awarded after three to four years, and Masters courses typically take two to three years to complete. Doctoral level studies take a further three years and are open to graduates of Masters level programmes.

Both public universities and private colleges offer postgraduate study. Many private institutes are international.

What courses are available?

Undergraduate and postgraduate programmes for international students are available at several Czech universities.

There are an increasing amount of courses that are taught in English, particularly at US-run private colleges including the University of New York in Prague and the Anglo-American University in Prague. Both specialise in undergraduate study of business and finance.

MBA courses are taught in English at CMC Graduate School of Business and the US Business School Prague (USBSP).

Established universities such as Charles University  in Prague, the oldest in central Europe, have short course and degree programmes in English. 

See the Czech Republic  website for more information.

Where can I study?

UK NARIC (National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom)  have compiled an extremely useful list of all Czech universities, with details on international student policy for each institution.

The Czech Republic  website also has a list of universities.

Applying for postgraduate study

Requirements for postgraduate study are similar to those in the UK. For example, a Bachelors degree will be a prerequisite if you apply to study for a Masters qualification. The grades required will depend on the faculty and standard of university.

Applications for public universities are usually required by the end of February although some extend deadlines to March/April. Check with individual institutions for specific dates.

Initial enquiries should be made to the higher education institution of your choice. Admissions usually require evidence of diplomas and certificates, an application form and payment of a small non-refundable application fee. Many institutions, both public and private, accept online applications.

For courses taught in Czech, you will have to demonstrate your knowledge of the language and may be required to pass an examination.

Fees and scholarships

There are no school fees to be paid by Czech citizens or foreigners for study in public universities. However, this is only concerning those courses taught in Czech. Course offered in English or other languages may require fees and individual institutions should be contacted for details.

Cost of living for students is significantly lower than in other European countries.

A range of scholarships may be available and include:

• Scholarship from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports  and the Czech government, offered every year to foreign students at public universities.
• Erasmus Mundus scholarship, offered to highly qualified students to follow a selected Erasmus Mundus Masters or PhD course.
• Central European Exchange Programme for University Studies (CEEPUS) has university networks operating joint programmes of study to lead to joint degrees. CEEPUS offers mobility grants for students involved.
• Some higher education institutions offer scholarships in certain circumstances if students are in hardship or are achieving excellent study results. Contact individual institutions for specific details.

Further information can be found at Study in the Czech Republic  and the Czech Republic  website. 

Are there any exchange programmes?

Several higher education institutions in the Czech Republic participate in the Erasmus scheme, which allows students to work or study in a European country as part of their degree course for up to twelve months.

Will my qualification be recognised in the UK?

The Czech Republic is a member state of the Bologna Process , which aims to enhance the transferability of qualifications across the European Union and standardize the teaching of the qualifications. This means qualifications gained in the Czech Republic will be recognised in the UK.

You can also refer to UK NARIC (National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom)  for information on comparing international qualifications.