Czech Republic
The Czech Republic joined the European Union (EU) in 2004 and is keen to develop opportunities for European citizens within its country. EU citizens share the same working rights as Czechs so working in the country is relatively easy. A lot of graduate opportunities can be found in the Czech Republic in international companies who have offices there.
You do not need to be in the Czech Republic to apply for a job as advertisements are available on websites, which is a major source of vacancies. The EURES - European Job Mobility Portal has job advertisements from many employers and also allows you to register your CV for potential employers to access.
Applications are typically made using a CV and accompanying covering letter. Most employers require knowledge of the Czech language, so aim to submit the application in Czech. Find out the language requirements of the employer if you are unable to speak Czech.
The format of a CV is similar to UK applications - see job application advice. Information on CVs is usually presented in reverse chronological format and your CV should be no longer than two sides. In addition to personal details, you should provide full details of your higher education and any language skills plus previous professional experience. Copies of certificates are generally not required in the initial application. Details of references should be provided.
When attending an interview take along a copy of your CV and any certificates. Questions commonly focus on your personal and professional background, rather than assessing competencies as is increasingly the UK practice. Selection processes are formal in the Czech Republic and you should dress accordingly. Large multinational companies may use psychometric testing along with other selection techniques at assessment centres.
Contact ENIC-NARIC for information on the comparability of your academic qualifications. Also, visit the UK National Europass Centre (UK NEC) website for information on how to make your skills and qualifications easily understood in the Czech Republic.
If you are planning to live and work in the Czech Republic, check your UK tax and National Insurance position with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) to ensure that you are not losing any UK pension rights.
You can usually register your CV on Czech recruitment websites. Some of the most useful are:
The EURES - European Job Mobility Portal website, maintained by the European Commission, provides information about job vacancies, living and working conditions, and labour markets in the Czech Republic, as well as a CV-posting service for jobseekers.
Many British and international recruitment consultancies have offices in Prague and some of the major regional cities. Consultancies may run recruitment events and have job vacancy databases.
A comprehensive list of Czech newspapers is also available from Kidon Media-Link .
Some companies have open days for vacancies and if you plan to attend one prepare for it as you would for an interview. Open days are advertised on company websites.
There is also a job opportunities trade fair called Jobdays , which is open to foreigners and takes place in Prague every spring.
Teaching English provides a good opportunity for getting a job. The following may be of help in locating relevant roles.
Speculative approaches are worth making in all sectors. They may be made through student organisations, through personal contacts, or by contacting organisations listed on websites such as those referred to at Kompass . Ensure your application is specific to the company.
Work experience can be gained through temporary placements with international organisations. They can also be arranged in the UK through organisations such as:
The Centre for International Services (Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports) coordinates opportunities for overseas teachers wishing to work in primary and secondary schools. Also check ESL Base for a list of English language schools in the Czech Republic.
Volunteer Abroad has a list of environmental and community based volunteer projects in the Czech Republic. Also check International Voluntary Service (IVS) in Britain and One World 365 for volunteering opportunities.
Gap year opportunities in the Czech Republic are almost always teaching positions - the country does not have a great need for outside conservation or community help.
See gap year for more general gap year advice.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Further information can be found at Study in the Czech Republic and the Czech Republic website.
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.
The Czech Republic is a member state of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) , 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.
EU nationals do not need a visa or work permit. This is applicable for those who wish to stay less than 90 days. If you want to stay for more than three months, you must apply for a residence permit.
For non-EU citizens, short-stay visas are available for stays up to 90 days and long-stay visas for those who wish to stay for longer than 90 days. Contact your embassy for details of visa and work permit requirements.
EU nationals do not need to apply for a visa for entry to the Czech Republic.
However, if you wish to stay for longer than 30 days you must report to the Aliens Police within 30 days of entry to the Czech Republic.
If you want to stay for longer than 90 days you need to apply for a residence permit at an office of the Aliens Police. To do so you will need a valid passport, proof of health insurance and a document that proves the intention of your stay. This may be work, study, economic activities or family membership.
If you are not a UK national, contact the Czech Republic embassy in the country where you are currently residing about how to obtain visas and work permits. If you are living in the UK, go to Czech Republic Embassy in the UK .
You might also find it helpful to contact your ministry of foreign affairs (or your own embassy if you are not living in your home country) to ask whether there are any issues to be taken into account when considering working in the Czech Republic.
Citizens of the EU can apply for a permanent residence permit after five uninterrupted years of living in the Czech Republic. Applications can be made to the regional office of the Asylum and Migration Department of the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic .
Non-EU citizens should contact the Ministry of the Interior for details on how to apply for permanent residency.
Employment services are offered free of charge by labour offices in all 77 district councils. These are run by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs Czech Republic. The website gives details of local employment offices and more information about employment for foreigners in the Czech Republic.
You can also get contact details about the European Employment Services advisers (euro-advisers) in the Czech Republic through EURES - European Job Mobility Portal. Euro-advisers are trained specialists who provide information and guidance to job seekers interested in working in the Czech Republic.
Some Czech universities provide counselling for students experiencing personal difficulties, but it is not common practice to have a careers service. However, some institutions, particularly the US-run private colleges do provide a careers service comparable to those in the UK.
If you are a UK citizen, the British Embassy in the Czech Republic in Prague will be able to help with various problems, such as providing support if you are the victim of crime, and contacting friends and family if necessary. See the website for details of the assistance available.
Emergency phone numbers are:
Find the latest travel advice and a traveller’s checklist on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website.
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