The Czech Republic belongs to the countries which offer education for free. Czechs and foreigners do not have to pay for higher studies, but only for programs in the Czech language. If you decide to study an English program, fees apply. This article will provide a basic overview of the most prominent universities and programs which they offer. We will also go through tuition fees and enrolment conditions.
Prague as students' city
Prague is home to one of the oldest universities on the continent. Many students and expats choose it as a cheap destination with a good quality of education and wonderful student life. No matter which field you want to study in, Prague has almost 40 universities. Eight of them are public ones with different fields of study. Besides economy, medicine and engineering, you will also find specialisations focusing on agriculture, chemistry, and many others. Higher education in the Czech Republic is free of charge for everybody, Czech people and foreigners as well. But there is a logical catch in it – only courses in the Czech language. If you are willing to study in English, fees apply for each academical year.
The most important universities in Prague
Below are all public universities in Prague, the name includes Czech shortcut which is usually used amongst locals. Check their offer, and for sure you will find the specialisation which interests you the most. In the Czech Republic, it is more valuable to be graduated from public universities. Their quality is incomparable with the private ones.
Charles University (UK) – the oldest university in the Czech Republic was founded in the 14th century and is considered as the most renowned university in the country. Seventeen faculties offer more than 150 programs, including psychology, medicine, mathematics, pedagogy, history, philosophy, informatics, etc. The university cooperates with many well-known institutions and offers research possibilities for its graduates.
University of Economics (VŠE) – one of the best business schools in Central and Eastern Europe. There are six faculties, including accounting, informatics, statistics, international relations, etc. The university possesses some prestigious international accreditations including ACCA.
Czech University of Life Sciences (ČZU) – university with the most beautiful campus in Prague. ČZU emphasises education and research in sustainable development and the conservation of biodiversity. Study programmes include tropical sciences, agrobiology, engineering, food and natural resources, economics, forestry, etc.
Czech Technical University (ČVUT) – is the leading technical research university. They offer study programs like informatics, mechanical, biomedical, or electrical engineering, architecture, nuclear science, etc. ČVUT has many partner laboratories, including CERN and graduates usually find employment easily.
Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design (VŠUP) – famous art university with worldwide recognition. Search amongst programs like graphics, architecture, design, history of arts, etc. It is not easy to get there; only a small percentage of applicants is accepted. It is because the university still prefers an individual approach to each student.
Institute of Chemical Technology (VŠCHT) – divided into four faculties including environmental, biomechanical, and chemical technology, and biochemical engineering. Top-quality laboratories, scientific equipment, and research activities ensure graduates favourable position in the labour market.
Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (AMU) – a perfect choice for young artists willing to study music, dance, classical music, theatre, or movie production. The school is divided into three faculties – DAMU (theatre), FAMU (film and TV), and HAMU (music and dance). Individual approach is ensured!
Academy of Fine Arts (AVU) – university offering education in modern and historical art. You can study sculpture, painting, printmaking, new media, or art conservation. There is only a limited number of programs in English, most of them are in Czech.
Tuition and enrolment procedure in Prague universities
As mentioned above, the Czech study programs are free of charge. The knowledge of Czech should be at least B1 to pass the entrance exams. If your knowledge of Czech is poor, you can study in another language. The most common is English, but you will find programs in Russian, or German as well. All of them are paid. Tuition fees differ for each university; for example, VŠE charges around 100,000 CZK for an academical year, studying general medicine at UK costs 360,000 CZK per year.
The enrolment procedure starts with the online application. The deadline depends on the university, but it is usually between February and April. In the case of AMU, and AVU, the deadline can be earlier. You may apply for an unlimited number of study programs, but each application costs around 600 CZK. The exams are usually held in June and consist of written exams. Check the universities' websites and details of each program, as the conditions differ a lot!
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